VIAS are delighted to receive some thank you cards from people in our Triple E program!
Liam has come to our supported employment service looking for a job, which we helped him find in IKEA.
We thank Liam so much for his cards! It’s small gestures like this that mean the world to us!
VIAS were delighted to be part of the launch of our Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen Alumni network on 21 August. Attended by interns, graduates and friends, the BBQ in the University’s fabulous botanical gardens was a fabulous opportunity to take stock of everything achieved over the last 10 years.
This network will allow alumni and interns of the Project SEARCH programme to come together to keep in touch, share their progress in jobs and come together for social events.
We are honoured to be a part of the launch and we wish the Alumni Network the best of luck going forward!
A project which aims to increase the number of people with learning disabilities securing employment held its annual graduation ceremony at the University of Aberdeen last week. The event was particularly special as it represented the programme’s 10th anniversary of supporting young people in the North East of Scotland.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the class of 2022/23 who graduated from the DFN Project SEARCH programme – a collaborative project which provides real-life work experience, combined with training in employability and independent-living skills, to young people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions who want to go on to find paid employment.
George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, who presented the Interns with their graduation certificates, said: “We are delighted to have hosted this unique programme on our campus for 10 years. For everyone at the University, working with colleagues and interns on the DFN Project SEARCH initiative is a truly inspirational experience and the annual graduation ceremony is a time for celebration as we recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment of our interns. They are excellent role models for young people who are seeking to develop their independence and watching their progress this year has been extremely rewarding as they look to embark upon fulfilling careers.”
Neil Cowie, Principal, who represented North East Scotland College (where Interns are registered students), said: “North East Scotland College is privileged to be involved in Project SEARCH at the University of Aberdeen and to play an important part in the development of this fantastic group of young people. I know from talking to employers that these interns have made a significant contribution in their placements and I am confident they will take that same enthusiasm and energy into the world of work. I wish them every success in their futures“
The ceremony also included contributions from the Co-Chairs of VIAS, which holds the licence to operate the DFN Project SEARCH programme in Aberdeen. Norma Curran, Chief Executive, said: Everyone at VIAS is hugely proud of the achievements of this year’s interns. Their growth as individuals and as role models has been inspirational. We are excited to see their next steps and wish them all well for a bright future. We are grateful to our partners at DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen for making all of this possible for this inspirational group of young people”.
One of the highlights of the event was the premiere of a video collage, introduced by Cameron Barney and entitled “The Project SEARCH Year”, which was made by the Interns to showcase their progress and achievements during the programme. In closing the ceremony, Jason Cobb and Greg Mackay delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to all members of the team on behalf of the graduating Interns.
VIAS are excited to announce that we will be delivering an Easy Read Basics training course at our offices on the 11th of October!
This course will cover the basics of Easy Read, the most accessible writing format for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Don’t miss this chance to make your info accessible and try one of our award winning training courses! Get in touch to find out more!
VIAS are thrilled to announce that we have been re-accredited by ISO 9001 and keep our Quality Management Service up to their standards!
We pride ourselves on delivering quality, award-winning services to organisations looking to become more accommodating to people with learning disabilities and autism and, most importantly, supporting disabled people and empowering them to live the lives they want to live.
We would like to thanks ISO for their accreditation and look forward to building and accessible, inclusive future for all!
Values Into Action Scotland would like to welcome Courtney Norris our newest lead consultant into our Triple E program!
Courtney arrives with a wealth of knowledge and experience working in this sector for a number of years and has already added value to Triple E program.
We are all excited by Courtney’s appointment, using her obvious skills to assist and develop everyone with learning disabilities and or difficulties into long term gainful employment. Welcome Courtney!
VIAS are thrilled and honoured to receive Apt’s Provider of the Year award at the 2023 SUSE conference!
We are grateful to all the people at Apt and SUSE for this award and look forward to another year of helping people with learning disabilities and autism lead the lives they want!
Our job coach Tom Adams is moving on to new pastures as he spends his last day at VIAS today!
We are incredibly proud of the work he has done at VIAS and we wish him all the best in his new job as he moves on to his new venture!
Do you have the skills to coach people into great jobs? Do you want to help people with learning disabilities and autism? We’d love to hear from you!
Send your CV to joe.scott@viascotland.org.uk and let’s have a chat. We may have a job for you!
The Life I Want came together on Wednesday 8th February for their Health Workstream meeting at the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre.
They had a productive time discussing health checks for people with learning disabilities and autism, and how health services can be improved for disabled people.
We thank everyone who attended for coming along and can’t wait for the next meeting!