The Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC) Network on Disability has been successful in raising awareness in tapping into employers' sense of social responsibility and educating employers about the business case for hiring disabled workers. An EFC press release stated that the Network's steering committee, with the collaboration of Handicap International, will sponsor the production of six documentaries to depict the successful employment of disabled persons in member companies which total 32.
According to the EFC, companies like Sri Lankan Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank and Nestle have engaged in special awareness activities directed to employers and the general public on dispelling negative attitudes and promoting accessibility. Smaller employers such as I D Lanka and CEI Plastics have been leaders in integrating disabled persons into their workplaces, as well as some larger and multinational companies such as MAS Holdings and John Keells Holdings. The EFC stated that one of the significant realities that emerged from the many activities undertaken by the network was the need to broaden the scope of awareness not only among employers but also among the family members of disabled persons and the public at large.
Employment of people with disabilities remains a low priority.
The unemployment rate among them is a staggering 84%. According to national employment trends this figure will be even higher in rural areas. Many factors contribute to this, a lack of jobs in general, the often-low level of education and skills possessed by disabled persons and a lack of awareness of disabled persons' abilities, potential employers fear of employing disabled persons and the reluctance of families to send disabled children out into the society.
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