View the lived-experience panel post on Instagram
Speak To Me’s employment campaign
Ability
before disability.
Building a future where people with learning disabilities can succeed in employment based on their passion, talent and ability.
6%
Why 6%?
The name comes from a statistic that should make us stop.
In England, only 6% of working-age adults receiving long-term learning-disability support, whose employment status was recorded, were in paid employment in 2024–25.
That represents 6,365 people. The figure does not cover every person with a learning disability, and it should not be presented as the employment rate for the whole learning-disability population.
Official sourceDepartment of Health and Social Care, 2024–25What about 4.8%? The campaign was originally inspired by the 4.8% figure reported for 2021–22. The Government has since changed the collection method and says the newer data should not be directly compared with the older figure. The name remains 6% & Rising because the campaign is about pushing employment opportunities upwards—not pretending the work is finished.
Give us a seat
at the table.
The story
Employment should be based on what people can do.
6% & Rising is Speak To Me’s dedicated employment campaign. Rooted in Liverpool and driven by lived experience, it raises awareness of the barriers and opportunities facing disabled people in the world of work.
We shine a spotlight on the talent, skills and achievements of people with learning disabilities and additional needs who are already making valuable contributions to workplaces and communities.
Through real stories, media content, employer engagement and lived experience, the campaign challenges assumptions and promotes a better understanding of inclusive employment.
Lived experience“Talent is everywhere.
Opportunity is not.”
Real opportunity27March
2026
2026
From the original Speak To Me site
National Supported Internship Day
Speak To Me proudly supported National Supported Internship Day 2026: a UK-wide celebration of supported internships and the life-changing opportunities they can create for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Created by DFN Project SEARCH, the day raises awareness of supported internships as a practical, aspirational pathway into meaningful paid employment.
Learn about National Supported Internship DayPathways into work
There is more than one way into work.
The right route depends on the person’s age, goals, experience and support needs. These options can lead towards meaningful paid employment—and support should be built around the individual.
Supported internships
A structured, work-based study programme with a substantial workplace placement and support from an expert job coach. The main goal is progression into paid employment.
Supported employment
An evidence-based model focused on finding a real paid job, matching it to the person and providing ongoing support to the employee and employer.
Connect to Work
A supported-employment programme across England and Wales for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and others facing complex barriers. It can help people find work or stay in work.
Apprenticeships
A paid job combined with training and a qualification. Disabled apprentices can receive reasonable adjustments, learning support and, where eligible, Access to Work.
Direct employment
Some people are ready to apply directly for paid jobs. Employers must make reasonable adjustments, and support can include accessible recruitment, job carving, workplace adjustments or a job coach.
Training or self-employment
Further education and vocational courses can build job-specific skills. Self-employment can suit some people too, and Access to Work may provide disability-related support where its eligibility rules are met.
What the evidence says
Real work. The right support. High expectations.
Supported employment is evidence-based. BASE describes a five-stage model focused on real paid jobs, job matching and in-work support.
Supported internships are built around the workplace. Government guidance says their core aim is a substantial work placement supported by an expert job coach.
DFN Project SEARCH reports an average of 63% securing permanent paid roles. This is DFN’s own programme outcome, not a result for every supported internship provider.
Support can continue in paid work. Access to Work can fund practical support, specialist equipment, travel or communication support, depending on individual eligibility.
Support that can sit alongside any route
Check eligibility and applyAccess to Work
A government grant may help with practical disability-related support when starting, staying in or moving into work. It does not replace an employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Another way to search
Explore Disability ConfidentLook for Disability Confident employers.
Disability Confident is a government employer scheme with three levels: Committed, Employer and Leader. Look for the official Disability Confident badge on job adverts, then still ask what accessible recruitment, reasonable adjustments and practical support the employer actually provides.
The former “Two Ticks” symbol was replaced by Disability Confident. This guide explains the scheme; it does not claim that Speak To Me is an accredited employer.
Important: work experience and volunteering can build skills and confidence, but they should be a chosen stepping stone—not a permanent substitute for fair, paid employment.
“I have fears, but I have no fear when I stand up for what is right. I believe I can help others, and I am going to be the one who stands up for equality, justice and fairness.”
Harry Georgiou — Founder
Employers, educators and employment providers
Help make the number rise.
Share an employment story, work with the campaign or start a conversation about creating genuinely inclusive opportunities.