Hampden talent search

By showcasing their abilities they'll challenge high unemployment rates in young people with learning difficulties and autism.

That's the hope of the conference organisers — Values into Action Scotland, the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability and Enable Scotland, Ken Barr (pictured right) from Clarkston, has dyscalculia, a numeric learning disability, and is looking for a job while volunteering to help the disabled community.

He's also been involved with VIAS for a year and is a member of the event steering group.

The 22-year-old told The Extra: "I got involved with the charity because it's doing such a good job for young people like me by trying to help them into work.

"The conference is great because it lets employers know that they should be providing opportunities for us".

Mr Barr is looking forward to Young Scotland's Got Talent, and will take part in music workshops on the day.

He hopes this involvement will also lead him towards a worthwhile career path.Ken added: "I'd like to work for a

charity because I choose to see the good in others and I like seeing more opportunities for people like myself".

In Scotland 82 per cent of people with learning difficulties are unemployed.

Ken's response?: "I want employers to accept people for who they are and see the skills before the disability. There are many young people who want to work.

"We just need some help and advice about finding and keeping a job".

The Young Scotland's Got Talent conference at Hampden on June 9 is free to attend. As well as young people, all parents, educationalists, carers and social workers are welcome.

To book a place, call Christine or Fiona on 418 5420 or visit www.scld.org.uk.

To young people like himself, Ken Barr advises: "Come along and see what's what. Try new things and if it's not your cup of tea then try something else.There's something out there to suit everyone".