It is important to include people with cognitive disabilities (such as learning difficulties) in the job market. This makes society fairer. Therefore, companies, government agencies, and other key people must work together.

There is a project running to make this happen. It is called Include³. It supports article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which gives people with disabilities the right to work.

Include3 runs from 2022 to 2025. It is developing a method. The method helps counsellors in sheltered workshops. Counsellors use the method to help with the transition from the workshop to the normal labour market.

There are guidelines in the project. The guidelines say something about counselling, vocational training and networks. The guidelines say how people with disabilities can be well prepared for the labour market. The guidelines for Include³ are developed together with people with disabilities. The opinion of people with disabilities is important for Include³.

The guidelines have three important points: Counselling, vocational training, and networking. With them, we can work out a plan for inclusive workplaces:

• What a good workplace for people with cognitive disabilities looks like.
• Why stress management is important.
• What steps companies and authorities can take.

1. A Supportive Workplace is Important

People with cognitive disabilities need a workplace that suits their needs. Companies play a big role in making this happen.

1.1 What an Inclusive Workplace Looks Like

Companies can take different steps:
✅ Adjust work tasks → Adapt tasks so everyone can contribute.
✅ Use helpful tools → For example, special software or simple work processes.
✅ Offer flexible work hours → Allow employees to work in a way that fits their abilities.
✅ Provide mentors → A trusted person can help with questions and problems.

1.2 Educate Other Employees

Other employees should also understand inclusion. Training can help remove misunderstandings:
✅ Communication workshops → Teach employees how to interact respectfully.
✅ Information campaigns → Explain why inclusion is important.
✅ Share success stories → Show examples of companies that have done it well.

2. Authorities Must Help

Companies need support to make inclusion work. Important actions include:
✅ Better cooperation → Regular meetings between businesses and authorities.
✅ Inclusion experts in government offices → Specific people to help with inclusion topics.
✅ Financial support → Funding for companies that hire people with disabilities.

3. Strengthening Exchange and Cooperation

Sharing experiences helps everyone. Companies can:
✅ Use platforms for exchange → Learn from others.
✅ Improve internal communication → Make it easy to discuss concerns and solutions.
✅ Build networks → Gain more knowledge and support.

4. Managing Stress and Creating a Positive Work Environment

4.1 Learning to Handle Stress

Everyone experiences stress differently. Tips for reducing stress:
✅ Identify stress triggers → What makes you feel pressured? Find out.
✅ Practice dealing with challenges → This helps you feel more confident.
✅ Have a support person → Someone to talk to when you feel overwhelmed.

4.2 Building a Strong Team

A good team makes work easier:
✅ Team-building activities → Strengthen relationships through shared experiences.
✅ Use individual strengths → Let people do what they are best at.
✅ Show appreciation → A little praise can boost motivation.

5. Making Inclusion Work in the Long Term

For inclusion to be successful, companies should:
✅ Provide training → Prepare employees for working together.
✅ Use videos with real-life examples → Show positive experiences.
✅ Hire additional support staff → Bring in experts to help.
✅ Clearly explain the benefits → Inclusion helps both people and businesses.

The Goal: A Workplace for Everyone with include³

Inclusion is a shared task. Companies, government agencies, employees, and society must work together. By adapting workplaces, raising awareness, and managing stress better, we create long-term improvements for everyone.

The include³ project is an important step further. The Include³ guidelines help people with disabilities to successfully enter the labour market. They are also the basis for a curriculum.  We are developing the curriculum in the Include³ project.

Check out our guidelines by using the following link: https://include3.eu/guidelines-for-method-development/