Ann gets a job despite learning disability
IT’S A day her father Paul never thought he would see.
Ann Harrison’s new job cleaning the canteen at the huge new Siemens factory in Hull may seem unremarkable.
But the 19-year-old, who starts on Monday, is just the fourth student from the city’s Ganton Special School in the past 20 years to have gained paid employment.
Nationally just seven per cent of youngsters with learning disabilities get a job, despite more than 60 per cent wanting one.
The vast majority face the prospect of a lifetime of unemployment and reliance on carers.
Sam Chegwin, manager of Pathway Plus, which supports school leavers in Hull with special needs and disabilities to get ready for the world of work, said: “The whole system is set up to fail people with a disability.
“People with a learning disability, with autism, who maybe struggle with communication, aren’t going to pass an interview.
“They could be amazing at the job, but they don’t have the qualifications, skills, experience.
“They can’t just walk in and impress because they have a communications barrier.”
Mr Harrison, from North Bransholme, Hull, said he had been “surprised and shocked” to see his daughter get a job.
Until recently she would not go into a shop or get on a bus on her own, he said.
“If it weren’t for Pathway, the support from them and Ganton and if Siemens weren’t here I don’t think she would have this opportunity.
“She still needs support throughout her life but it will help towards being independent.”
Miss Harrison, who will start on ten hours a week with cleaning firm ISS, said she was nervous, but looking forward to using her pay to buy some jewellery.
She added: “It’s good to meet new people and to get along with them.”