Report to the People
Visit to Enable
As you may know, the disability education and employment charity, Enable have opened new premises in Sir Michael Street, Greenock. Their project works to help disabled people into the workplace and I was delighted to be invited to officially open the premises on Friday 19th May.
It is always good news when a resource such as this opens up in our community and being invited to open them is one of the best perks of my job. However, I had another reason for being keen to see the project first hand.
By a happy coincidence, Enable’s new premises were, for a short but exhausting time last year, my campaign offices for the Scottish Parliament elections.
Given that their primary objective is securing employment for their clients, I hope the fact that I was propelled into gainful employment from the same office is a good omen.
However, there was another, more important, reason why I was delighted to attend. It is vital that, if our social inclusion agenda is to mean anything, it must be truly inclusive and embrace all groups who have traditionally been excluded.
Whether by denying access to buildings and public transport, or erecting barriers to employment, able-bodied society has over the years acted to exclude disabled people.
As a former trade union official and member of the Parliament’s Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Committee, I have long recognised the importance of employment and work-based training in breaking down these barriers and tackling social exclusion.
Employment for disabled people extends opportunities and broadens horizons. However, I am aware of the extra difficulties faced by disabled people attempting to enter the workplace. Obstacles such as a lack of understanding from employers and physical barriers place disabled people in an unfair position.
If we are to deliver a truly open labour market, we must work to dispel the myths that surround employing disabled staff members. Groups such as Enable have a major part to play in this. They act as a bridge between the workplace and a vast potential workforce.
I would like to wish Enable well and am confident that given the enthusiasm and commitment of all those involved in the project, it will be a real success.
A job is the most effective tool I know for combating poverty and exclusion. And disabled people have as much right to one as any able bodied person.
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