“ErgAxia”: Inclusive Supported Employment in the Open Labor Market
SOCIETY
ASSOCIATIONS: 36 PRACTICES
TOPIC:
Initiative
SUBMITTED FROM:
Objective Action
The Supported Employment Service “ErgAxia” of the Theotokos Foundation is a comprehensive and long-standing initiative that promotes the equal inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders into the open labor market.
Since 1996, the service has supported the placement of 250 individuals in 240 different job positions, maintaining long-term continuity and consistency. Currently, 81 employees are being actively supported in collaboration with their respective employers.
The process is personalized and follows a structured, step-by-step approach:
it begins with the expression of interest by the individual and their family;
it continues with the creation of a professional profile, job analysis, matching, and supported placement;
and it extends to ongoing support and supervision of both the employee and the employer.
The service focuses not only on the individual with a disability but also on preparing and guiding the work environment, creating the appropriate conditions for meaningful inclusion. Support is provided for as long as the employment relationship lasts, without time limitations.
Target Audience
The program targets individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders who express the desire to join the open labor market, as well as their families, who actively participate in the process. At the same time, it involves businesses, employers, partner organizations, and professionals, aiming to create an inclusive working environment.
Duration
The initiative has been implemented continuously since 1996 without interruption. It is an established service of the Foundation, with prospects for expansion and further strengthening in the coming years.
Description
The “ErgAxia” Supported Employment Service was designed with the goal of promoting the equal inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders in the open labor market, under meaningful conditions of inclusion and job retention.
The program is based on the Supported Employment model and includes all stages of a comprehensive process: from the expression of interest and creation of a professional profile, to job search, workplace preparation, supported placement, and ongoing monitoring.
A key feature of the program is that support is provided continuously and simultaneously on two levels: both to the employee and to the employer and coworkers. The approach is fully individualized and developed in collaboration with the family and all involved professionals.
ErgAxia goes beyond job placement — it serves as a bridge to sustainable employment, strengthening the autonomy, dignity, and voice of the beneficiaries. Since 1996, it has supported the job inclusion of 250 individuals in 240 positions, with 81 employees currently receiving ongoing support.
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Impact on Society
Since its inception, the ErgAxia service has supported the placement of 250 individuals in 240 different positions in the private sector, with respect for each person’s abilities, preferences, and individuality. Today, 81 employees with developmental disabilities are actively supported in their workplaces through ongoing collaboration with employers and coworkers.
Participation in ErgAxia helps strengthen the self-esteem, independence, and social inclusion of the employees. At the same time, the program empowers employers to adopt inclusive practices and foster a positive work environment.
In many cases, job retention exceeds 10 years, confirming both the effectiveness and sustainability of the model. Notably, the majority of employers maintain long-term collaboration with the service and often request support for new placements.
Initiative Location
The initiative is implemented in the Attica region, based in Ilion, where the Theotokos Foundation is located, and extends to collaborating workplaces across the metropolitan area, depending on each beneficiary’s job placement.
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Working with Organization
The ErgAxia program collaborates closely with the European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR), ensuring continuous networking and alignment with European standards of rehabilitation and inclusion. At the same time, it has developed a network of corporate partners—businesses across Greece that employ our beneficiaries, with shared support for each job placement. Additionally, it participates in European projects through Erasmus+ (e.g., InDiCo, Superpower to Defend Nature), further enhancing the sustainability and synergy of inclusive employment practices.
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Workers Participation
ErgAxia is implemented by specialized Job Coaches of the Foundation, who work closely with the educational and scientific staff to develop each individual’s professional profile and support their transition into employment. In addition, staff members from other departments are involved as needed, depending on the specific requirements of each beneficiary. Within the collaborating companies, the active participation of employers and coworkers plays a crucial role in the success of each placement.
While volunteer involvement is not a regular component of the service, when it does occur, it supports outreach activities and skill-building initiatives in a complementary way.
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Benefits for Οrganization
The ErgAxia service has significantly strengthened the role of the Theotokos Foundation as a reference organization in the field of vocational rehabilitation for individuals with developmental disabilities in Greece. The long-standing and evidence-based application of the Supported Employment model has enhanced the Foundation’s outreach, the trust of its partners, and its networking with key stakeholders in Greece and abroad.
The Foundation has established stable collaborations with more than 150 employers and actively participates in European networks (such as the EPR – European Platform for Rehabilitation), gaining access to innovative practices and funding opportunities.
ErgAxia also serves as a model service internally, cultivating a culture of inclusion among staff and promoting the full utilization of each beneficiary’s potential.
Connection with Global Goals
