SEEPH: Ortec’s unwavering commitment

From November 18 to 22, 2024, the Ortec Group will participate in the European Disability Employment Week (SEEPH) to raise awareness and involve its employees in discussions about disability in the workplace. Several activities are planned as part of the program, building on nearly 30 years of commitment to inclusion through Ortec’s dedicated Mission Handicap initiative.

“Inclusion and professional development of people with disabilities are strong and enduring commitments of our Group. It is a unifying project that drives both performance and social innovation within our company,” says André Einaudi, Chairman and CEO of Ortec.

Raising awareness about disability in the workplace

This year, SEEPH began with an inspiring conference at Ortec’s headquarters in Aix-en-Provence, featuring Eric Dargent, a Para Surfing World Champion, who shared his personal experiences with disability.

Additionally, the 21 Rêves association was invited to promote actions that enhance the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome by fostering their professional and social inclusion.

Ortec is also participating in DuoDay 2024, an international initiative that pairs individuals with disabilities with employers, giving them an opportunity to explore work environments firsthand.

A campaign to collect used office supplies was also organized in each branch and at head office, with proceeds supporting research on neurofibromatoses—severe and rare genetic disorders.

Finally, a drawing contest open to all employees and their children was held on the theme “Drawing Disability.”

Mission Handicap: a year-round commitment

The activities organized during SEEPH reflect Ortec’s ongoing commitment embodied by Mission Handicap, which leads initiatives to ensure employment sustainability for individuals with disabilities. Year-round efforts include:

• Open-door events for young people with disabilities to showcase Ortec’s career opportunities and share a passion for the industry.
• Coaching sessions led by Ortec employees to help prepare candidates for job interviews and provide information on support schemes for disabled workers.
• Participation in recruitment events specifically targeting candidates with disabilities.
• Partnerships with ESATs (Sheltered Work Environments) like Les Étangs, which provides vehicle cleaning services following training financed by the Ortec Group, in order to promote skills development and broaden the ESAT’s range of services.

Testimonials from Ortec employees

Eric, Rodolphe, Thomas, Thierry and Anthony are Ortec employees. They explain what it’s like to work with a disability within the Group, and the measures in place to help them.

Eric Michel – Ortec Industrie: “I know it’s not easy to work with someone who has a disability. But my colleagues are there for me. They treat everything as normal.”

Rodolphe Schittly – SOM Calcul: “When disability arrives when you’re 23, a lot of things fall apart… You have to start over from scratch. Work is part of that process. I’ve been trusted and I’ve put my heart back into it. Today, I manage a team of 50 people.”

Thomas Nour – SOM Méditerranée: “I didn’t disclose it during hiring. But then I realized that I needed help. I mentioned it to my managers. They understood right away and advised me to contact Mission Handicap.

 

For more information, contact: mission.handicap@ortec.fr