Sharjah, UAE – Concrete, real-world examples of inclusive employment were showcased on Tuesday during the World Congress 2025 session titled “Inclusive Employment Programmes: Examples.” The session, part of the “We Are Inclusion” Congress, shed light on effective strategies and successful models that enable persons with intellectual disabilities to access meaningful employment opportunities. Advocates, experts, and family leaders gathered to emphasize that inclusion in the workplace is not only achievable but essential for breaking the cycle of disability, poverty, and social exclusion.
Blessing Ijeoma, Co-Chair of Inclusion International’s Employment Working Group, highlighted the global significance of exchanging lessons and experiences to promote inclusive workplaces. Speaking from both her professional advocacy role and personal experience as the mother of a young girl with an intellectual disability, Ijeoma emphasized that successful models from around the world demonstrate the practical feasibility of inclusive employment across various sectors and countries.
One compelling example presented was the Family Support Network for Employment (FSNE) model from Ontario, Canada. Ines de Escallon, FSNE Co-Chair, explained how families banded together in 2018 to navigate employment barriers for their relatives with intellectual disabilities. Drawing from personal experience, de Escallon stressed the importance of early preparation and learning responsibilities from a young age, such as paid chores and saving money. FSNE also collaborates with Canadian organizations to support families in holding schools and governments accountable, while providing structured pathways toward employment.
A contrasting but equally impactful model came from Nepal, introduced by Shiva Shrestha, a self-advocate, and Bhusan Raj Raut, Programme Manager at the Parent Federation of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PFPID). Their comprehensive framework includes pre-employment training, skills assessment, employer readiness, workplace adaptation, on-the-job coaching, and advocacy support. The program has successfully placed 17 trainees into jobs, with ten securing paid employment. The inspiring story of Ayushmman Manandar, employed at environmental organization Cleanup Nepal, demonstrated tangible independence, including her ability to commute and perform work tasks without assistance.
World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” continues in Sharjah until September 17, gathering over 500 participants from 74 countries, including 152 speakers from 160 organizations. Co-organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Inclusion International, with strategic partnership from the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the event marks the first time the Congress has been held in the MENA region. It stands as a pivotal platform for advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for actionable, scalable solutions.
