NTSF ENABLE

Since 2009, ENABLE Works has delivered transitions programmes in schools across Scotland. Over 80 schools have participated in this activity. They have supported young people who have learning disabilities to make a positive transition from school. If these young people do not secure a positive destination into work, training or Further Education then a significant proportion will disengage from all support indefinitely. These young people are reticent to engage and experience other social and emotional barriers.  These include depression, homelessness, crime, and substance abuse and this isolates them further. They become lost - many of them entering the criminal justice system or becoming unwell, resigned to a life reliant on social support.

ENABLE’s Employment Coordinators actively reengage these young people at Stage 1 and Stage 2. They assess the needs of the participant and produce a Vocational Profile, a key milestone in the project. For people who have complex support needs this document is critical to supported employment processes and is used successfully across ENABLE Works’ services. On average, it will take 60 hours to compile and present a holistic assessment of the participant, identifying barriers to progression and skills to build on.

The outcome of the vocational profile is an Action Plan, describing a goal (or series of goals) for the participant and the support and interventions required to get there. For example, this may describe a goal to start a course at FE College with steps that include independent travel training and the opening of a bank account. Support to overcome anxiety over speaking to others may be through involvement in local community activity. The personalised one to one support and interventions assists the participant to overcome social and emotional barriers.   With co-ordinators support participants are prepared to move to engagement in Stage 3 activity.