ARISE Project Work Package 2
Pedagogical Framework
Module 3: Self-Care
Latvijas autisma apvienība, Latvia
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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| Module Title | Module 3: Self-care |
|---|---|
| Learning Objectives | Module 3 aims to:
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| Learning Outcomes | Through Module 3, learners will be able to:
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1. Introduction
People with different types of disabilities often face additional daily challenges in maintaining their mental and physical well-being. Therefore, self-care represents a fundamental component of daily life, where meaningful engagement in safe and appropriate environments can also be considered part of self-care itself. As highlighted by international research, decent work supports good mental health by providing a livelihood, a sense of confidence, purpose and achievement, opportunities for positive relationships and social inclusion, as well as structured routines and stability in daily life.
For people with disabilities, access to appropriate employment significantly enhances self-confidence, fosters social inclusion, and improves overall social functioning. Countries are therefore encouraged to strengthen the skills and employability of individuals facing health-related challenges and to support them in obtaining and maintaining quality employment opportunities.
However, the entire employment cycle - from job search to workplace participation - is associated with multiple challenges. These include increased levels of stress and anxiety, the need for self-discipline and organisational skills, as well as the ability to advocate for one’s own rights. As a result, individuals with disabilities may face a higher risk of experiencing mental health-related challenges such as burnout, insomnia, and anxiety. To successfully navigate this process, job seekers need to recognise the importance of self-care, be provided with appropriate coping strategies, and integrate these strategies into their daily lives.
Evidence also shows that people with health conditions are more likely to experience barriers to employment and workplace inequality. It is therefore essential to equip job seekers with appropriate tools to maintain motivation throughout the job search process. In addition, once employment is secured, both employees and employers must be informed about inclusive workplace principles, including zero-tolerance policies towards abuse, harassment and discrimination, as well as awareness of employee rights. Only under these conditions can a healthy and sustainable employment cycle for people with disabilities be achieved.
To further support individuals in managing these challenges and maintaining their well-being throughout the employability process, modern digital solutions offer valuable assistance. Artificial intelligence also plays an increasingly significant role in self-care during the job search process. AI-based tools can support candidates with CV preparation, interview training, and job matching, while also improving self-management by increasing organisation, reducing cognitive load, enhancing perceived control, and lowering the risk of burnout during employability processes. However, it is also important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of AI technologies, as they may simultaneously introduce new stressors such as algorithmic evaluation, uncertainty, and increased competition. This dual impact highlights the growing importance of self-care and resilience strategies within digital employability contexts, particularly for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities.