S1-4

European Strategies for Vocational Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities: An Inter-Comparison Analysis, by by Assistant Professor Dr. George Tsobanoglou ( University of Aegean, Department of Sociology, Mitelini: 18100, Lesbos, Greece. Email: g.tsobanoglou@soc.aegean.gr ) and Assistant Professor Dr. George M. Korres ( Department of Geography, University of Aegean, Faonos and Charilaou Trikoupi Street, Mitelini: 18100, Lesbos, Greece. Email: GKorres@hol.gr )

Abstract:

The employment rate of people with disabilities in Europe is considerably lower than that of the rest of the population and differential strategies are employed in Europe in order to identify needs and offer social responses that can reverse the trend of the under-employment of disabled people. Employment and vocational mobility of adults with intellectual and mental disabilities is beneficial for both the individual and society. Special attention has been given to new programs geared to improve the quality training, skills, guidance, and the promotion of real partnership among colleges, special centres and local employers. Each country adopts different social policy and measures to improve the quality of life and social inclusion of persons with developmental disability. This paper attempts to review and compare definitions, legislation and policies for promoting vocational mobility, rehabilitation and training of persons with developmental disabilities in selected EU countries. The report is based on data gathered and analysed in an inter-comparison study for Germany, Greece, Netherlands and Israel. Naturally, the four countries vary in their policies, legislations and supporting employment measures. This report presents the various policies and measures employed by these countries including vocational rehabilitation, career development training, employment placement and vocational mobility. Such policies represent main schemes that combat exclusion in an era of globalised pressures on social cohesion.
Keywords: Employment, Unemployment, Disability, Disable Persons, Globalisation and Social Inclusion Policy.