Oxley-based campaigner Chloe was diagnosed with FASD when she was 7 years old. This hidden disability affects Chloe’s maths and memory skills, making it impossible for her to achieve GCSE in Maths.
Chloe left education keen to find work but was frustrated that advice from the job centre did not take account of her condition, and she was encouraged to apply for jobs with employers who required a maths qualification.
Having unsuccessfully applied for over 100 jobs she asked local MP, Jane Stevenson for help. Jane arranged a meeting with Tom Pursglove, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work so that Chloe could share her experiences. The Minister was impressed by Chloe’s work ethic and her suggestions that work coaches and employers focus on disabled people’s skills and abilities rather than their limitations.
Commenting, Jane said:
“I want to congratulate Chloe for her determined campaign to speak up for those with FASD and other hidden disabilities. Every job seeker should receive advice tailored to their needs, and in Chloe’s case this hasn’t happened.
Chloe did a fantastic job explaining her experiences to the Minister. I want to thank Minister Tom Pursglove for meeting us, and for agreeing to monitor Chloe’s case so we can help her into work and improve services for all disabled jobseekers.”
Commenting, Chloe Lambert said:
“It is unfair that people like me who really want to work are being discriminated against when we have lots of skills to offer. I have a real passion for working with young children but am not being given an opportunity to do so.
People must be made aware of different types of hidden disabilities. Employers should consider what people with hidden disabilities can do to the best of their ability rather than focusing on what they can’t do.
I think that there needs to be a work scheme like the old Youth Training Scheme (YTS) that will allow people with hidden disabilities the opportunity to learn a job without the need for qualifications and be paid at the same time. We need better support for disabled employees.”
