About project

PROJECT AIM

The “Stronger Together” project aims to inspire and support employers on their journey towards a more inclusive work environment – one where everyone, including people with intellectual disabilities or other special needs, has a place, an opportunity, and a meaningful role.

In today’s business landscape, diversity is becoming a significant value that promotes innovation, social responsibility, and sustainable development. However, society still faces a lack of knowledge, prejudice, and uncertainty when it comes to employing people with special needs. The “Stronger Together” project is a response to these challenges – it fosters understanding, breaks down barriers, and offers practical solutions to ensure that an inclusive workplace becomes the norm rather than the exception.

The project addresses several critical issues related to the employment of people with intellectual disabilities in the labour market:

• Low employment levels within this social group.
• Limited employer knowledge and concerns about the possibilities and benefits of inclusion.
• Low demand for employees from this group, despite their willingness and ability to work.
• Insufficient and inadequately adapted support in the field of employment services and promotion.

To address these challenges, the project:

• Develops anti-discrimination policy guidelines to support equal treatment and inclusion in the workplace;
• Introduces an innovative new service called “Employee as a Service”, providing practical support for both job seekers and employers;
• Raises awareness among the public and business community about people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting their abilities, potential, and contributions to the labour market.

The project’s overarching goal is to build a more inclusive and understanding work environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and realise their potential.

Project Partners

• Valmiera Development Agency, Latvia (Lead Partner)
• Coompanion Östergötland Ekonomisk Förening, Sweden
• Latvian Samaritan Association, Latvia

“Stronger Together” represents a pathway towards a society where everyone has the chance to be a valued part of the labour market – regardless of their abilities. Together, we can create a more open, courageous, and equal work environment.

MEMORANDUM on inclusive workspace

We have created the webspace for those who would like to join and to recognise the importance of an inclusive and equal working environment – and to take an active part in creating it. By signing the memorandum, the organisation affirms its readiness to help build a workplace where everyone has a place – regardless of abilities, background, or personal circumstances.

You can find the MEMORANDUM here: https://inclusiveworkspace.eu/en/stronger-together-en/

Real stories of inclusive employment

Discover success stories from the STRONGER TOGETHER project — from Latvia and from Sweden — showcasing how inclusive employment works in practice.

These videos share experiences of creating opportunities for people with special needs and building supportive workplaces. They highlight practical approaches to overcoming barriers, challenging stereotypes and helping employees contribute their skills.

Explore the stories below and find inspiration for a more inclusive workplace.

Success video stories from Latvia

Success video stories from Sweden

5 steps to a more inclusive workplace