Claire Cookson

I am absolutely thrilled that @DFNSEARCH is playing a such a crucial role in the new @Internship_Work project with @educationgovuk! This project is so important to help break down barriers young adults with learning disabilities/autism face around access to employment.

👏We are delighted to announce that @HMRCgovuk Liverpool are now providing supported internships! 🎉Congrats to @Hftonline @lpoolcouncil @COLCollege for bringing this partnership to life! @Internship_Work #Autism #LearningDisabilities

🟠@LDO_Helicopters are the latest company to offer life-changing opportunities for those with learning disabilities & autism 🎉We are thrilled that @Leonardo_UK have teamed up with @YeovilCollege & @SomersetCouncil to offer supported internships 👉 shorturl.at/ftOS2

🤔What are you doing on Thursday? 🗣️Our CEO @COOKSONDFN will be speaking at @WholeSchoolSEND Book your place today! wholeschoolsend.org.uk/events/special…

"I got the job because I did DFN Project SEARCH" 🟠 Michael is a DFN Project SEARCH graduate who now has a rewarding career thanks to taking part in a supported internship programme. Thank you to @SBT_UK and @Schroders for helping us tell Michael's story. #internshipswork

🟠Yesterday @WhippsCrossHosp @NHSBartsHealth hosted the @LordsPublicSCom 🗣️Members of the HoL saw the fantastic work of @ProjectSEARCHEL & the 40+ graduates in their jobs at the hospital ⭐️Thanks to @shanedegaris & all those involved in making this partnership a success

The #JanuaryBlues can be hard for everyone, including people with learning disabilities and #autism Here are some free resources that you may wish to share with friends and colleagues. 🔵 An Easy Read Guide on 'Looking after my mental health' from the Foundation of People with Learning Disabilities ➡️ lnkd.in/euEzSp2J 🔵 Easy Read Guides on a variety of Mental Health topics including: 'What is mental health' ➡️ lnkd.in/eERyvMnj 🔵 Word-free picture stories from Books Beyond Words ➡️ lnkd.in/eadDnqbE

💔 1 in 5 have seen someone mocked because of their learning disability, a new survey finds. "It created a hatred for myself. A hatred that I was different." Jimmy added: "You feel like the odd one out, and you don't get why." 👉Read more here: news.sky.com/story/one-in-f…

❌ Myth: A Supported Internship would be a hassle for staff within my business ✅ Employing young adults with a learning disability/autism boosts morale! Don't just take our word for it. Check out the below 👇

😃 "The benefits are gaining skills to eventually get full-time paid employment, as well as making new friends and meeting new people." This #DisabilityHistoryMonth, we sat down with interns across the UK to discuss all things supported employment! 👇Meet Bailey

#ThrowbackThursday to last week's annual conference! Our theme was Inclusion Revolution We are delighted to be joined by colleagues @base_tweets @NDTicentral and trailblazer's such as @DianeLightfoot @Julia_Cleverdon

🎉This week is #NationalInclusionWeek! 👉We want YOU to help us celebrate inclusion by helping us recruit Employer Champions. Watch Bibi's story below to find out more. #InternshipsWork

😃 "I've come out MumI I'm autistic and i'm proud of it." ⚪ We spoke to Mel, a parent of a DFN Project SEARCH graduate. Discover how a supported internship has transformed here son's life alongside her own, below! #Autism #InternshipsWork

🚧1 in 4 construction workers identify as #Neurodivergent 🟠A new report from @nfbuilders has revealed. The report also recommended that neurodiversity should be considered during the recruitment process. 🤔75% of respondents said they were not asked about neurodiversity at the hiring or onboarding stages, highlighting a missed opportunity to offer support. constructionnews.co.uk/health-and-saf…

⚠️Are you based in Blackburn or the surrounding area? 🟠 Do you know a young person with a learning disability or autism? @ELHT_NHS and @bbcollege have teamed up to offer supported internships in your area! 🗣️Contact Gabby for more info: gabby.houlihan@blackburn.ac.uk

🟠 Exciting News! 🟠 @THORPEPARK @WestThames and @LBofHounslow have teamed up to offer young adults with learning disabilities or #Autism supported internship opportunities! Share this opportunity with your friends and family! Interested in applying? Visit: hounslow.gov.uk/homepage/291/d… #DisabilityTwitter

Did you know that nearly a third of respondents thought that disabled people are not as productive as non-disabled people? ❌ This is a dangerous myth! ✅ Numerous studies have shown that disabled people are just as productive if not more than the wider population. #LDWeek

It’s #LearningDisabilityWeek! 💜 This week is all about challenging misconceptions about life with a learning disability, with people across the country busting myths and showing what they can achieve. We are excited to be sharing success stories and mythbusters all week! #LDWEEK #AutismAwareness

🤔 Why is #LDweek23 important? 🧍‍♂️There are 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability and figures from @mencap_charity show that 870,000 are of working age. That's near a million adults facing stigma and barriers to employment on a daily basis. #LDweek23 is therefore important in challenging misconceptions and raising awareness.

📺 Did you see us on TV this week? 👨‍🦰 "The employment rate for people with learning disabilities isn't as high as we would like it to be in the country and in @FlintshireCC we are seeking to put that right" 👇Earlier this week our Flintshire Programme featured on BBC Wales!

👨Are you ready to be inspired? 🗣️"Having a job with DFN Project SEARCH has changed my life. I never thought I would have a job, never mind a career." Our youth advisory and co-production assistant @harrygeorgiou07 shares his story.