Laura Bladon is Regional Lead for DFN Project SEARCH, with responsibility for the development, growth and quality of programmes across the Midlands and East of England. She leads a team of Programme Specialists, supporting partnerships between employers, education providers and local authorities to deliver high-quality supported internship programmes that create meaningful employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and autistic young people.
Before joining DFN Project SEARCH, Laura built her career within the hospitality sector, where she championed inclusive recruitment practices and developed pathways into employment for people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals. This experience strengthened her commitment to creating accessible opportunities and breaking down barriers to work which eventually brought her to DFN Project SEARCH in 2022 after witnessing the positive effects our Supported Internships have on the young people and the wider community.