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As the topic varies greatly across Europe, you will find the information divided by country. You will find the information for your own country translated into your national language. By clicking on the country flag and selecting other country flags, you can also access the information for other European countries in English.
What national services are there to find a job for people with disabilities and care needs?
In Italy, several national services support people with disabilities and care needs in finding a job. The main organisation is the “Centro per l’Impiego (CPI)” (Job Centre), which offers assistance and vocational guidance. In addition, Law no. 68 of 1999 promotes the integration of people with disabilities through targeted employment policies, requiring companies with more than 15 employees to employ a quota of workers with disabilities.
The “Servizio di Inserimento Lavorativo (SIL)” (Job Placement Service), managed by local health authorities, offers specific support for job placement. Type B social cooperatives also play a key role, providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. The Youth Guarantee Programme also includes measures for young people with disabilities, offering internships and vocational training. These services work in synergy to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities in the workplace for people with disabilities.
This section explores the main tools available in Italy to support the employment of people with disabilities and people in need of care.
What national services exist to find jobs for people with disabilities and care needs?
This section explores the main tools and programmes to support job placement for people with disabilities.
Centro per l’Impiego (CPI), i.e. job centre
The purpose of a Job Centre (CPI) is to facilitate matching labour supply with demand, promoting employment and supporting job placement of different groups of people. Target groups include unemployed people, new graduates, people seeking professional retraining, and, in particular, individuals with disabilities and special needs. Through guidance, counselling and training services, CPIs aim to improve professional skills and facilitate access to the labour market.
Job centres in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy.
Servizio di Inserimento Lavorativo (SIL), i.e. job placement service
The Job Placement Service (SIL) of Local Health Authorities aims at promoting the integration of people with disabilities and care needs into the workplace. This service offers customised support to facilitate access to work, through guidance, training and partnerships with businesses. The target group includes people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities, individuals with social and work integration difficulties, and those who need assistance to join or re-join the labour market. The service aims to enhance individual skills, ensuring equal opportunities and inclusion.
Job Placement Service of the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy.
Type B social cooperatives
Type B social cooperatives aim to promote the employment of disadvantaged persons, including people with disabilities. These cooperatives offer sheltered and adapted work opportunities, promoting social and professional integration. The target group includes individuals with physical, psychic or sensory disabilities, people with social integration difficulties, and those at risk of exclusion from the labour market. The purpose of type B cooperatives is to enhance the skills of each individual, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
General description of a type B social cooperative.
Servizio Educativo Territoriale (SET) of the Municipality of Bologna, i.e. Territorial Educational Service
The Local Educational Service of the Municipality of Bologna aims to support the social and work inclusion of people with disabilities. The main objectives are to promote autonomy, enhance skills and encourage active participation in community life. The target group includes people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities of all ages, who need customised educational support. Through individualised interventions, workshops and training activities, the service aims to improve the quality of life and social integration of its users.
Services for people with disability of the Municipality of Bologna.
What steps should be taken when helping a person with care needs finding a job?
This chapter explores the main tools and programmes available to achieve job inclusion for people with disabilities.
Start by consulting a professional for a comprehensive skills and needs assessment. This will help you understand your strengths and the accommodations you may require. A common resource is the National Institute for Social Security (INPS) in Italy, which provides disability assessments. Additionally, employment services like Centri per l’Impiego (Job Centres) offer vocational assessments.
More info
Register with the Job Centre to access guidance and support services. If you are qualified in any specialised field, look for job consultancy firms who arrange job interviews and work directly with companies to recruit workforce.
More info
Leverage job platforms dedicated to people with disabilities, such as Disabili.com or general employment platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Networking through disability associations like FISH (Federazione Italiana per il Superamento dell’Handicap) [Italian Federation for Overcoming Disability] can also open doors to new opportunities.
More info
Aditional info
Make use of the measures provided by Law no. 68 of 1999 which ensures that people with disabilities are placed into suitable jobs in both the public and private sectors. This law requires companies with more than 15 employees to hire a specific quota of workers with disabilities. The National Employment Agency (ANPAL) and regional services can provide more information on this.
Enroll in apprenticeships or training programs designed to increase employability. Many regions offer vocational training tailored to people with disabilities. Youth Guarantee and Forma.Temp offer subsidized training programs.
Maintain regular contact with your support services to ensure smooth integration into your workplace. Disability associations, career coaches, or even local employment offices can provide ongoing assistance to resolve any workplace issues.
Good pratices
“Lavoro anch’io” [I Work Too] programme
The “Lavoro Anch’io” programme promoted by the Adecco Foundation for Equal Opportunities offers personalised support in the search for work, through individual counselling, training and intermediation with companies. The programme focuses on identifying the skills of people with disabilities and the needs of employers, facilitating job placement through internships, apprenticeships and employment contracts.
Resources
Connected topics
Can I still work?
Combining work with care needs can be a real struggle. Currently, there are about 1,1 million individuals with disabilities or care needs in the Netherlands who are able to work, of which more than 450,000 do not have a job. The Dutch government aims to improve employment rates for care recipients through laws and regulations. These measures may help you in finding/retaining a job or negotiating conditions. In addition, there are organisations that offer services, such as coaching or mediating, which can assist in a job search.
In this module you can find regulations, services, and advice to improve your chances on the job market.
What national services exist to find jobs for people with disabilities and care needs?
There are several measures and services available focussing on employment for individuals with care needs. Dutch government policies, such as the Job Deal and Sheltered Work but also services from social organisations, may be of help. Find out more in the list below.
The job deal
In order to give individuals with an occupational disability the chance to have a regular job, the Dutch government has set up the so-called ‘Banenafspraak´ (Job Deal), as part of the Participation Act. Organisations receive a bonus for each employee hired via the Job Deal.
In order to qualify for the Job Deal, you can request a work capacity assessment at UWV (Employees Insurance Agency) (link below). If your situation meets the right criteria, the UWV will provide you with an “Job Deal assessment” and add you to the “doelgroepregister” (target group register).
If you are in the Doelgroepregister, you can apply for positions that fall under the Job Deal. You can find job offers online, for instance on Indeed or Pernu (links below). Alternatively, if you wish to have a government position, you can contact the recruiters of Team Diversity, Equivalence and Inclusion (link below).
Find out more in the links below:
More information on the job deal and the criteria
Request a work capacity assessment
Job offers in the job deal
Job offers for government positions
Not the job deal
Unfortunately, the Job Deal has attracted some controversy. Opponents have noted that the deal excludes a large group of people on seemingly arbitrary criteria (such as the age they became impaired). To ensure compliance with the quota, employers only hire individuals who are registered under the Job Deal, excluding all others. The side effect of this exclusion is that job opportunities for people with disabilities who do not qualify for the Job Deal are diminished.
Municipalities are responsible for helping people who do not fall under the Job Deal. You can contact your municipality if you are unable to find work and ask for the opportunities available to you.
Alternatively, action group Incluvisie has put together both a list of “inclusive employers” who hire individuals with disabilities outside the Job Deal, and a list of job offers. Incluvisie is a group of advocates who lobby for a more inclusive Participation Act. Their website also includes an oversight of all the available regulations and compensations.
In addition, there are LinkedIn and Facebook groups where people can share their experiences (links below).
Find out more in the links below:
List of inclusive employers
Job offers for individuals outside of the job deal
Oversight of regulations and compensations
LinkedIn group
Facebook group
Sheltered work
If you are unable to have a regular job due to illness, disability, or care needs, you can apply for a sheltered workplace. This is a supported job position that is adapted to your needs.
In order to qualify for a sheltered workplace, you need to apply for a work capacity assessment at UWV (link below). If you meet the right criteria, the UWV will provide you with an “indication sheltered work assessment”.
Your municipality will then help you to find a sheltered job as you are not part of the Job Deal you do not need to apply for jobs yourself. If there are no positions available, you will be put on a waiting list and in the meantime your municipality will look for alternatives.
Find out more in the links below:
More information on sheltered work
Apply for a work capacity assessment
Working with a “voorziening” (support measure)
You can receive (compensation for) tools or equipment needed for your work, such as an adapted desk chair, a job coach, an interpreter, or extra travel costs. A complete list of such provisions can be found in the links below.
Before requesting a provision, you will need to apply for an assessment via UWV (links below). They will check your medical reports and documents and assess your needs. If your assessment is positive you can request a provision or declare provision costs.
Find our more in the links below:
More information on support measures
List of available support measures
Assessment request form
Support measure application form (for employers)
Reimbursement form for support measure costs
Foundation Calibris advies
Calibris Advies is a social enterprise that connects the care and welfare sector with people who have problems finding or keeping a job, such as individuals with an occupational disability, status holders, lateral entrants, and people living on benefits. Calibris organises on-the-job training and adult education programmes and assists care organisations in recruiting and retaining personnel. It also provides training and guidance for students.
To learn more, visit its website.
Foundation Studeren en Werken op Maat (SWOM) (Customised Studying and Working)
SWOM supports young professionals with occupational disabilities in finding suitable and fulfilling jobs. It provides tools and training, and access to a life-coach who assists with work, housing, and financial matters. In addition, SWOM helps employers create an inclusive workplace and offers advice on flexible scheduling, accessibility, training, and leadership styles..
To learn more, visit its website.
Good pratices
Van zorg naar inclusie (from care to inclusion)
‘Van zorg naar inclusie’ is a social enterprise that helps people with disabilities to remain active in society. Thanks to collaborative projects, it ensures a positive transition in the healthcare sector and the labour market, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals in the fields of health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, and reduction of inequalities.
Foundation Calibris Advies
Calibris Advies is a social enterprise that connects the care and welfare sector with people who have problems finding or keeping a job, such as individuals with an occupational disability, status holders, lateral entrants, and people living on benefits. Calibris organises on-the-job training and adult education programmes and assists care organisations in recruiting and retaining personnel. It also provides training and guidance for students.
Foundation Studeren en Werken op Maat (SWOM) (Customised Studying and Working)
SWOM supports young professionals with occupational disabilities in finding suitable and fulfilling jobs. It provides tools and training, and access to a life-coach who assists with work, housing, and financial matters. In addition, SWOM helps employers create an inclusive workplace and offers advice on flexible scheduling, accessibility, training and leadership styles.
Fello aims to improve the work-life balance for informal caregivers. If an organisation chooses to use their services, employees will have access to a personal coach that helps with arrangements, questions, and moral support.
Connected topics
What’s the labour market situation for people with disabilities in Germany?
On the one hand, the labour situation of people with disabilities in Germany has shown progress. In recent years, with the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG) (Disability Equality Act), the legislator has created the legal basis to promote participation in the labour market. Companies with more than 20 employees are required to fill at least 5% of their jobs with severely people with disabilities. If this quota is not met, they must pay a compensatory levy. Furthermore, opening the labour market to people with disabilities benefits the employees by increasing their income and social participation. Inclusion can benefit employers address the shortage of skilled labour.
On the other hand, the employment rate of people with disabilities is still well below average. Around 10 million people, or around 12.5% of the population, live with a disability. In 2022 just under 58% of them aged between 15 and 64 were integrated into the labour market. By comparison, the employment rate of people with no disabilities in this age group was about 82%. People with disabilities still face considerable obstacles when looking for work. Prejudices, lack of accessibility and inadequate support systems make access to the labour market difficult. Many companies still consider that employing people with disabilities is a challenge. This is often due to insufficient information or lack of experience in dealing with this target group. The result is higher unemployment and employment in low-wage sectors or in Werkstätten für Menschen mit Behinderung (workshops for people with disabilities), which only offer limited opportunities for professional advancement.
This section gives some good examples of companies and useful programmes supporting the employment of people with disabilities. The examples are supplemented by a list of online platforms to search for jobs
What national services exist to find jobs for people with disabilities and care needs?
In this section you can find some programmes as well as online platforms and job boards which are suitable for people with disabilities.
Career Counselling by the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency)
The Employment Agency offers special counselling services for people with disabilities. These include career counselling for people with disabilities.
Click here to find special counsellors dealing with the needs of people with disabilities.
Measures for vocational rehabilitation and integration by the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency)
If you have a health impairment that makes it more difficult for you to join the workforce, find or keep a job, you can apply for vocational rehabilitation. It does not matter if the cause is a disability, an accident or an illness. This also applies if you are at risk of developing a disability that would restrict your ability to work.
Various measures are available such as a rehabilitation-specific pre-vocational training programme to help you to enter the labour market. This programme supports young people with disabilities who are suitable for an apprenticeship but are not (yet) able to meet the general requirements due to their disabilities. The aim is to prepare them for an apprenticeship and to assist them in finding a suitable placement. Link 1 | Link 2
Budget für Arbeit (budget for work)
The Budget for work is intended to help people with disabilities to find a job on the regular labour market. It is available to people who work in a Werkstatt für Behinderte (workshop for people with disabilities) or would have the right to work there. The Budget for work is a wage subsidy for employers. This means that employers receive money from an integration assistance organisation if they offer a job to a person with a disability. This subsidy can amount up to 75% of the salary. Some federal states pay even more.
General information about the program can be found here.
Integrationsfachdienste (IFD) (Specialist integration service)
These are external specialist services that work on behalf of the Employment Agency and support people with severe disabilities in finding and securing employment.
Find your local IFD here.
Online platforms and job boards
There are special job exchanges and platforms that specialise in finding jobs for people with disabilities.
Here you can find some of them: Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3.
You can also use the ordinary job-searching machine of the employment agency and use the filter “disability” to find suitable results
Resources
Working and looking for a job in the regular labour market
This is a TV-report of different individual experiences with a critical eye on workshops for people with disabilities. Created by the public German broadcasting NDR.
Inclusion of a workshop for people with disabilities in the private sector
Here you can find an example that shows how the integration of a workshop for people with disabilities can be good for the whole company. Published by a German magazine for economy named brand eins.
The non-profit Organisation “Aktion Mensch” offers a report about the recent situation on inclusion in the labour market.
Job opportunities for people with disabilities beside the regular labour market
You can find information for people with disabilities who do not find a job in the regular labour market by the non-profit organisation “Lebenshilfe” in the link on the title.
Connected topics
How to find a job?
In Portugal, employment opportunities for people with care needs and disabilities remain limited. From 2015 to 2020, the private sector experienced a slight increase in the proportion of workers with disabilities, rising from 0.51% to 0.59%. Women with disabilities face more barriers to employment compared to men and those without disabilities.
In 2021, only 15.6% of people with disabilities were active in the workforce, compared to 58.5% of those without disabilities. Mobility impairments pose the greatest employment challenge, with only 7.1% employed, while 20.0% of those with visual impairments are employed.
To address this disparity, Law no. 4 of 2019 requires medium and large companies to hire 1% to 2% of workers with disabilities (with a 60% severity level or higher), with a 4- to 5-year adjustment period. A similar requirement applies to public institutions. Non-compliance may result in penalties.
Below is information on services supporting employment for people with disabilities and job search strategies.
You can find services that support young adults with care needs and disabilities to find a job, as well as incentives from the Portuguese Government to employ them.
What national services are available to find jobs for people with disabilities and care needs?
This section outlines Portuguese Government measures supporting qualifications, internships, and employment for adults needing care, plus funding for assistive devices to improve job market access for young adults in the same situation. You can also explore a website featuring inclusive job opportunities.
Apoio à Qualificação - Support for Qualification
Support for Qualifications is a component of the Employment and Qualification Support Programme for People with Disabilities (Programa de Emprego e Apoio à Qualificação das Pessoas com Deficiência e Incapacidade). It provides initial and continuous training to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the job market, maintain employment, and advance professionally.
Click here to find out more about this measure.
For any questions or to learn about the application procedures to apply for this measure, you can:
- Email: iefp.info@iefp.pt
- Contact support line: 300 010 001 or 215 803 555 (weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Visit the nearest IEFP office: https://www.iefp.pt/redecentros
Apoios à Integração, Manutenção e Reintegração no Mercado de Trabalho - Support for Integration, Maintenance, and Reintegration into the Labour Market
This is a component of the Employment Programme Mode and Support for the Qualification of Persons with Disabilities and Impairments. This measure encompasses a range of support measures aimed at facilitating the integration, ritention, and reintegration of its recipients into the job market. It includes the following components:
- Information, assessment, and guidance for qualification and employment (Informação, avaliação e orientação para a qualificação e o emprego) to support individuals with disabilities and impairments in making informed career choices by identifying the appropriate steps and means to enhance their employability and integration into the job market.
- Placement support (Apoio à colocação) to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities and impairments into the job market through mediation processes facilitated by IEFP’s support network centres. This includes addressing accessibility, adapting the workplace, developing general employability skills, and raising awareness among employers about the benefits of hiring programme participants. This measure also supports candidates actively seeking employment and pursuing entrepreneurship.
For any questions or to learn about the application procedures to apply for this measure, you can:
- Email: iefp.info@iefp.pt
- Contact support line: 300 010 001 or 215 803 555 (weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Visit the nearest IEFP office: https://www.iefp.pt/redecentros
Click here to find out more about this measure.
Emprego Apoiado - Supported Employment
This measure, part of the Employment and Qualification Support Programme for People with Disabilities and Impairments, involves engaging in professional activities with appropriate frameworks and special government support. The aim is to develop relational, personal, and professional skills that facilitate the transition of people with disabilities and impairments, whenever possible, into regular employment. It includes the following modalities:
- Integration Internships (Estágios de Inserção): 12-month internships aimed at complementing and improving the skills of people with disabilities and impairments, enhancing their professional performance, and facilitating their integration into the job market.
- Employment Insertion Contracts (Contratos Emprego-Inserção): Socially useful activities carried out by individuals with disabilities and impairments to meet temporary social or collective needs. These activities are part of projects promoted by public or private non-profit collective entities, lasting up to 12 months, with the goal of promoting and supporting the transition into the job market.
- Sheltered Employment (Emprego Protegido): Professional activities within the manufacturing or service sectors of the productive structure of the Protected Employment Centres (CEP – Centros de Emprego Protegido) carried out by individuals with disabilities and reduced work capacity. Initial internships may last up to 9 months.
- Supported Employment in Open Markets (Emprego Apoiado em Mercado Aberto): Developing professional activities within existing manufacturing or service areas under special conditions. This involves supporting organisations in creating one or more job positions under Supported Employment contracts for individuals with disabilities and reduced work capacity.
For any questions or to learn about the application procedures to apply for this measure, you can:
- Email: iefp.info@iefp.pt
- Contact support line: 300 010 001 or 215 803 555 (weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Visit the nearest IEFP office: https://www.iefp.pt/redecentros
Click here to find out more about this measure.
Financiamento de Produtos de Apoio - Funding for Assistive Devices
Financial support for individuals with disabilities and impairments to acquire, adapt, or repair essential products, devices, equipment, or technical systems—whether specialised or available on the market—is crucial. These aids help prevent, compensate for, alleviate, or neutralise activity limitations and participation restrictions that hinder, complicate, or prevent access to vocational training, obtaining and maintaining employment, and career progression. Funding is part of the Assistive Products Allocation System (SAPA) and complements healthcare systems and subsystems.
Click here to find out more about this measure.
For any questions or to learn about the application procedures to apply for this measure, you can:
- Email: iefp.info@iefp.pt
- Contact support line: 300 010 001 or 215 803 555 (weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Visit the nearest IEFP office: https://www.iefp.pt/redecentros
Click here to find out more about this measure.
Medida Compromisso Emprego Sustentável - Sustainable Employment Commitment Measure
This is a financial measure to support permanent hiring of unemployed individuals registered with IEFP, equivalent to 12 times the value of the Indexante dos Apoios Sociais (IAS). When hiring people with disabilities and impairments, this support is increased by 35%.
Click here to learn more about this measure.
Empregos Inclusivos: Oportunidades para Pessoas com Deficiência - Inclusive Jobs: Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Randstad has created a page to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities or other impairments equal to or greater than 60%, under Law no. 4 of 10 January 2019.
Click here to learn more about this.
Good pratices
When entering into a permanent employment contract with workers who have a work capacity of 80% or less, the employer may receive a 50% reduction in the social security contribution rate.
Marca entidade empregadora inclusiva [Inclusive Employer Brand]
Program that promotes the recognition and public distinction of open and inclusive management practices developed by employers concerning people with disabilities. Link 2.
Resources
Financial support is available for employers who need to adapt equipment or the workplace to the specific needs of an employee with a disability.
Acompanhamento pós-colocação [Post-placement support]
Provides technical assistance to employers who hire individuals with disabilities and impairments, as well as to the employees themselves, aiming to sustain employment and foster career progression. This involves specialized interventions in vocational rehabilitation by IEFP’s support network centres, such as adapting job functions, integrating into the company’s socio-professional environment, developing appropriate personal and social behaviours for the worker role, and ensuring accessibility for travel to company facilities for employees with disabilities and impairments.
Practical Guide including the rights of people with disabilities in Portugal.
Study characterising the access and participation of people with disabilities in the labour market in mainland Portugal.
Connected topics
What are the benefits of employment for people with disabilities and their informal caregivers, both in terms of individual well-being and the positive impact on the workplace?
There are many advantages to employment for people with disabilities and their unpaid caregivers. Having a job promotes independence, increases self-esteem, and improves mental health in people with disabilities. In turn, caregivers gain personal fulfilment and financial security, thus reducing the risk of burnout. Diverse teams, including members with disabilities, are often more creative, flexible, and inclusive at work, fostering a supportive and effective atmosphere. Businesses that adopt disability-inclusive policies also enhance their reputation, attract a broad talent pool, and often experience higher employee morale and loyalty, all contributing positively to the company as a whole.
In this section, you will find links to the websites with information about employment opportunities for you as a person with care needs and disability.
What services are available to find employment for people with care needs and disabilities in Lithuania?
In this section, you will find information about employment opportunities for you as a person with a disability and care needs.
Įdarbinimas su pagalba (Assisted employment)
Assisted employment is available to working-age people with disabilities who are classified as having restricted or moderate employability. For example, a person with a disability can be helped in completing a job application and understanding the terms of the contract, the internal policies of the business, and how to perform their tasks. The case manager also gives the company advice on how to rearrange the workspace to make room for the new employee.
If you would like to know more about employment with assistance visit this link.
More info.
Socialinė įdarbinimo agentūra (SOPA) Social employment agency
SOPA is an organisation of employment intermediaries whose mission is to provide supported employment services to people who have fewer opportunities on the labour market.
If you would like to know more about SOPA services visit this link.
DUOday (DUOday)
DUOday is a Europe-wide job shadowing initiative that has been running for more than 15 years. Companies and organisations open their doors to people with disabilities and invite them to try out new professions and job roles.
If you would like to know more about DUOday services visit this link.
Draugystės tiltas (Friendship bridge)
The Kaunas L’arche community project “Friendship Bridge” is a social workshop aimed at increasing the employability of friends (people with intellectual disabilities) in the open labour market, as well as developing and maintaining general and special work skills. Currently, the following areas are being developed in the workshop: grass-cutting-outside work and pottery.
If you would like to know more, please visit this links. Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3.
Vocational skills training, work opportunity ,,Pirmas blynas” (“First pancake”)
Social and vocational skills courses, emotional support therapy ,,Lobių dirbtuvės” (“Treasure Workshop”)
This is a community environment to work and make friends with people with intellectual disabilities. The team produces a wide range of wooden products, souvenirs, and larger wooden products to order.
Click on the links for information about the importance of learning job skills for people with learning disabilities as well as an example of wood production as an area to develop working skills: Link 1 | Link 2.
Good pratices
Resources
The Kaunas L’arche community project “Friendship Bridge” is presented. This is a social workshop aimed at increasing the employability of friends (people with intellectual disabilities) in the open labour market, developing and maintaining general and special work skills. Currently, the following areas are being developed in the social workshops: grass-cutting-outside work and pottery production. More: Link 1 | Link 2