Our Communication Intern Kate, meets up with Jeane Freeman MSP

On Thursday the 6th of July our communications intern Kate Samuels took part in a conversation with Jeane Freeman MSP about her current internship which is supported by SCVO and Inclusion Scotland. This was part of the launch of the new publication and campaign which encourages more employers to employ disabled people in the workplace. The campaign is important as it highlights the best way to support disabled people into work and challenges some of the myths around disabled people in the workplace. The campaign is particularly important because only around 40% of disabled people of working age are employed, this is compared to around 80% of adults with no disability.

Jeane Freeman and Kate met at Haggs Castle Golf Club in Glasgow. This was because Haggs Castle Golf Club employs and supports disabled people and we had a chance to hear from the employer and employee about the way disabled people can be supported into work. Jeane Freeman made a point that employing more disabled people makes business sense and that disabled people can be a source of talent in workplaces that’s often untapped.

Kate also discussed her role in Generations Working Together stating that there is a significant difference between a supportive employer and one who is unaware how to handle disability. She discussed how flexibility and a chance to work from home has helped her arrange doctor appointments and how every disabled person should have the right to flexible hours.

There was also interesting conversation with a Glasgow Council job coach about why it’s important to adapt interviews for disabled people as often the standards formats don’t work. Eddie McGinlay who is currently a disabled employee at Haggs Castle Golf Club mentioned that he found a work trial more comfortable and beneficial than an interview. The group also discussed the difference that a job can have for a disabled person, Eddie and Kate talked about how a meaningful job can bring friends, confidence and improved skills.

The discussion also gave Kate a chance to discuss what her role was in Generations Working Together which includes social media, press and political engagement. She talked about why Inclusion Scotland Internships were beneficial for both the employer and society and highlighted her recent work with MSPs and the local and national press.

On working with Generations Working Together, Kate said “I have never worked for an employer who has been so supportive. I have also had a lot of support from Inclusion Scotland. It would be great if more employers and workplaces in Scotland were as supportive and positive towards disabled people”.