Anne McAleer

1

• Anne McAleer
• Cedar Foundation
• UK-Northern Ireland

2
Setting the Scene

• Supported Employment in Action (SEA) DP
• Project Rationale
• To address the fact that people with
  disabilities, in particular people with
  significant disabilities, are still under
  represented marginalised in accessing staying
  in employment.

3
My involvement

• Asked to participate in SEA Project
• Member of the Beneficiary Focus Group
• Made up of 12 Service Users representing pan
  disability from across Northern Ireland
• Represent the Beneficiary Focus Group on the SEA
  Project Board

4
My development

• EQUAL Programme provided the opportunity and
  resources to
• To widen my horizons
• To meet other people with disabilities and
  professions who work in the field of Supported
  Employment
• To participate in a strategic partnership made up
  of senior statutory and voluntary sector
  representatives

5
My development

• Increased Self Confidence
• Increased Self belief
• New Skills i.e. presentation skills, negotiation
  skills, networking
• Through Transnational Exchanges, gaining exposure
  to other countrys policies and practice.
• Strategic campaigning and lobbying skills

6
Changes in my circumstances

• Life changing experience
• Being part of society
• Being in employment
• Planning and engaging strategically
• Empowerment
• Self-determination
• Impact on my self and many others

7
My policy messages

• Nothing about us without us!
• Mainstream Supported Employment