Activities of the Network

Publicity

The production of six movies in Sinhala, Tamil and English funded by Handicap International (French NGO) to depict people with disabilities being successfully employed in EFC member Companies was completed in October 2008 and were launched on 13 November 2008. 5 member companies along with EFC, which have successfully employed disabled persons, were selected for this project. Through the examples of best practices highlighted through these movies, it is hoped there will be more employers who will be receptive to employ persons with disabilities recognizing their potential to contribute to the world of work. At the same time, it is also hoped that families of disabled persons will also be encouraged to allow these persons to join the world of work without having any reservations or inhibitions.

Nestle Lanka PLC funded the launch of the movies.

Training

An ICT training course for visually handicapped persons will be commenced at the EFC. 37 visually handicapped persons have enrolled for the training course. This group includes graduates, teachers, students & self-employed persons. Ms Manique Gunaratne, Junior Executive (Telephone Operator) of EFC who has undergone special training in ICT skills for visually handicapped both locally and internationally will be the trainer. The trainees will be awarded a certificate on successful completion of the course, which will enhance their employable skills. .

The ILO funds this project.

ILO/Korea Partnership Training

ILO sponsored a special fellowship to Korea in December 2008 for a group from Srilanka to study the approaches the Korean government has utilized in collaboration with the business community to enhance training & hiring of people with disabilities. Three members of the Employers Network on Disability participated in this fellowship with other members from the government, trade unions & disability organizations.

A recommendation made by the group has been taken up by the Korean Government & discussions have commenced to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to develop skills training of disabled persons by vocational training institutions to enhance their employable skills.

Partnership Programmes

The Network is currently working closely with the Ministry of Labour Relations & Manpower in order to create more opportunities for disabled persons to find suitable employment. It is a member of the steering committee established by the Ministry for this purpose. The Network members assisted the Career Guidance Division of the Ministry of Labour Relations & Manpower by participating at a special job fair on 28^th February 2009.