That the Parliament recognises the 10th anniversary of DFN Project SEARCH at the University of Aberdeen, which began at the University in 2013 and supports 16- to 24-year-olds with learning disabilities and autism into paid employment; understands that 68% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates are now in employment, nearly 10 times higher than the average employment rate for individuals with learning disabilities and autism; further understands that over 800 hours of paid work experience have been gained by past project interns; urges the Scottish Government to extend support to young people with learning disabilities and autism seeking to gain employability experience; commends the work of DFN Project SEARCH in preparing young people for employment and improving outcomes for young people with learning disabilities and autism, and wishes DFN Project SEARCH, along with past and future project interns, the very best for the future.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Finlay Carson, Graeme Dey, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Maurice Golden, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Ruth Maguire, Roz McCall, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba, Annie Wells, Tess White, Martin Whitfield, Brian Whittle