The work reality of people with disabilities
To estimate the exact number of people with disabilities in Catalonia is a challenge, as it varies according to the type and degree of disability. However, the statistics indicate that the employment rate of this group is a low alarm, about 30%, in contrast to 73% of people without disabilities. This disparity reveals the barriers facing those with functional diversity to integrate into the world of work.
Change conversations at Macaya Palace
Recently, the Macaya Palace was the scene of an inspirational dialogue between Marc Badia, coordinator of the Labor Inclusion Service of the Catalan Down Syndrome Foundation, and two activists, Gerard Ruiz and Marina Alcaide. This talk, co -organized with the Social Observatory of the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation, addressed the participants’ work experiences and their training in an environment that seeks to improve social and labor inclusion.
Labor experiences and learning
Ruiz and Alcaide have accumulated a rich variety of work experiences, working on radios, museums, shops and offices. These practices have been essential to developing essential skills for the labor market. Alcaide, for example, managed to approve an opposition to the Treasury without adapted study materials, an admirable feat that highlights its determination and capacity.
An Ambiguous Legal Framework
Despite the laws that stipulate that companies with more than fifty employees have to reserve 2% of their workforce for people with disabilities, only 19% of these companies meet. This is due to the possible exceptions that the laws allow, which make it easier for companies to evade this responsibility.
Mechanisms of elusion and the need for support
Companies may circumvent this rule by contracting services to special work centers or donating organizations that promote employment. In addition, the lack of advice and support by the unions even further hinders the recruitment of this group.
THE FUTUR LABOR IN A MÓN DIGITAL
With the growth of digitalization, people with disabilities are increasingly affected by the use of technology in selection processes. Automated systems can rule out nominations in minutes, adding a layer of difficulty in their job placement.
Changes in retirement conditions
In 2023 he made significant changes in retirement conditions for people with disabilities, allowing early retirement from 56 years old for those with a degree of disability of 45% or more. However, the precarious conditions associated with this retirement generate restlessness.
A path to inclusion
Although the stigma towards people with intellectual disabilities has declined considerably in the last two decades, there is a long way to go. The efforts of foundations and associations is crucial, but the active collaboration of administrations and the private sector is essential for a real inclusion in the labor market.
