A training program to promote Employment Support for Persons with Disabilities (ESPD) was conducted in Japan recently for a group from Sri Lanka committed to introducing the concept of employment support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to Sri Lankan society.
It was organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This course focused on visiting a variety of companies and organisations which help workers with disabilities perform well by modifying the workplace environment and ways of work management. This internationally authorised concept of Supported Employment is crucial for promoting employment of PWDs, which is recognised by few stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
The participants are expected to take the initiative for inter-governmental action to advocate the rights of PWDs and promote ESPD programs. By following the action plans developed during the training, the Department of Manpower and Employment will try to expand their network with the private sector for the ESPD program, and National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities will coordinate the program to support workers with disabilities with the ESPD program.