Creating an inclusive society: Mainstreaming disability based on the social economy example EESC – PUBLIC HEARING People with disabilities: employment and accessibility 01/12/2009 Karine PFLÜGER Policy officer

Context SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE: – The organisation representing social economy enterprises at EU level – It was created in November 2000 (CEP-CMAF) – Its members represent the four « families » that make up the social economy, 3 EU level network organisations and 2 national members

On social economy The social economy is sometimes referred to as “third sector”, “solidarity-based economy” or “third system” Although the term “social economy” is not used in every member states, similar activities, sharing the same characteristics, exist throughout Europe Social economy enterprises represent 10% of all EU enterprises (6% of total employment)

On social economy the social economy has developed from particular organisational or legal business formations such as: – cooperatives, – mutual societies, – associations, – foundations, – and other entities such as social enterprises and organisations in each of the Member States. SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE’s members are the EU representatives of the four “families”

On social economy Social economy enterprises are private enterprises - distinct from the public sector – and are characterised by their way of doing business differently They come from a long tradition of solidarity and individual involvement in a process of active citizenship They can neither be defined by their size nor by a sector of activity

People with disabilities: employment and accessibility Point of the EESC opinion on “People with disabilities: employment and accessibility”: The Committee recognises the role of sheltered workshops and, more broadly, social economy enterprises such as cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations that foster the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE and EDF (with the support of Fundación ONCE): “Guide on creating an inclusive society: mainstreaming disability based on the social economy example” (August 2007)

Social economy enterprises dealing with challenges faced by people with disabilities in employment issues Barriers: – in access to employment (recruitment – qualification) – in job retention – in career development The main causes found at enterprise level: – lack of information and awareness of diversity issues at enterprise level – lack of concrete plan and clear procedures regarding the employment of people with disabilities: including in setting objectives, monitoring and evaluating – lack of information on the policies for facilitating employment for people with disabilities available at regional, national or even EU level

Example of best practices found in Social economy enterprises Barriers in access to employment: Recruitment process: 1. Access Ability – IR : a one-stop-shop were employers can benefit from a comprehensive package of services that enables them to take on a person with a disability 2. Foundation ONCE – ES : action plans to ensure accessibility throughout the entire recruitment process 3. Carnegie UK Trust – UK : Adverts are communicated across a series of networks

Example of best practices found in Social economy enterprises Barriers in access to employment: Qualification: 1. Marie Curie Association – BU: improving the professional skills and abilities of final-year disabled students - providing them with the opportunity to gain work experience 2. Treviso Province - IT: local level agreements between private companies and social enterprises 3. MFP – FR: the evaluation, recognition and validation of professional assets of the mentally disabled people working in the different structures of le Centre de la Gabrielle

Example of best practices found in Social economy enterprises Barriers in job retention and career development: 1. Fédérations du Crédit Mutuel – FR : initiatives aiming at contributing to creating a favourable and welcoming environment, training for people with disabilities as well as raising awareness about the disability issues among the workforce 2. NCVO- UK: dissemination among its partners of publicly available information on how to apply diversity and equal opportunities to their organisations

Disability Initiatives to promote and support self- employment and business start-ups directed towards people with disabilities People that become disabled during their career Family members that are responsible for taking care of people with disabilities

Social economy and disability Social economy enterprises develop and support activities that directly address the most vulnerable and those with disabilities through the provision of : – direct employment, – training opportunities, – services and support to other types of enterprises, – legal support and actions in the defence of rights Also contributing by taking into account the needs and requirements of people with disabilities in relation to other social economy initiatives that do not directly deal with these persons

Inclusion It is possible for any organisation to take into consideration and integrate people with disabilities and disability issues into their structures and activities. Enterprises can contribute to the full integration of people with disabilities without changing their objectives or areas of work.

Guide on mainstreaming disability based on the Social Economy example Common work: Supported by: The DVD is in four languages: English, French, Italian and Spanish (click here to download the English version)click here to download the English version To order the DVD free of charge: