Employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities remain limited, even though work brings personal and social benefits. On Saturday, the Jämsä Region Support Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities awarded local employers who actively support their inclusion in working life. This was the first time the recognition was given, and it went to S-market Jämsä and Elonen Oy. Both companies have long employed individuals with intellectual disabilities through the open employment model. This approach involves workplace-based activities organized by the Work Preparation Foundation Avitus under legal provisions. For employees, this means structured workdays split between the employer and Avitus, creating a balanced routine that supports both independence and professional engagement. Otto Virstajärvi and Tommi Tuomainen, who have worked at S-market for an extended period, say they enjoy their jobs. Virstajärvi works two days a week at the store and three days with Avitus. Tuomainen spends four weekdays at the shop and Fridays with Avitus. They describe this arrangement as offering welcome variety in their daily lives. Work provides them with a stronger sense of belonging and purpose, reinforcing that access to employment is fundamentally a matter of equality.
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