PWDs demand equal internship opportunities

Persons with Disability (PWDs) have asked employers both in the private and public sector to start providing internship placements in their organizations for students with different disabilities.

They reason that by so doing, these students will not only gain confidence in themselves but will also acquire skills necessary for the job market in their respective areas of specialty.

The call was made by Deborah Oyuu Lyute, programme officer, National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU).

This was during the stakeholders' breakfast meeting to promote employment of PWDs in Uganda held at Golf Course in Kampala today.

"PWDs make good, dependable employees, they represent an untapped source of skills and talent, including technical skills if they have access to training and transferable problem-solving skills," she said

Other common problems she highlighted that hinder persons with disability from getting jobs include; limited skills and low education levels for most of persons with disability, low-self-esteem and self-confidence resulting from discrimination from some members of society, poor accessibility and lack of reasonable accommodation in the work place, as well as poor implementation of employment laws.

She however noted that due to society's poor perceptions and negative attitude towards persons with disability, students with disability are usually denied internship opportunities by many employers.

"PWDs have potential and hiring them can contribute to the overall diversity, creativity and workplace morale and enhance a company's image among its staff, community and customers," she said.

"Just like other students, students with disabilities need to be mentored, trained to acquire skills and confidence needed in the work places. We plead with employers in different organizations to provide internship placements for students with disability to equip them with skills and prepare them for the world of work," she added.

Edton Babu, project director, World Education-Bantwana said internship for students with disability is an entry point into the job market.

He said when such students are provided with internship placements, they are able to showcase their capabilities, and after internship, they can be retained.