The OU community were given exclusive live access to the 'Disability employment conference - working together' online event, which took place on 18 July. If you missed the event a recording will appear here soon.
This conference is a unique opportunity for business and government to come together and identify the challenges that others are facing and provide innovative solutions to be able to tap into this underemployed pool of talent and reap the benefits that this can bring
Confirmed Speakers
- Ashok Vaswani CEO Barclays
- Sir Andrew Witty CEO Glaxo Smith Kline
- Secretary of State for Department for Work and Pensions RT Hon Iain Duncan Smith
- Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable
- Ruby McGregor Smith CEO MITIE
- Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyGroup
- David Abraham Channel 4
The conference will be co-hosted by the Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey and Frank Gardner, BBC and entertainment by Chicken Shed and Abnormally Funny People.
Find out more:
- Conference details and agenda
- Watch the webinar
- Getting ready for the webinar
To ensure you are ready to view the webinar online please make sure:
- You have the latest Adobe Flash Player installed. Download the latest version of Adobe Flash.
- Test your connection. A pop up window will appear displaying a motion graphic with accompanying music.
Comments
Hi,
will the conference be recorded as ill be at work when it's happened
Many Thanks
jen
The only way I can see to post a comment is in reply to yours, jen. (No one seems to have taken the trouble to answer your question.)
I have literally just seen the email, and it is all over. I'm quite cross, because I would have very much liked to be involved. This looks suspiciously like something to look good in the OU record, rather than a serious attempt to communicate with students. :(
Will have a watch & listen.
Been trying to get connected to this since 9 & no matter what I do I cannot connect, not so good!
Good Afternoon,
Will the conference be recorded, as I will be at work when it is taking place?
Jennifer
pity it is on this date as I have something else on so can not be at the computer any chance of repeating it.
I was really disappointed with the last minute invite. I only caught this conference very late ...c.14.00hours.
It was fascinating to see and hear about the Channel 4's input or rather, the outstanding commitment to 'making the right noises' towards people with disabilities and their passion/ desire to work. Afterall, I get so worked up when ordinary people just 'shun' people they deem different! It will be intersting to see how many people they employ or take on as work experiences, from toda? They may get an overwhelming response! I think I might need to get in touch with them myself!.I certainly felt they were the most sincere group - but I didn't see the previous speakers.I am managing majority of the tiome to cope with the ignorance of some people towards those with a physical or non-visual disability and I was disappointed with the response from Simon Minty and Susan Scott-Parker in relation to the woman, that spoke about her son with Asperger's Syndrome! Although, the lady from DWP said there had been a person - I believe she made a valid point in respect to there not being an inspirationl open example, of someone, that her son could have relate to.
I do hope and pray these conferences aren't done, as a tick box activity - to make the Government look good. We need to fully embrace this 'movemnt' and include the whole society of our people.
There are too many thoughts whizzing around my head, that I'm not sure if I am making sense, atm; but bear this in mind - this makes me even MORE DETERMINED to do what I need to do, in order to help, support all those people with disabilities that truly are, people first before anything else!
I am on a high with the prospects that there are a group of people prepared to make a difference.
I hope more advance notice is given, next time. I'd love to be there.
I agree with Catherine below, commenting from FB. Iain Duncan Smith's cuts and the bedroom tax is making life (and employment) more difficult for the disabled. I was surprised to see his name at first, however this will be right up his street - lots of patronising 'encouraging' the disabled to work. As if we need that, when many would love to work but can't. Besides, ATOS declares those people 'fit for work' anyway!
I don't think it appropriate that this Tory weighted conference be put forward as something to 'help' the disabled. They have no intention of helping the disabled gain suitable employment, if they did why would they seek to take away their mobility access? What does Esther McVey know about the disabled anyway?
I agree if he is trying to get disabled people into work why are they shutting down so many Remploy factories
Your are right Hazel, I myself they declare fit for work, I have a brain herniation which they're trying to fob off, it is affecting my memory and thinking ability, can't even walk properly at times. i am in constant pain, What do they hope to gain? Not everybody hates to work some just don't have a choice.
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