The UAB launches an employment programme for students with disabilities

The UAB, with the support of Fundación Universia, has launched a programme for the employment of students with disabilities. The Disability Service - PIUNE and Treball Campus will carry out this initiative.

25/06/2014

Entering the labour market is essential for personal and social development. In the current economic situation with high unemployment rates, people with severe disabilities have great difficulties to find a job. Apart from causing economic imbalance, this situation also creates great problems for people with disabilities to be part of society and develop their independence. Despite the actions implemented by the university, the number of degree holders with disabilities that enter the labour market with jobs related to their studies is still low, especially in the case of students with severe disabilities.

This academic year the UAB has helped more than 170 students with disabilities by means of the Disability Service - PIUNE. The approval of the First Action Plan for Equality of Opportunity for People with Disabilities at the UAB 2011-2015 saw consideration of an inclusion model and people working in line with diversity management models in companies. This model promotes the hiring of students with disabilities, since it is based on the integration of these people in a work environment that makes the most of diversity and not on economic or legal aspects.

Thanks to the support of the Fundación Universia, the Fundació Autònoma Solidària (FAS), the Disability Service - PIUNE and Treball Campus will promote a structured programme that will encourage entry into employment of UAB students with disabilities. As the project develops it is expected to increase the number of degree holders that find a job, both through work placements and hiring according to their qualifications and skills.

This project will run parallel to the Fundación Universidad.es call for applications for grants to promote competitiveness and internationalisation of the Spanish university system in the context of universal accessibility, inclusion and employment.

Students with disabilities who want more information can go to the offices of PIUNE or Treball Campus (located in the Plaça Cívica) or send an email to fas.piune@uab.cat or treball.campus@uab.cat.