Bluebird Care Barnet working together with People with learning disabilities

Undaunted by the challenges of employing staff with learning disabilities, Larry Berkowitz has been recruiting these adults for paid work at his homecare company, Bluebird Care Barnet. He loves the energy and spirit they bring to his company.

As soon as he heard at a networking meeting about how the charity Norwood supports people with learning disabilities into real jobs, Larry was determined to get involved. He now has four members of staff working for him; they hand out Bluebird Care leaflets to the general public at different venues. Over the years various individuals from Norwood have also worked with Larry in his office with clerical work.

Unlike most other employers, Larry was undeterred by the prospect of venturing into the unknown. On the contrary, Emma Davis, Norwood’s manager of work skills and employment, says he has been “very creative” in his approach and crucially, has “listened to the needs of the individual”. “It’s difficult to find people like Larry,” she says. “There is a lack of understanding and knowledge around learning disabilities.”

Norwood works closely with the employer to ensure that the transition for both company and employee is practicable and smooth. First, the “job support coach” learns the role and passes these skills on to the employee. Using the “TSI” approach – training in systematic instruction – the coach examines the tasks and breaks them down into sizeable chunks, which makes the training process easier. TSI also considers the individual’s main way of learning and adapts the training programme to their preferred style.

For the recruits, James, Michael, Ben and Alex – who are all in their thirties – work has been very empowering. “Without working, a lot of people with learning disabilities fall into a gap where they are doing repetitive courses which aren’t really motivating,” explains Emma. “Having a job promotes social inclusion and inclusion into the work force. It provides them with a sense of purpose and enables them further independence.” Ultimately, she says, it’s about giving people a chance and listening to what they can bring to a company. “If you give someone the opportunity to demonstrate

The bigger problem is that many employers are fearful about the training and supervision involved, perceiving the concept of employing people with learning disabilities as too challenging to even consider. What they don’t realise is that these employees often end up becoming an asset to the company. Larry quickly saw the potential in his employees. Although initially shy and reserved, once on the job, their confidence quickly built up and they were high-fiving people on the streets. “You won’t get a more motivated, dedicated and excited individual,” he enthuses. “There’s an energy. They bring spirit into the company. It is a real win-win situation.”

Says Emma: “It’s about looking at people’s ability rather than disability.”

Larry says that,’ employing an individual with a learning disability not only adds serious value to your company, but it has a massively positive and far reaching effect on that individual and their family that is unmeasurable.