Everyone deserves the chance to work: to earn money, have a purpose, and be proud of what they do. But for too many adults with a learning disability and autistic adults, that chance is still out of reach.

In London, only 5% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work (ONS). For autistic adults, it’s just 30% (Buckland Review of Autism Employment, 2024). Compare that to around 80% of non-disabled people, and it’s clear there’s still a long way to go.

Yet, according to a Mencap survey, 86% of people with a learning disability who aren’t currently in paid work, want a job. Sadly, barriers such as limited opportunities, negative attitudes, communication challenges, and a lack of understanding about what disabled people can do with the right support, too often get in the way.

We’re changing that

At Share, we’re tackling employment inequality, empowering adults with a learning disability and autistic adults to:

* Build confidence and job skills

* Gain work experience

* Connect with supported employment specialists

* Connect with inclusive employers

* Thrive in meaningful, lasting employment

Daniel’s story

Meet Daniel: he's 24, loves music and playing guitar. Like many young people, he dreamed of having a job, one that matched his passions and gave him independence.

Through our Steps into Employment programme, Daniel was supported by our partners at Status Employment to gain experience in a local record store in Brixton. He quickly impressed the team and was soon offered a paid position.

Now, Daniel earns his own money, enjoys his work, and feels proud of what he’s achieved. His story shows what’s possible when someone believes in your potential, and when the right support is in place.

And he’s not alone. This year five of our students secured work at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, having built up their skills in our café and garden centre social enterprises, and in our Steps course.

Your donation can change lives

Our goal is to raise £5,000 — enough to fund one student’s place on our Steps into Employment programme for an entire year.

Every person deserves the chance to work, earn, and feel proud of what they do. Your donation, however big or small, will help more people like Daniel to find a job.

💙 Donate today and help adults with a learning disability and autistic adults into work.

Anything we raise over our target will fund our charity’s other projects supporting adults with a learning disability and autistic adults.

Thank you!

PS: Daniel's amazing film at the top of this page was created by talented filmmakers from The Media Trust (and with the generous support of the Santander Foundation), who worked closely with Daniel to help him tell his story in a truly authentic and inspiring way.