We’re delighted that our application to the Vision Foundation for funding for our supported employment programme, Ready, Willing and Able, has been successful. The grant of £50,000 will support the delivery of Ready, Willing and Able in London.

People we support have told us that they want to work and build careers. Our mission is to shift preconceptions about what people are capable of and to support them to realise their ambitions and contribute to their communities.

Currently there are limited options for tailored employability support to Londoners with learning disabilities and sight loss. The funding will support adults (18+) with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss into employment, and will also go towards supporting employers to offer work experience opportunities.

Alan Johnson, SeeAbility’s Strategic Lead for Programme Development said:

“Our programme works with both the applicant and the prospective employer. Without this project, the community would have to rely on more generic employment support programmes that are not equipped to understand and meet their needs. People may then become disheartened or feel that employment is out of their reach.”

Georgina Awoonor-Gordon, Director of Grants and Impact at The Vision Foundation said:

“People with a combination of learning disabilities, autism and sight loss experience 'double disadvantage' when seeking work, which means they face the greatest risk of life-long unemployment. By raising career aspirations and self-confidence, we empower people to take control and shape their own lives."

"This in turn leads to the development of role models to show what disabled people can achieve, thereby shifting societal attitudes and challenging prejudice. We’re delighted to support SeeAbility’s important work around supported employment.”