Crisis or Opportunity?Crisis or Opportunity?

How to Enhance Employment Possibilities How to Enhance Employment Possibilities

for Persons with Disabilities for Persons with Disabilities

in the Current Economic Environmentin the Current Economic Environment

The Supported Employment Program

Israel Elwyn - Jerusalem

20092009 Annual Annual ConferenceConference

Founded in 1984 at the initiative of Jerusalem Municipality, Israeli government and US-based Elwyn Inc.

Non profit organization registered in Israel (Amuta)

Serves over 2,100 children and adults with special needs - Jewish, Muslim and Christian alike

Major program locations: Western and Eastern Jerusalem, Haifa, Ra’anana/Herzliya, Beer Sheva, Beit Shemesh. (Job training program provided nationally)

Israel Elwyn

To ensure the most appropriate employment option To ensure the most appropriate employment option

possible in the inclusive job market possible in the inclusive job market

for a person with a disability, for a person with a disability,

and according to his or her needs and abilities. and according to his or her needs and abilities.

To maximize the individual's quality of life through To maximize the individual's quality of life through

meaningful employmentmeaningful employment

The VisionThe Vision

Early Intervention

Preschools and Special Education Residential

Supported Living

Occupational Training Centers

Small Business Development Supported Employment

Transitional School to Work Programs Vocational Training/Job Placement Retiree Programs

IE’s Services

16%

37%27%

2%

18%

Day Center

Workshop

Supported Employment

Retirees

Prevocational

IE’s Vocational ProgramsIE’s Vocational Programs(National)(National)

14%

30%

12%

3%

18%

23%

Day Center

Workshop

Supported Employment

Small Business

Retirees

Prevocational

IE’s Vocational ProgramsIE’s Vocational Programs(Western Jerusalem)(Western Jerusalem)

Supported Employment Programfor

People with Disabilities

Israel Elwyn - Western Jerusalem

Core Beliefs of the Program

Every employee with disabilities is:

Capable of finding inclusive employment in the community based on personal preferences and vocational abilities

Entitled to the supports necessary to allow inclusion in open job market

Entitled to equal employment opportunities in job market and to be included in all employment sectors

40%

4%

56%

Intellectual

Psychiatric

Physical

Supported Employees:Supported Employees:Breakdown by DisabilityBreakdown by Disability

Facts about the ProgramFacts about the Program (Western Jerusalem)(Western Jerusalem)

Support provided, if necessary, for entire period of employment

200 supported employees with disabilities 150 employers 80% employed in private sector: offices, factories,

coffee shops, stores, kindergartens, gardens, senior homes, kitchens, etc.

20% employed in public sector: national and local government offices, Israel’s Supreme Court, public institutions (museums, universities, hospitals, etc.)

Fair salaries and benefits as determined by law

The Recession in IsraelThe Recession in Israel

Rate of employment in Israel at lowest level since 2001 Number of new unemployed in first quarter of 2009: 83,000 Hi tech sector: 8,000 new unemployed in first quarter of

2009, reducing sector workforce 5%

Government experts expect number of employees in hi tech to drop 20% in 2009

Number of people seeking work in March:

2008 168,900

2009 229,000

+36%

Employment and Unemployment RatesEmployment and Unemployment Rates

Employed Rates Unemployed Rates

Data from Bank of Israel

Meeting the Job Development Meeting the Job Development Challenge During a RecessionChallenge During a Recession

Provide solutions for new business needs caused by recession while presenting relative economic benefits

of including supported employees

Yields win-win situation and creates partnership based on mutual needs

Strategies to help people retain their jobsStrategies for developing new jobs that take advantage

of current economic situation

Strategies to Help People with Strategies to Help People with Disabilities Retain their JobsDisabilities Retain their Jobs

Increase frequency and quality of coaching at jobs

Emphasize placement team’s availability to employer

Ensure professionalism performance of supported worker on the job

Maintain employer (relate to employer’s needs, thank you letters)

Rapid resolution of problems on the job

Quick replacement when employee leaves job

Strategies for DStrategies for Developing New Jobseveloping New JobsTaking Advantage of the Current Economic SituationTaking Advantage of the Current Economic Situation

Actions to maintain current employers (holiday greetings, certificates of appreciation, conferences)

Optimize employer’s employment potential

Recruit new employers through current employers

Significantly increase number of potential employers approached

Approach organizations that are less impacted by recession and divisions that are growing because of recession (marketing, service)

Emphasize savings when filling jobs through IE (time, money)

Emphasize economic advantage in employee training, integration and supervision through placement team

Emphasize advantages of employees with disabilities during recession:

Vocational flexibility in hours and range of functions

Employer’s need for full service but at a lower output

Long term persistence in attendance

Allows efficient use of company’s human resources

Added value from the customer’s perspective

Present advantages for employer in contact with the community

Develop strategic partnerships with companies seeking to differentiate themselves during recession

Strategies for DStrategies for Developing New Jobs eveloping New Jobs Taking Advantage of the Current Economic Situation Taking Advantage of the Current Economic Situation

(cont’d)(cont’d)

SummarySummary

During a recession, when creating new jobs is difficult, we must maintain existing employers

while gaining the greatest benefit from their employment potential and upgrading our

service to them.

If we think creatively and work properly, the economic crisis can provide people with

disabilities with opportunities.