Habilitation, vocational training and sheltered employment

Habilitation, vocational training and sheltered employment are intended to provide the disabled with training and support in order to increase their ability to work and participate in daily life or in the general labour market.

Habilitation means employment and social training in order to reduce the effects of the disability and increase the ability to work and participate in daily life. The focus is on training which maintains and increases working strength, independent work practices and social skills.

There are two habilitation centres operated in Kópavogur, managed by Líney Óladóttir:

  • Dalvegur Habilitation Centre, Tel. 564 5300
  • Fannborg Habilitation Centre, Tel. 554 7575

Vocational training

Vocational training is a temporary measure and is intended to increase the ability to undertake work in the general labour market. Vocational training mimics working conditions and requirements that may be expected in the general labour market. Applications may also be made for work testing which assesses what type of work is suitable in light of capability, field of interest and job options.

  • Örvi -  Kristján Valdimarsson, tel. 554 3277

 

Employment with support

Employment with support involves support of persons with reduced work capacity due to disability. They receive assistance in finding suitable work on the general labour market and support to undertake such work.

Employment with support is operated by the Directorate of Labour for the Greater Reykjavík area, Kringlan 1, 105 Reykjavík. Tel. 515-4850. Further information may be found here

Sheltered employment

Disabled persons can apply for a job in a sheltered workplace. In addition, legislation provides for the availability of employment with support in the general labour market.

Sheltered workplaces are intended:

  • to provide the disabled with paid vocational training so that they become more capable to work in the general labour market;
  • to provide the disabled with permanent jobs.

The work is paid in accordance with a special collective wage agreement based on an agreement between the Icelandic Confederation of Labour and Hlutverk – samtaka um vinnu og verkþjálfun (Hlutverk – Association for Work and Training).

Last updated 11. February 2019