3 Having a job
Being in work can be a positive experience for people with learning disabilities, but it can also present some challenges.
Activity 2 Experiences of work
Watch this short video of some of the actors from Access all Areas, a theatre company for people with learning disabilities, talking about their experiences of work over the years. Then answer the questions below.
Transcript: Video 3
a.
fulfilling
b.
boring
c.
met his expectations
The correct answer is b.
a.
a learning experience
b.
a job that has given him opportunities
c.
a temporary job while he finds something else
The correct answers are a and b.
a.
get paid
b.
teach
The correct answers are a and b.
Video 3 showed that people with learning disabilities have varied experiences of the workplace and finding a job.
- Unfortunately even if a person with learning disabilities secures paid employment, it is not always easy for them to keep their job. Make a note of the things that might make it difficult for a person with learning disabilities to keep their job.
Answer
Research (Coleman et al., 2013; Roulstone et al., 2014; Mencap 2018) shows that some people with learning disabilities face harassment or bullying when in the workplace. Some people are reluctant to disclose their learning disability to colleagues at work, for fear of being stigmatised. This can result in people not getting the workplace adjustments that they are entitled to under UK Equality legislation which makes it more difficult for them to keep their job.