“We started out as a family business in 1980. We began with just one ambulance, and the company started to grow when we secured contracts with hospitals and health insurance companies. Then, in 2006, we were taken over by another company. Now, our remit has expanded. We transport lab samples. We also provide ambulance services and drive doctors to patients in the evenings and at weekends.”

“Our cooperation with the service provider for people with disabilities began with a phone call from their mediator, Dragana. She contacted us in response to an open vacancy. The first time she came to visit us, she came alone, without a candidate. She said that this way she could get a feel for our expectations and the atmosphere in our company. Armed with this information, she then searched for a suitable candidate. Jan, the candidate she found, came with Dragana for an interview.”

“We considered Jan to be a quiet person, which is a necessary quality for the role of driver. He matched the criteria well, so we decided to hire him immediately. There was no question of starting with an internship or any other subsidised trial for us. The vacancy had been open for some time and we just jumped at the opportunity. Jan was paid immediately. Like everyone who starts with us, he received a three-month contract, followed by a six-month contract, and then an open-ended contract.”

“Jan received special treatment. He received an illness-related allowance. This enabled him to start working part-time while still receiving pay and benefits. Under this system, we do not have to pay wages when Jan is off sick. We were familiar with this system, though we had not used it often. I would say it’s not a very flexible system. Every change must be applied for in advance, which takes time. When I sent in a request, it was refused by the doctor in charge. This made things difficult for us, but fortunately Jan explained to the doctor why this application was necessary, and the doctor changed his mind. For Jan, this system creates the possibility of working fewer hours, given his vulnerability, while still earning enough money. I receive a subsidy for him, but that was certainly not the reason to hire him — the salary was already budgeted for.”

“Jan started out as a driver for doctors at one of the waiting posts. He works alone, without a supervisor, as is often the case in our company. Open communication with my staff is therefore important; I pay a lot of attention to this. I have the feeling that I succeed in this. Also, when I look at my staff, I see that they have worked for my company for a long time and rarely leave. We are growing and need extra people all the time.”

“I see my service provider as a valuable partner. I highly value the fact that we work together. Every potential candidate is given the opportunity to attend an interview. We don’t hire them all, but I can really see why they thought these candidates would be a good fit for my company. This is often more about personality and motivation than experience and knowledge.”

“I found the open and transparent communication during the interview particularly interesting. The positive points of candidates were discussed, as were the negative points. In my opinion, if you only rely on spontaneous applications, you will have an inaccurate picture of the candidates. Jan also told me later how much he appreciated Dragana’s presence during the interview. She was able to assess how well my requirements matched Jan’s qualities. Jan finds it more difficult to talk about and explain his experiences.”

“Jan doesn’t need any adaptations. What he does need is the assurance that someone will be available when he needs support or has questions. I am confident that his colleagues will flag any difficulties more quickly because the climate is already open. There is also the support of the service provider’s mediator. We receive additional guidance for Jan, and the service provider’s mediators are always available when needed. Jan has worked at our company for two years, and they are still available. For me, this means I have fewer worries, and his chances of long-term employment increase. I would certainly do it again and be open to hiring a person with a disability when there is a vacancy.”