HI AGAIN, it’s Adam and William.

Hasn’t it been so cold and wet this week? These freezing nights have made us think even more about people who are homeless (see our column last week), and how they’re managing.

Also, thank you to everyone who commented about the article on the Dorset Echo website.

Your interest and thoughts got us thinking about how excluded groups, like the homeless or people like us who have disabilities, are viewed by others in society.

Take, for example, the workplace.

Both of us have part time jobs which we love and take pride in.

We see ourselves as the same as anyone else in society, better at some things than others, and definitely able to do lots of jobs well.

But did you know that hardly any people with learning disabilities are actually employed?

Even though people with learning disabilities account for two per cent of the population and that 65 per cent of adults with learning disabilities want to work, only seven per cent are actually employed.

We know many of our friends would like jobs but often the only jobs people can get are volunteering in a charity shop.

Why?

Like us, they are hard working, positive and good natured people.

But it’s so hard to get some employers to give you a chance.

It might be because sometimes we have to work a bit harder to get things done. Or that sometimes we need a little guidance. Isn’t that a good thing though, as it shows we`re keen and hard working?

For me, Adam, living with cerebral palsy means that one arm doesn’t function very well, so it takes a bit more energy to get some tasks done.

But that doesn’t stop me at all.

I have many other skills which don’t require me to use my arm.

For example, some people say I’m good at customer service. The thing is, I always do my best, whatever I’m doing.

And for me, William, my learning disability means I find it difficult to do some jobs, like the tills, but I’m really good at others like potting plants and watering.

The garden centre has taught me how to do jobs which help them, and I’m good at, so now I can get on with things.

I guess what we want to say is, if you’re an employer, and you’ve got a job vacancy, please think about employing someone with a disability.

l By William Parmiter and Adam Kelly, supported by the Friendship Club.

The Friendship Club supports adults with learning disabilities to attend events in the community, promoting friendships and inclusion.

It is part of charity People First Dorset.