DFN Project SEARCH gets funding boost from The Robertson Trust

More young adults across Scotland with a learning disability, autism spectrum condition, or both will successfully transition from education into paid employment thanks to DFN Project SEARCH, supported by The Robertson Trust.

Latest employment figures highlight the shocking reality that only 4.1% of people with ASN in Scotland secure paid employment, compared to 80% of their peers.^[1] That means an astonishing 95% will be forced to live a lifetime on benefits.

£250k of funding, from The Robertson Trust, will enable DFN Project SEARCH to expand its pioneering programme across Scotland with 12 new supported internship sites to be established over the next five years under the guidance of a newly appointed programme specialist Courtney Bruner, who brings with her extensive experience in education having developed curriculums and policies that primarily focus on inclusivity.

Courtney Bruner, DFN Project SEARCH Programme Specialist for Scotland, said: “It is imperative that we broaden the reach of our supported internship offer in Scotland to significantly improve life outcomes for our young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions across the country and to create a more inclusive Scotland for all.”

As a result of this valuable funding, DFN Project SEARCH will not only set up more supported internships but provide essential additional support to their existing 17 Scottish programmes, with the intention of bringing their supported internships together as a collective pushing ASN standards up across the country.  The funding will also pave the way for an influx of new organisations to engage with the DFN Project SEARCH, sparking increased opportunities for young adults with ASN.

 

You read the full article about the funding boost from The Robertson Trust here.

 

[1] Of young people known to local authorities.