People with disabilities have access to all SEA services for the unemployed and job seekers. With the support of SEA people with disabilities can take part in measures for increasing competitiveness, professional training un programs of non-formal education programs, work in state co-financed work places, use career consultations, support in job search, support of regional mobility, but the most enterprising receive support for business or self-employment start-ups. There are occupational therapy, sign language interpreter, support staff and other specialist services available.
These unemployed people with disabilities who participate in SEA training activities, can use services of occupational therapy, sign language interpreters and, if necessary, the training location is adjusted to the individual. If the educational institution in which the training takes place is more than 20 kilometers from the place of residence, the unemployed can receive reimbursement of up to 100 euros for covering travel expenses or residential tenancy.
Within the Measures for specific groups of persons implemented by the ESF, state co-financed work places for the disabled job seekers are created, that are co-financed by both the state budget and within the ESF project “Subsidized work places for the unemployed”. The unemployed person with disabilities is entitled to participate in the Measures for specific groups of persons and to work at the employer by the financial support of SEA for two years. Each unemployed person involved in the event is provided with a qualified advisor, which helps to acquire skills necessary for the particular job. While working in the subsidized work place, the unemployed can receive occupational therapy, sign language interpreter, personal support services, as well as it is possible to adjust the work place as to the employee’s needs. If the subsidized workplace is located away from the place of residence, the unemployed with disabilities may also receive mobility support. The aggregated statistical data show that 67% of the unemployed people with disabilities after participating in the event obtain permanent jobs.
To raise awareness on the needs of people with disabilities, SEA organizes their staff training on working with the target groups of the unemployed and advise the employers. For example, the ESF project "Subsidized work places for the unemployed” has entered into an agreement with Latvian organization for people with special needs “SUSTENTO” on consulting the employers. The agreement provides for group consultations to ensure that employers who set up subsidized jobs for people with disabilities receive information on the employment issues of the target groups of unemployed. Such consultations can be obtained by employers at any branch of SEA.
The employers, by employing unemployed persons with disabilities, receive a grant from the SEA for paying the salaries to the unemployed and the supervisors, as well as state social insurance contributions if the employer is an association or a foundation whose aim is to support persons with disabilities. Employers will also receive a one-time grant for the compulsory health examination costs specified in regulatory documents and one-off grant for purchasing devices, equipment and technical aids in order to adapt the workplace for the unemployed with disabilities.