The delegate for Economy, Innovation, and Finance, Engracia Hidalgo, presented the results of the ‘Personalized Employment’ project, an initiative aimed at highlighting the success of an integration model for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the regular job market. The project, managed by the Madrid Employment Agency and coordinated by Plena Inclusión Madrid, was described by the delegate as a "paradigm shift" in social and labor inclusion policies for people with disabilities.
The implemented methodology focuses on personalized employment, structured in four phases: individual discovery of needs and interests, joint planning of the pathway, negotiation with companies, and continuous on-the-job support. This program, which began in 2024 and spans 20 months, has been rolled out across the capital's 21 districts.
“"This comprehensive methodology marks a turning point in labor insertion in the city of Madrid, as traditionally this segment of the active population only found employment opportunities within special employment centers."
Project data indicates that out of 202 participants, the majority are men (123) and young people (66.3% aged 18-30). 84.58% were born in Spain, and all met the requirements of an intellectual disability certificate of 33% or higher, residency in Madrid, and registration as job seekers.
Of the 102 individuals referred to the active job search phases, 88 had effective interviews (an 86.2% maturation rate), and 63 signed employment contracts, representing a 60.8% insertion success rate. The territorial intervention covered all 21 districts, with Puente de Vallecas, Fuencarral-El Pardo, and Hortaleza among those with the highest participant percentages.
On the corporate level, 212 negotiation and awareness actions were carried out with companies, achieving one effective hire for every 3.4 companies contacted. The Madrid City Council's Employment Agency allocated nearly one million euros to this project over two years.
The results exceeded initial forecasts, which anticipated improving the employability of 189 people, facilitating 82 job interviews, and achieving 43 placements in ordinary companies. Ultimately, the project involved 45% more participants, contacted more than double the planned number of companies, and secured 63 job placements, a 62% increase over projections.
“"With these extraordinary results, the Madrid City Council reaffirms its role as a driver of social cohesion and a key ally of the Third Sector in the capital."
Hidalgo concluded by stating that the success of the implemented methodology consolidates a city model that prioritizes equal opportunities and real inclusion in the ordinary labor market.
