Claire Cookson

CEO of @DFNSEARCH & @DFNFoundation
Helping young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions transition into the world of work!

[Claire Cookson @COOKSONDFN]

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.

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

👏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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🟠@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

👉 https://t.co/NNw9YrMpJu

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🤔What are you doing on Thursday?

🗣️Our CEO @COOKSONDFN will be speaking at @WholeSchoolSEND

Book your place today! https://t.co/4a0rqL92cW

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

"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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🟠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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

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
➡️ https://t.co/p11j9wOlmQ

🔵 Easy Read Guides on a variety of Mental Health topics including: 'What is mental health'
➡️ https://t.co/EKkgCHf9oX

🔵 Word-free picture stories from Books Beyond Words
➡️ https://t.co/Z2W2OcGGfq

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

💔 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: https://t.co/w48hvjxAEd

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

❌ 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 👇

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

😃 "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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

#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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🎉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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

😃 "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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🚧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.

https://t.co/arvUkOYLbT

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

⚠️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:
[email protected]

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🟠 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: https://t.co/BjbIZEcTGo

#DisabilityTwitter

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

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

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

🤔 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.

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

📺 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!

[DFN Project SEARCH HQ @dfnsearch]

👨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.