Workbook final

014 - Adult Integration Programme & Work Readiness Programme, The

Living Link, South Africa

ONTACT

The Living Link

Mr. Stanley Bawden

South Africa

+27 11 788 8249

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

To upskill, educate and help intellectually disabled young adults be able to live independently and work in the open

labor market.

The mission of the Adult Integration Programme and Work Readiness Programme at the Living Link is to prepare young

adults with intellectual disabilities for supported open labor market employment. This is achieved through practical

training modules aimed at holistic preparation of the individual for the demands of working and living in mainstream

society.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

A 12-month and an 8-month training course had been developed that involves theoretical modules and a period of job

sampling at an open labor market site in Johannesburg.

Training modules include: Lifestyle management, Personal empowerment, Employment and Financial management.

These modules are presented by enthusiastic and experienced trainers. Training involves interactive group discussions,

real world scenarios, and various electronic and printed media. Training is aimed at accommodating a variety of abilities

and learning styles. A clear shift is made to emphasize ADULT education. Students are encouraged to engage as adult

learners within training. This presents a clear shift from being at school as an adolescent.

Job sampling is facilitated by two experienced job coaches who support students in the practical application of skills

learnt in a real world-working context. Students are provided with a variety of job sampling opportunities that allows

them to discover vocational strengths, preferences and areas for further development. The development of appropriate

work behavior and habits becomes central to the process. This moves education from training to 'doing'.