A program designed to include people with special needs on the job market is close to being put into practice. Brasscom, in partnership with the Data Processing Workers Union and the São Paulo State Data Processing Companies (SindPD), the Regional Department of Work and Employment (SRTE/SP), the São Paulo State Data Processing and Information Technology Service Company Union (Seprosp) and the Department for People with Special Needs and Reduced Mobility in the Municipality of São Paulo, has signed the Special Need Agreement. ?The project is intended get people with special needs onto the job market through physical rehabilitation, education and professional training?, says Sérgio Sgobbi, the director of Education and Training at Brasscom.

The result of a year of discussions, the agreement shall defend social rights to education, to health, and to work, providing technical training and qualifying professionals with special needs so that they can get onto the job market. ?The collective agreement is a very interesting step forward as besides strengthening the relationship between Brasscom, SindPD, Seprosp, SRTE/SP and the city hall, it boosts the representative bodies? engagement for the good of professional and social development of people with special needs?, says Luigi Nese, president of Seprosp.

The project, which is set to last five years, is designed to achieve 80% compliance in two years with the requirements of the ?Quotas Law? ? established by article 93 of the Federal Law nº 8.213, from 1991. However, this Law, which has for 18 years stipulated the inclusion of people with special needs on the job market, and established quotas for such workers in companies ? according to the total number of employees ? has never effectively been put into practice. Sgobbi says this is because there are countless job opportunities but very few people registered, either because of a lack of information or a lack of qualifications. ?The Agreement will help us get to these people, advising them about job opportunities, motivating them and getting them interested in the IT sector?, he says.

To achieve the declared aim, the program includes action and campaigns against discrimination and to encourage diversity, besides other initiatives focused on facilitating access to the market, providing information and professional training. ?This is a great step for the city of São Paulo and it will serve as an example for the entire country?, says Marcos Belizário, Municipal Secretary for People with Special Needs and Reduced Mobility.