Volunteering Opportunities for Inclusion and Competence development of disabled individuals within supported Employment

The VOICE project focuses on integrating structured volunteering into supported employment practices to improve employability and social inclusion for people with disabilities. By participating i...

The VOICE project focuses on integrating structured volunteering into supported employment practices to improve employability and social inclusion for people with disabilities. By participating in volunteering, individuals will gain essential skills, experience, and confidence, which will help them transition into paid employment. The project also enhances the capacity of supported employment professionals by offering new skills and methodologies to integrate volunteering into their practices.

The key activities include developing a toolkit for employment-oriented volunteering, providing guidelines on volunteer integration, employer engagement, volunteering management, resources and advocacy. Pilot training sessions will be conducted in Portugal and Romania for at least 24 supported employment professionals, equipping them with the skills to integrate volunteering into their services. Two national multiplier events will promote best practices and facilitate stakeholder engagement.

The VOICE project aims to deliver several concrete outcomes, including a comprehensive toolkit, improved training for supported employment professionals, and enhanced collaboration between employers, VET providers, and community organisations. The ultimate result will be increased employability for disabled individuals, with volunteering as a pathway to paid employment. Overall, it will empower individuals and contribute to a more inclusive workforce, driving positive social change.