FAQs
REFERRAL PORTAL
SkillSet Programmes
Find out what SkillSET Programme is most suitable for you or someone you know by using our referral portal.
SkillSET is an innovative project aimed at providing specialised employment preparation and training for targeted groups in Northern Ireland, particularly those with disabilities and/or health conditions. The project is a collaboration between seven regional and national disability organisations from the voluntary sector, all of which have extensive experience in supporting economically inactive individuals to secure sustainable employment.
SkillSET is a project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. You can find out more information about the UK Shared Propserity fund here
The primary focus of SkillSET is individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions who face multiple barriers to employment and are farthest from the job market.
The project follows a Supported Employment model, which includes referral, engagement and assessment, program delivery, and progression and follow-up support.
You can contact us directly the project directly or we can take referrals from a wide range of sources including Jobs and Benefits Personnel, Social Work Teams, Health Care Professionals, Careers Advisors, Schools, Training Providers and Families and Carers.
To find the right organistion for you. Use our Referral Guide here
To find the right organistion for you. Use our Referral Guide here
Participants are offered a range of activities, including accredited and non-accredited training, basic skills development, academy-based training, and employment preparation.
Activities will be dependent on which organisation suits your requirements. An Individualized Action Plan is created, taking into account your unique journey to employment.
Activities will be dependent on which organisation suits your requirements. An Individualized Action Plan is created, taking into account your unique journey to employment.
Yes. Ongoing support is provided, including in-work support and advice to employers on reasonable adjustments, as well as disability awareness training.
Employer engagement is crucial to the project’s success. SkillSET aims to build and expand employer networks, establish employer-led academies, and provide disability awareness training to workplaces.
You can find out more information about that here
You can find out more information about that here
The project is delivered by a partnership of seven specialist disability organizations, including Action Mental Health, AdaptNI, Cedar Foundation, Royal Mencap Society, NOW Group, Orchardville, and RNIB.
The project aims to address inequalities in employment for people with disabilities, reduce economic inactivity rates, minimize skills shortages, and improve labor mobility. It seeks to alleviate financial burdens, reduce reliance on social services, and contribute to social growth and inclusion.
These FAQs cover key aspects of the SkillSET project and should help provide more information to those interested in or affected by the initiative
These FAQs cover key aspects of the SkillSET project and should help provide more information to those interested in or affected by the initiative
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Glossary of terms
- Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication.
- Deaf
‘Deaf’ people mostly have profound hearing loss, which implies very little or no hearing. They often use sign language for communication.
- Hearing loss
A person is said to have hearing loss if they are not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing, meaning hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears.
- Tinnitus
Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. The noise you hear when you have tinnitus isn’t caused by an external sound, and other people usually can’t hear it.
- Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain.
- Physical disability
A physical disability is defined as a “limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina” that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on an individual’s ability to do normal daily activities. (Equality Act, 2010).
- Learning disability
Learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.
- Dual or Multiple Exceptionality
The term dual or multiple exceptionality (DME) is used in the UK to describe children who have both high learning potential and a special educational need through a learning difficulty or a disability.
- Neurodiverse Conditions
Neurodiverse Conditions can include Autism, ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
- Severely sight impaired
Generally, to be certified as severely sight impaired (blind), your sight must fall into one of the following categories, while wearing any glasses or contact lenses that you may need:
- Visual acuity of less than 3 / 60 with a full visual field.
- Visual acuity between 3 / 60 and 6 / 60 with a severe reduction of field of vision, such as tunnel vision.
- Visual acuity of 6 / 60 or above but with a very reduced field of vision, especially if a lot of sight is missing in the lower part of the field.
- Sight impaired
To be certified as sight impaired (partially sighted) your sight must fall into one of the following categories, while wearing any glasses or contact lenses that you may need:
- Visual acuity of 3 / 60 to 6 / 60 with a full field of vision.
- Visual acuity of between 6 / 60 and 6 / 24 with a moderate reduction of field of vision, cloudiness in parts of your eye, or your lens has been removed and not replaced with a lens implant
- Visual acuity of 6 / 18 or even better if a large part of your field of vision, for example a whole half of your vision, is missing or a lot of your peripheral vision is missing.
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Our Partners
The project is a collaboration between seven regional and national disability organisations from the voluntary sector.
Our Referral
Find out what SkillSET Programme is most suitable for you or someone you know by using our referral portal.
Contact Us
Have a question or want to contact us directly? Get in touch with SkillSET or some of our partners today.