UPDS Collaborates with Universities to Launch the Employment-First Policy & Practice Course

United Persons with Disabilities has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre (VCURRTC) and Kyambogo University Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation (FSNR) to offer the Employment First Policy and Practice course. This initiative is the first of its kind in Uganda and across Africa.

Worldwide, disparities in employment outcomes persist, with marginalized communities often facing disproportionate barriers. In Uganda, the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is almost 30% higher than that among those without disabilities (MGLSD, 2020).

In response to these challenges, the United Persons with Disabilities has partnered with VCURRTC and FSNR to launch the Employment-first policy and practice course. This initiative aims to foster greater inclusive and sustainable employment practices, particularly targeting low- and middle-income countries.

The course will explore the history and evolution of the Employment-First Policy in the United States, examining its development and impact, with the aim of considering its potential for adaptation and adoption in various contexts, such as Uganda.

The Employment-First course will be digitalized through KELMS – Kyambogo University E-Learning Management Systems to be completed from July to the end of December 2024 (6 months), for a total of 18 contact hours. It includes flexible self-guided online learning materials, presentations, live interactive sessions, and an end-of-course assignment. The course targets participants from low- and middle-income countries, including students, government and private sector employers, disability leaders, legal professionals, and anyone interested in disability employment. The course is offered free of charge. Enrollment for cohort 1 participants has been finalized, with a diverse cohort of 157 participants from 13 countries enrolled.

Upon completion, participants will receive certificates of completion. These certificates not only recognize individual achievements but also signify a collective step forward in reshaping the global employment landscape. Read more about the course here.