UEMPLOY: ONLINE CONSULTANCY FOR EMPLOYMENT INCLUSION
UEMPLOY: ONLINE CONSULTANCY FOR EMPLOYMENT INCLUSION

Summary/Abstract: The research analyses innovative online education methods to address to specific target groups: a) training business consultants to advise companies how to deal professionally with recruiting or retaining disabled employees, within a framework of equal opportunities best practice; b) training company human resource management (HRM) departments in effective employment practices for disabled workers and in evaluating the change management processes needed for success in this process; c) demonstrating to company management how proactive equal opportunities practices in personnel selection can enhance quality of services and products offered, increase profitability and reduce risk of complaints and discrimination. The innovative training modules address strategic planning, investment in personnel and a modern vision of enterprise development that reflects advanced levels of corporate social responsibility. The project supporting implementation of this research and training is a two-year Leonardo Da Vinci project, UEmploy (510784-LLP-1-2010-1-RO-LEONARDOLMP) with 7 partners from BG, HU, FI, IE and RO. This project underlines that while European employment inclusion is an important objective, there is no common standardized scheme. The online component of the training contributes to standardization of approaches and contents. The focus of the project is modern rehabilitation, a range of services and processes designed to enable all disabled people to live their lives as fully as possible. For organizations, SMEs and professionals the project provides an opportunity to introduce/train innovative employment inclusion and rehabilitation approaches in dealing with people with disabilities throughout all work processes. Methods and professional support (in English and partner languages) facilitates SMEs to employ people with disabilities. Handbooks and materials for company management and HR departments have already been developed and tested in each partner country. Social partners have validated materials and a blended learning system is in place for all the categories of beneficiaries. The project addresses employer representatives: organizations, SMEs and professionals. UEmploy provides training opportunities for innovative employment inclusion and rehabilitation supports. UEmploy addresses employment inclusion from the perspectives of both employees and employers, facilitating access and cooperation. Many European countries still have very low employment rates for disabled citizens, despite some EU policy success over the past decade. People with disabilities are still significantly excluded from work activities, which could provide financial support, employment integration and continuing professional development. However, companies increasingly realize that inclusive employment produces significant added value. Added skills and competence is linked to inclusion strategies. Employers benefit from enhanced design, creative a

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