“My advice for other people with SEND is to follow your dreams and passions. Through good and bad, do your best to continue through life.”

Those are the words of 21-year-old Ibraheem Malik, who works for Ealing Mencap.

Ibraheem, who wears a hearing aid, is a community connector for the ‘Our active community’ project, which helps people with learning disabilities to be more active.

We spoke to him as part of our series of interviews shining a spotlight on the employment experiences and successes of local young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their employers.

Ibraheem’s journey

Ibraheem started thinking about employment last year during his summer holidays. He was at college when he decided on taking part in a supported internship pathway with the University of West London and West London College, which is how he found out about the pathway.

Ibraheem’s job includes organising activities like football or basketball for people with learning disabilities. His role also involves hearing from people about what is going well, and how the activities can be improved for the future.

He said: “I’m very grateful to have a job, as it was quite difficult to find one. Before this, I applied for different types of jobs which I didn’t hear back about.

“I have definitely learned a lot in this role with support from good jobs coaches. I have also met a lot of new people. It’s a great experience because you are learning more about the job itself.”

Ibraheem added: “My employer has been very patient and has taken their time to explain things clearly. It’s a different form of learning where they let me go at my own speed. Everybody’s learning. It takes time, and you have to be patient.”

Hear it from hiring managers

Ibraheem’s supervisor, Kaylee Robinson, spoke about her experience working with people with SEND.

She said: “Our project is all about getting people with learning disabilities into sports and physical activity. It’s really good to have Ibraheem, who has lived experience, and can relate to the people that we’re working with to get these kinds of projects and ideas off the ground. Everything about the project is community led making sure that it’s co-produced with people with disabilities.”

When asked about the advice Kaylee would give to young people with SEND and employers thinking about these opportunities, she added: “I encourage young people with SEND to keep trying and be patient. Find those organisations that understand and support disabilities. You can ask for things that will help you.  

“My advice to other employers is to take the time to get to know the individual to find out what their strengths are. Go with those strengths and try to harness them. Learning about their personality and what works well for them is really important.”

Benefits for individuals and employers

Ealing Council leader, Peter Mason said: “Everyone should have the chance to find a job that’s right for them, which makes having these opportunities available for young people with special educational needs and disabilities so important. If you are a local employer and are thinking about how you could benefit your organisation and individuals looking for work, take advantage of the council support available by contacting us today.”

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Ibraheem is a great example of how there is a perfect role for everybody, and having the right attitude and perseverance can get you that job. We want to create good jobs for all our residents, including young people with special educational needs and disabilities. These opportunities don’t just benefit the individuals – they can have a huge positive impact on the hiring organisation too.”

Get involved

Are you an employer who can offer a role to someone like Ibraheem? If you have been inspired by his story, the council can help you recruit through an internship or apprenticeship pathway. The process makes it as straightforward as possible to get your journey started, and support will be provided to both you and your new recruits throughout. For more information, email buzuleacc@ealing.gov.uk

If you’re a young person with SEND looking to start your career, visit the Ealing Families Directory for information and guidance for young people, search vacancies on the Work Ealing website, or visit the West London Skills and Work Finder website for local training courses, careers events, and other available support to get into work.