DISABLED people are being helped into employment through a new Gloucestershire County Council app.

The council’s Forwards employment team has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions and Prospect Training Services to develop the app to provide support on the move for people with disabilities.

Vikki Walters, employment commissioner in the Forwards team, said: “The new Forwards app is a perfect example of where we are trying new and innovative ways of engaging and supporting people, especially young people.

“The app provides on the move support so that people can access help when they need it from any location rather than waiting until they have access to a computer.”

The app is available to download for free for all smart phones.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for long term support, said: “We need to make sure that every child growing up in Gloucestershire has the opportunity to develop their skills to ensure they can achieve their future potential.

“New initiatives like the app make the support and advice they need far more accessible and appealing and in turn should help many more people with disabilities find the right job for them.

“I’m proud that we’ve already supported so many people with learning disabilities into employment and I look forward to seeing the difference this new app will make too.”

 

The council has increased the numbers of people with a learning disability in work from 6% to 19% over the past two years and is keen for other disabled people to benefit from this support.