UEmploy: A European Model of Vocational Integration and Specialized Employment

Dr. Alan Bruce: Universal Learning Systems Ireland

IARP Conference: San Juan, Puerto Rico

26 October 2012

1. Demonstrating international dimensions of disability best practice

2. Understanding the dimensions of European rehabilitation

3. Investigating innovative job analysis and placement tools: the UEmploy project

4. Creating international cooperation in employment outcomes

Setting objectives

Background: the UEmploy Project The role of the European Union in social policy measures The traditions of national systems The funding of initiatives: the European Commission The role of the Directorate General The Lifelong Learning Program Lisbon Agenda (2000) Europe 2020 (2014-20) From policy to action

European Funding European Regional Development Fund: modernization, research,

innovation, environmental protection and economic growth European Social Fund: adaptability of labor and enterprises, enhanced

access to work, social inclusion, equal access and partnership in combating discrimination

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund: European Agricultural Guarantee Fund, European Agricultural Fund for Regional Development, European Fisheries Fund

Strategic objectives: Reduction of disparities in income, wealth and opportunities Enhanced labor market outcomes in terms of employability and

sustainable employment.

Selecting projects Innovative idea that meets stated criteria Formation of a strong transnational partnership Clear program of work Conformity with quality standards in management, operation,

evaluation Defined Work Packages Value for money Sustainability Dissemination and added value

Future priorities Results oriented measures (indicators, reporting, monitoring

and evaluation) Performance frameworks (clear and measurable milestones

and targets) Coordination with national reform programmes (this will have

particular emphasis in Ireland) Coordination and shared access to funds (from ESF and

ERDF) Effectiveness (performance measurement frameworks) Efficiency (administrative capacity, reduced bureaucracy).

Leonardo da Vinci Development of Innovation2010 – 4205/ 001 – 001 - < 510784-LLP-1-2010-1-RO-LEONARDO-LMP >

Introducing the partnersTimescale 2010-12Project mission

The partners

 

The products:

European Research ReportNational ReportsConsultancy tools: people, training, interventionseLearningLinkage and networks

Helsinki, Finland March 2012

Szeged, Hungary June 2012

1. Internationalization of rehabilitation

Common global experience From fear to understanding From charity to rights Multidisciplinary focus Orientation towards employment and work Different cultural norms and perspectives Public/private dimensions

Globalization in focus Global change: urbanization, migration, media The total marketplace Comparative analysis Speed of communications Demographics Development and transformation Anticipating the future

Globalization: the threats

Persistence and increase in inequalityPermanent hopelessness of excludedEmbedded violence Internal underclassExternal invisibility

Globalization: opportunities

Time warp of nation state Integration and participationLearning without bordersGlobal commodification and dissemination of

knowledge ‘Collective effort not collective answers’ (Therborn)

Implications

The emergence of a true global economy dictates a new role in international activities to promote the well being of persons with disabilities through access to jobs, better technology and social supports...

Source: NIDRR Long Range Plan 1999-2004

Policy landscapes: workforce developmentRecommendations or enhancing the existing workforce development platform focus on three future priorities:

1. Support for Universal Design principles

2. Capacity and community building across stakeholders

3. Expansion of Ticket-to-Work and Self-Sufficiency program

Golden, T. et al, Rehabilitation Research, Policy and Education, NCRE, Vol. 26, Num. 1, 2012

Common challenges Diminishing fiscal resources Increasing client needs (levels of disability, socio-economic

dimensions, ageing) Rising unemployment rates Public/private fault lines Focus on rights Impact of generalized and sustained crisis

The global rehabilitation professional Working beyond national boundaries Responsive to difference – difference as the norm Intercultural competence Managing diversity Ethical dimensions From value for money to understanding values Embracing change and technology

Professional capacity Recognizing differences Recognizing similarities International skills for an international environment Interdependence Shared learning and capacity development Looking at national systems with an objective eye Spotting trends and patterns Developing applied research skills Comparative best practice

Common legacies Histories of institutionalization Marginalization Linkage to struggle Impact on family Medicalization Charity Media imagery

Common agendas Robust professional development programs Enhanced international learning forums Exchanges and placements Team working Comparative legal practices – or not? E-learning and continuing professional development Independent vocational functioning without borders

Shaping the rehabilitation professional Training of rehabilitation professionals is not universally

available Available training is varied and tends to lack a holistic

approach to service provision U.S. rehabilitation interventions in foreign countries are

sometimes perceived as “charitable” and one-sided U.S. rehabilitation models have not been shaped by the

experiences, insights or achievements of other countries

Strategy options and challenges

By creating learning partnerships on an international level, we can begin to exchange and develop mutually beneficial “best practices”

Dealing with different… Definitions Traditions Legislation Systems Policy Emphases

Ethnocentric habits die hard Disparate training and credentials

2. European rehabilitation dimensions Emerging from the chaos – the vision of post-1945 Histories of fragmentation The medical model and institutional care Lack of comparable models, methods or statistics The hidden issue – legacies of genocide and eugenics From care to inclusion – policy divergence

Europe

European vocational rehabilitation systems National divergence Historic patterns of care Charity and welfare The impact of war The role of the State Links to independent living

European Union Nature and extent Growing impact and role Expansion Governance Disability policy frameworks The primacy of work

Ongoing issues in European rehabilitation Fragmentation and variance in service provision Reliance on quotas and administrative inducements Lack of joined up policy regarding education and

qualifications Poor access standards Top-down legislative approaches Lack of standardized assessment systems Over-medicalization od system delivery Inadequate focus on rights based approaches

Forging tools and competence Assessment in context Types of disabilities – dimensions of intervention Physical Developmental Psychiatric Sensory Social

Professional contours Defining the role of rehabilitation professional Setting common standards Setting goals and targets New learning paradigms Social partnership Employers, unions and the State ICT supported transformation

Outlining UEmploy Background and rationale The role of EU supported projects The partnership profile:

Romania Bulgaria Hungary Finland Ireland

UEmploy milestones Background research: national/European Needs identification Development of employment audits Developing scheme managers and auditors Employer networks On-site analysis E-learning tools Collaborative learning

Critical outcomes Employer consultancy Job analysis Advice and consultancy Using shared international perspectives Linkage with North America Engaging disabled citizens Benchmarking best practice Developing networks

Models of excellence Professional skills and validation Working in a time of crisis Job standards and globalized change The impact of social security norms Assessing for work as a moving target Embedding skills and competencies Planning for what? Policy directions The UEmploy toolkit

3. UEmploy: process and outcomes Developing a shared understanding Engaging diverse national partners Developing communications Enhancing dialogue and defining mythologies Avoiding assumptions Circular learning Using advanced ICT Products and deliverables

The national reports Literature review Desk based research Interviews with stakeholders: government, employment

offices, disability specific service providers, people with disabilities and employers

Statistical overviews – often problematic General and standardized conclusions

a. Hungary (Coordinator: Peter Zoltan)

Census (2001): 800,000 out of 10m. population Social/vocational rehabilitation did not exist under planned

economy (1947-89. Rehabilitation Fund 1993; Social Care Rehabilitation 1998 Key tools: Quota 5% >20 employees; wage subsidies Segregated schooling: 32% do not complete primary

39% have no education qualifications Disabled citizens (2001): Employed 9%; Unemployed 2%; Not

active 76.7% Issues: prejudice; low expectations; no independent

rehabilitation system

b. Bulgaria (Coordinator: Diana Geleta)

Explicitly medical model: new legislation only in 1990 Quota system: 4% for employers >50 Ministry of Labor and National Employment Agency

appointed 250 ‘mediator consultants’ in 2011 Focus: sheltered employment/cooperatives; inclusive

environment; employment Unemployment/underemployment at 72% Educational levels low or non-existent for 50% of those with

disabilities

c. Romania (Coordinator: Dr Anca Colibaba)

Traditionally weak provision for disability: linked to Roma and abandoned children

Many laws, no action: Law 448/06 of 2008 stipulates quota of 4% or fine

Highly punitive approach and widespread evasion No provision for guidance, counseling, support or access Segregated and inadequate educational systems Highly unreliable statistics

d. Finland (Coordinator: Marjatta Varanka)

Highly evolved and interlinked welfare and policy system Strong legislative and research base Strongly mainstreamed and rights based Employment and Economic Development Offices (KELA)

provide specialized supports Work activity centers Educational system exceptionally good Persistent negative attitudes around disability Demographic time bombs – the aging society

e. Ireland (Coordinator: Kate Kearney)

Strong traditions of charity, institutionalization and religious care

Excellent legislative and policy development since 1980s: Equality Act (2005); National Disability Strategy; Disability Act

Poor employment outcomes – mainstreaming and the role of ‘service providers’

Impact of crisis and deconstruction of social support Development of professional capacity and linkage Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Rights and diversity integration

European Report Significant drop in living standards since 1990 in East/Central

Europe. Impact of transition to market economy. Generalized impact of crisis in all countries since 2008 Laws, where they exist, are not enforced or only partially

understood. Statistics are unreliable. Awareness is poor or uneven Categories used are unclear or often overlap Service provision is highly fragmented Evidence of inherent discrimination through the use of quotas

and other measures

European employment issues Companies and employers lack knowledge, awareness and

skills Policy and strategy is often aspirational but not supported by

tools and practice Invisibility of disability in public or employment related

discourse Medicalization External impetus for national legislative and policy initiatives Unfolding process of awareness raising Staff training and professional development completely

neglected

European trends Need for Human Rights based approach is identified Fine in theory but issues remain about practice Impact of generalized unemployment rates From punitive systems to employ to quality measures that

produce shared benefit Strong legacy of segregation has a significant impact Persisting levels of fear, ignorance or disinterest Need for clear policy leadership role backed up by evidence-

based best practice Need to relate experience of disability to wider socio-economic

and demographic trends.

Vocational rehabilitation Pre-employment screening, assessment and post-placement

supports highly valuable but usually missing. Critical need for consultancy

Disability rate link to aging. Important to look at link between disabilities acquired while working – issues around both recruiting disabled people and retaining people once they become disabled

Emphasis required on defining nature of different kinds of work options: sheltered, supported, open, etc.

Critical need for specialized supports in accessing mainstream services

Significant barriers still exist across all European countries: physical, legislative and attitudinal

Leonardo da Vinci Development of Innovation2010 – 4205/ 001 – 001 - < 510784-LLP-1-2010-1-RO-LEONARDO-LMP >

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.  

UEmploy Trainingfor Consultants and Employees

Developing the training Selecting Consultants Defining the role Designing and providing training (September-November

2011) Collecting information, job analysis, role play, risk analysis,

employer guidance Selecting Scheme Managers – November 2011 Engaging employers

Materials development Competency checklist Competency toolkit Training kit Support materials Employer audits

The future Dissemination Sustainability Added Value Identifying and supporting change End-user engagement: employers and people with

disabilities

4. International collaboration: directions and themes European policy frameworks The impact of the crisis Unraveling welfare Sourcing funding and support Linkage to other dimensions of exclusion The importance of US traditions in vocational rehabilitation The importance of the European experiment

Michael Fullan 2010

The power of collective capacity is that it enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things – for two reasons. One is that knowledge about effective practice becomes more widely available and accessible on a daily basis. The second reason is more powerful still – working together generates commitment.

Reactions to crisisEffort to establish status quo anteDenial and paralysisRage and frustrationCut, cut and cut: the marketization of thoughtCopy ‘success’ storiesOpportunity to learn: the innovation imperativeCreativity unbound

Constraining innovation

Institutional resistanceCommunity resistanceOutcomes and results Incremental and disruptive dimensionsPlanning for innovation?

Embedding creativity Organic, reflective evaluative follow-up Analysis and modification Lasting partnerships between research units and schools Labor market transformation impact Organic link to work and community Professional passion - out of the strait-jacket

Embedding technology Anytime, anywhere The critical importance of e-learning Using the cloud Demanding digital literacy Enhancing methodologies

EU strategy against social exclusion (Treaty of Nice 1998)

InnovationCoordination and integrationPartnershipEnd user participationService quality initiatives

Future directions

Rights and advocacyQuality circles (Netherlands)Collaborative researchCulture of innovationHighly qualified staffEquality frameworks and enforceable standards

Key issuesAssessmentProgressionCompetenceService models: brokers or advocates?Funding and resourcesComplex disabilities (dual diagnosis)Quality standards developmentLinkage to emancipatory research modelsUniversal Design models

Professional competence – global resources

ILOGladnetUNOECDEuropean FoundationRehabilitation InternationalDeveloping countries’ networks - CBR, China

Directions Innovation based on questions, not answers: avoiding

mantras and clichés The poetry of open discovery and delight Constructing schools as critical spaces Connecting science and discovery through technologies of

emancipatory practice Rediscovering community in a fractured continent

Muchas gracias

Dr. Alan BruceULS

www.uemploy.euabruce@ulsystems.com