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Advocacy has always been a high priority in Ability@Work. We believe our participants are the people who should have the real say about the running of this programme. In January 2020, we dedicated the first week of Job Clubs to finding out what each individual thought of Ability@Work so far. In partnership with the people we support, and following on from these Job Clubs, we came up with the concept of the ‘Ability Board’. The Ability Board is a board of management style structure made up entirely of the people we support. Staff are only involved to support the board of management as needed. Some of our participants began a campaign trail at the end of January 2020 for a place on this board. Each and every one of them made powerful speeches about the barriers people with different abilities face when finding employment. They highlighted the struggles they face every day because of their individual disabilities.

On the 5th of March 2020 we held the official elections in a venue in Cork City. There was a huge turnout and everyone cast a democratic vote to elect a President, a Vice President and a Chair Person of the very first Ability Board. Since then, the Ability Board have gradually expanded to include 8 more committee members. This newly elected Ability Board are preparing to be the voices for people with disabilities in Ireland.

Ability@Work and the Ability Board were selected to feature in of one the documentaries in #ZeroCon21- "Promoting employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in Africa, Asia and Latin America; Supported employment services for people with intellectual disabilities". This year’s Zero Project conference – #ZeroCon21, took place on February 10th-12 th– It showcased the global network (184+ countries) of change makers over three distinct TV channels for Zero Project-WebTV.

Craig Kelly, the President of the Ability Board was asked to do an interview with The Journal.ie. This was published on the 25th of July 2020.

In this interview Craig highlights the difficulties people with disabilities face in the labour market with particular emphasis on the impact of COVID-19. The link for this article is linked in Media Publications.

Following on from this article Craig was asked to speak at 2 radio stations. One was with Corks 96fm and one was with CRC FM Mayo.

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Ability Board / AONTAS National Campaign "Nothing About Us, Without Us"

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Ability Board / AONTAS National Campaign "Nothing About Us, Without Us"

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The Ability Board have recently teamed up with AONTAS in the ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ national campaign. This campaign advocates for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in education and employment. Below is the link for their promotional video on the AONTAS Facebook page.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Ability@Work | 265 followers on LinkedIn. We aim to bring young people with intellectual disabilities closer to the labour market. | Cope Foundation's Ability@Work programme is a dedicated supported employment service which aims to bring young people with intellectual disabilities and /or autism closer to the labour market.

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President of the Ability Board Craig Kelly speaks about how the Covid 19 pandemic has effected him.

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President of the Ability Board Craig Kelly speaks about how the Covid 19 pandemic has effected him.

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Opinion: Government needs to give people of all abilities a chance on the job market

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Advocate Craig Kelly writes about how Covid-19 will make a hard situation worse for people with disabilities trying to find a job.

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Write up about two of Ability@Work participants Thomas and Amy and how they found their dream jobs. 

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Write up about two of Ability@Work participants Thomas and Amy and how they found their dream jobs. 

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WITH his ready smile and good looks, as well as his obliging manner, it's no wonder people enjoy going shopping at Lidl in Ballyvolane where Thomas Meade is eager to welcome them.

He had good reason to smile the day I met him.

"Thomas got his first pay cheque in the door!" says proud mum of two, Olga, from Cobh.

Olga is so proud of Thomas, who recently turned 21. He received a diagnosis of autism 19 years ago and is supported by the Cope Foundation and by his job coach, Daragh Forde.

Thomas is taking part in Abilty@Work - a specialist employment service linking employers and people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. The programme assists job-seekers at key transition points between education, training and employment.

Daragh is proud of Thomas too.

"Thomas always loved supermarkets!" he says. "He was always diligent in the shops, putting products back in order, stacking them the right way on the shelves where they belonged. He's a natural!"

Thomas Meade at work in Lidl Ballyvolane.

Daragh encouraged Thomas's employment prospects using the 5-stage Supported Employment Model; Client Engagement, Vocational Profiling, Job Finding, Employer Engagement and On and Off the Job Support.

"We match the person, aged between 18 and 29, who are supported by Cope Foundation, to the job," says Daragh.

"Job Clubs provide the training to assist people ready for work, to develop skills like form-filling and interview skills which they can then use to find jobs."

The idea that autism can sometimes entail strength and talents as much as difficulties is slowly gaining ground.

The sense of progress is obvious, especially among Cork employers like Lidl, The Mater Private Hospital Mahon, Dukes Coffee Company, Sodexo, and Café Vélo, who benefit from disability awareness training for their staff while gaining a greater insight and understanding around disability.

Thomas became a team player at Lidl in Ballyvolane from day one.

"From the first day he went to work shadowing another Lidl employee, learning the ropes; they loved him," says Daragh.

"Everyone was impressed with his skills."

Olga, who always knew her son's talents and the extent of his potential, never envisaged him earning a living.

"Five or ten years ago, I'd never have envisaged Thomas in paid employment," she says.

"Personally, I could not believe that would happen. I was dumb-founded!

"The rewards are massive. Having a bit of independence is a big thing, his involvement in society in general as a valued individual makes us really happy.

"Now, with the Ability@Work initiative, other parents who have children on the autism spectrum have a glimmer of hope and they can look forward to job opportunities for their children too.

"It is about breaking down barriers; seeing the ability not the disability," says Olga.

"It's about having a purpose in life."

What does the man himself think of his great achievement securing employment?

"I am so happy!" he says, beaming.

Olga reflects back to the time of her son's diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the numerous assessments.

"That time invokes an automatic physical churn in my stomach, tightness in my chest and acceleration of my heartbeat as if it were only yesterday," says Olga.

"It was 19 years ago. The dreaded word 'referral' was mentioned and swiftly followed by the terrifying 'autism' word.

"But we could not avoid the inevitable. Contentment comes from the ease and flexibility with which we move through."

Olga and her husband, Tom, moved through the motions to support their son as best they could.

"It was constant advocacy, fighting for services," says Olga.

Every mother who has a son understands the bitter-sweet transition from boy to man.

"I felt a sadness as I witnessed him grow physically from a gangly pre-teen to a very handsome young man," says Olga.

"He has gone from looking up to me, to towering over me whilst giving me a hug, my head now resting on his chest, just as his rested on mine yesterday. Thomas is very affectionate."

Thomas Meade with manager of Lidl Ballyvolane Seamus Hogan.

Mother and son share a rare bond.

"His best days are my best days - his worst days are my worst days!"

Olga never knew there would be days like this.

"The excitement when his first pay cheque came in the post! We couldn't believe it!"

They couldn't believe something else.

"Thomas paid tax, just like every other Irish citizen!"

He is a diligent worker, conscientious and responsible.

"He's up in time for work in the mornings, Monday and Wednesday," says Olga.

"He gets himself ready and his uniform is his own responsibility. He makes his own lunch and off he goes. He is very organised."

Thomas often does overtime. Olga laughs.

"He was shopping in our local Lidl in Cobh with his dad one day.

"He started carting all the empty boxes on the floor off to the stockroom!"

Daragh knows Thomas is an enthusiastic employee.

"He was doing pro-bono work," says Daragh.

"Looking for a bit of overtime!"

His employers, Lidl, have a deep appreciation of the attributes that Thomas brings to their work. His infectious enthusiasm adds to the feel-good factor that the company promotes.

"Lidl gave Thomas individual training before he started work, in manual handling and other skills," says Daragh.

"He likes wearing his head-phones and that was no problem at work.

"He just loves going to work," adds Olga.

"The amount of people congratulating him is amazing. It is the result of all the support, and the result of getting the right support."

Thomas always had good support growing up.

"Quiva J, our assistance guide dog, became part of our family for 13 years," says Olga.

"Getting the dog from the Irish Guide Dogs was a big turning point for us."

As well as being an animal lover, Thomas likes listening to music, swimming, bowling, going camping with his dad, and cycling.

He is a mighty fast typist as well.

"His fingers go at the rate of knots on the keyboard!" says Olga.

She and Thomas are busy making plans on how to spend his first pay cheque.

"Thomas wants to go to the Inchydoney Hotel for a weekend," says Olga. "He loves the pool there."

He loves just being like everybody else.

"His older sister graduated from college and she is working now. Thomas loves being just like her," says Olga.

"Now he has a job just like everybody else. It is a great boost for him and for his self-esteem."

Amy Begley at the bread counter in Lidl in Kanturk.

Another person enjoying the Ability@Work Programme is Amy Begley - she isn't just double-jobbing, she's treble-jobbing.

"Working on my art is my first love," says the 24-year- old, who started work in Lidl, Kanturk, last November, when she took part in the Ablity@Work Programme.

"I'm loving that too!" she says.

"I was well ready for interview for the Lidl role with the support from my Job Coach, Noelle Twohig.

"The Job Club was a great help getting me employment. We linked up with Lidl in Kanturk where I did my induction. I got on very well from the start."

She was a popular choice for another job, as poster girl for the Ablity@Work information brochure too.

"Yes. I got that job too!" she says, smiling.

Then she became a wage-earner.

"I spent a day in Lidl in Kanturk shadowing another worker there to see what it was like," says Amy.

"I've always been interested in retail and I loved the experience straight away.

"My manager and my co-workers are really supportive at work."

Amy loves the variety that her job in Lidl provides.

"I work weekends and evenings," she says.

"Working on the tills, I'm gaining really good experience in customer skills. I'm a very organised person by nature so the routine and regular hours suit me.

"After the first week, settling in and getting used to the shop,I signed a six month contract, which can be renewed after the probation period, which suits me."

Getting regular wages suits her too!

"The extra money is a real bonus," she agrees.

"I can do more food shopping and I have more choices. I make my own lunch every day with fresh salad ingredients from Lidl."

Amy manages her money wisely.

"I love spending it and I love putting it away!"

She has spent more time travelling.

"I've been on a couple of trips to Switzerland, which is amazing," says Amy.

Her illustrated book, , is amazing too.

"My passion is art," says Amy.

"I studied Animation in St John's College; and art is my passion. My dream job would be to work in the world of art." No doubt Amy, with her talent and excellent work ethic, will make her dream come true.

This lady has her whole life ahead of her, full of promise for a bright future in retail and in art; the two things that she loves.

Amy recently enjoyed the Breaking Down Barriers Ball hosted by Lidl on September 20 in the Clayton Silversprings Hotel. The event raised money towards Ability@Work Programme and Jigsaw's One Good School Initiative.

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I never envisaged my son in paid employment... but now he's so happy, says Cork mum

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WITH his ready smile and good looks, as well as his obliging manner, it's no wonder people enjoy going shopping at Lidl in Ballyvolane where Thomas Meade is eager to welcome them. He had good reason to smile the day I met him. "Thomas got his first pay cheque in the door!"

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Working towards achieving participant's dream jobs.

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Working towards achieving participant's dream jobs.

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THE COPE Foundation, which supports 2,350 children and adults of every ability, is all about inclusion.

Recently, the organisation launched Ability@Work at the Republic of Work on the South Mall. Its aim is to connect jobseekers with local employers in Cork and to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

The programme has already placed jobseekers with Lidl, the Mater Private Hospital in Mahon, Duke's Coffee Company, Sodexo and Café Velo. Prospective employers can benefit from disability awareness training for their staff while gaining a greater insight and understanding around disability.

The Ability@Work programme wants to make Cork the 'inclusive capital of Ireland'.

Amy Begley, who has a disability, works at Lidl in Kanturk and says: "I am so happy that Ability@Work was invented. "It is a great organisation to be with.

"With Ability@Work, I find that I can work towards my dream job. Support is everything in life, there is nothing wrong with it."

Marian Hennessy is the co-ordinator of Ability@Work. She has been working with the COPE Foundation for more than 25 years and is keen to point out that the Ability@Work programme works well.

"We use a model called Supported Employment where we place people in jobs with the support of a job coach. It's very critical that the transition phase from having no job to going into the workplace is supported. We prepare and train the person. We talk to the employers and explain if there are any additional supports received. Then, we're in the background, supporting the person, but we gradually fade away once the person is settled into the job.

"A key component of our programme is that we keep contact with and monitor the employer all the time. We have long term relationships with Cork County Council and the Rochestown Park Hotel, for example, who employ people with disabilities. "

Marian says it has been harder to get jobs since the recession; "So we came up with this idea of developing our own dedicated employment service. Last year, we managed to secure funding through the national ability programme. (With a budget of up to €16million from 2018-2021, it is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.)"

The funding has enabled Ability@Work to set up its own office at Penrose Wharf. This is an office dedicated to the employment of people with disabilities.

"They call in and register with us as part of the COPE Foundation," said Marian. "We have three job coaches in the office who support around 20 people each in Cork city and county. Usually, they are registered for a disability allowance. But there are many benefits and different schemes that a person with a disability can benefit from. There's the wage subsidy scheme. The government gives the employer €5.30 per hour when they employ a person with a disability. That is excellent grant aid."

People with disabilities are paid the same rate for the job as everyone else, ensuring that there is no exploitation.

"I go in and meet the employer first and do a job analysis. We'll match the right person to the right job and then we'll closely monitor the placement."

As well as giving people with disabilities a degree of independence, it is also good for their wellbeing.

"Everyone wants to live a full life. Society is changing. It's very fast-paced. There's a lot of pressures on all of us and that's no different for a person with a disability. There are challenges with technology. We help people with online application," says Marian.

Cork University Hospital (CUH) is committed to maximising the number of people with disabilities that it employs. CEO of the hospital, Tony McNamara says it employs 4,000 staff altogether.

"We recently started a programme to become the first autism-friendly hospital in the country," he said. "We're working with Aslam, (the national autism charity) to develop the programme for other hospitals. It's quite a challenge."

Tony says that while it's difficult sometimes to define a disability, "about 3.5% of our staff have a disability."

PJ Murphy is the engineering officer from the maintenance department of CUH and said: "We look after all the properties of CUH and their upkeep. About 12% of our staff have a disability. They work in the grounds and as general operatives."

PJ became involved with COPE years ago.

"We took two of their service users and gave them experience in porter work and grounds-keeping at the hospital. At the moment, we're looking at the recruitment of two more service users.

"We have people who range from having epilepsy to intellectual disabilities. What they offer us is like a little family. In any workplace, you can have conflict. But generally, the people with disabilities don't get involved in conflict. They make a positive contribution and are valued members of staff."

Conor O'Donovan, head of HR and administration at Lidl Munster, says that in his experience, employees with a disability "have great enthusiasm and a great attitude towards work. You'll generally find that they're never late for work. They're always in good form and do their tasks to the best of their ability. It's a very positive experience."

In the area Conor looks after, there are seven people with disabilities employed by Lidl. Five of them came through the Ability@Work programme. Training is managed by Dan Harte at Lidl.

"There is a mentor from Lidl and one from COPE. Everyone has different needs. We're looking at people with different abilities."

But there are still prejudices against people with disabilities. Kenneth Kiely, supported by COPE, stood up at the launch and said that for the last five years, he has been looking for work. Despite sending applications to companies advertising for staff, he got "no replies. I went back to college and did warehouse and IT skills. But it's still difficult so I signed up with Ability@Work. It would be nice if employers were more inclusive."

www.cope-foundation.ie.

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THE COPE Foundation, which supports 2,350 children and adults of every ability, is all about inclusion. Recently, the organisation launched Ability@Work at the Republic of Work on the South Mall. Its aim is to connect jobseekers with local employers in Cork and to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

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Job seekers with intellectual disabilities or autism are set to get a major boost to land a job thanks to a innovative new scheme.

Under the Ability@Work programme 60 young jobseekers aged between 18 and 29 are set to be helped.

They focus on key points in their development between education, training and employment.

Cope Foundation's Ability@Work team are working with local businesses to make Cork the inclusive capital of Ireland.

Panel 2 are up! Amy Begley who is employed by @lidl_ireland, Conor O'Donovan - @lidl_ireland, Ger Whealey who is employed by Eli Lilly and Bríd Creedon - Eli Lilly #Cork #AbilityCork @jonathanhealy pic.twitter.com/I5obF2uOGE

- Cope Foundation (@CopeFoundation) March 28, 2019

The foundation is launching Ability@Work to connect jobseekers with local employers in Cork and to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

The programme has already placed jobseekers with Lidl, Mater Private Hospital Cork, Duke's Coffee Company, Sodexo and Café Velo. Prospective employers can benefit from disability awareness training for their staff, while gaining a greater insight and understanding around disability.

Seán Abbott, chief executive of Cope Foundation says: 'We work with amazing people every day who would be an asset to any workforce.

Messing with this lad as usual.....@velo_cork .... At the launch of ability@work @CopeFoundation @republicofwork pic.twitter.com/mUDaBr2LDH

- dukes coffee company (@dukescoffeeco) March 28, 2019

'They do not see their disability as a reason why they cannot work, and this programme works to reinforce that. the reports we receive from participating companies about how their new employees have made such a positive impact on the entire workforce is heartening and reinforces our view that inclusivity is the way forward.'

Conor O'Donovan revealed how they had been delighted to hire Amy Begley in Kanturk through the scheme.

'At Lidl our core values are trust, respect, recognition and responsibility,' he said.

'Our involvement in Ability@Work allows us to really live these values by providing employment opportunities to people who, ordinarily, face barriers to gaining access to employment'.

Amy Begley said she was thrilled to have landed a hob through the scheme.

'I am so happy that Ability@Work was invented, it is a great organisation to be with.

'With Ability@work I find that I can work towards my dream job. Support is everything in life, there is nothing wrong with it. Thank you Ability@Work for all the possibilities'.

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New Scheme Helps Young People With Intellectual Disabilities Get Jobs

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Job seekers with intellectual disabilities or autism are set to get a major boost to land a job thanks to a innovative new scheme. Under the Ability@Work programme 60 young jobseekers aged between 18 and 29 are set to be helped. They focus on key points in their development between education, training and employment.

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Ability@Work Participant Niamh lands herself a modelling job.

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Ability@Work Participant Niamh lands herself a modelling job.

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WEAR a crown, and not a mask. That is the message behind a powerful photoshoot featuring a diverse group of people organised by a Cork milliner.

Lesley Teehan, of the very successful Harper's Hats, wants her brand to celebrate an all-inclusive version of sisterhood and that's why, among others, she invited two transgender sisters, a young woman with Down Syndrome and a woman battling breast cancer to be part of her recent photoshoot, celebrating #StyleSisterhood.

Explaining how the idea for her Autumn/Winter campaign came about, she said: "We're all human. We all have those days where we don't feel our best, and that's OK!"

Lesley is speaking from the heart as her business was inspired by the loss of her beloved dad from cancer. And the name Harper's Hats is after her 'little miracle baby' Harper born through IVF.

"Our beginning, as regular people, taking a chance on a dream and hoping it would resonate with similar people, means that we do not aim for an exclusive market, we aim for the all-inclusive, a medium lacking judgement, that breeds honesty and beauty that is easily achieved," she said.

Lesley Teehan of Harper's Hats.

Lesley, originally from St Lukes, and now based in Dunmore East, Waterford, said her designs are all about creating 'luxury, bespoke pieces that are affordable, to bring the joy felt by owning something truly unique while also being affordable, so that every #StyleSister can have that feeling, regardless of their circumstances.'

"When I thought about who I wanted to invite to this campaign, I had a wish list of strong incredible people and each person I asked said yes," she said.

"They all bring their own story, their own beauty and defining truth to our #StyleSisterhood, they are us, they are you, they are everyone, just like Harper's Hats."

Featuring in the campaign were transgender sisters Jamie and Chloe Herlihy, from Bishopstown who shared their story publicly a few years ago to help others going through the same thing.

Chloe Herlihy, from Bishopstown.

Chloe said: "I just loved the message Lesley had: StyleSisterhood. Inclusion of everyone, no matter your age, gender or ability."

Jamie Herlihy, with makeup artist Liz Desmond.

Niamh Cafferky, who took part in the recent Harper's Hats shoot.

She also invited Niamh Cafferky, from Whitechurch, who has Down Syndrome, and who continues to make headlines, from sitting her Leaving Cert some years back to modelling for the recent Breaking Down Barriers Ball in aid of Cope.

"I got to know Niamh through the 'ability@work' programme and am delighted she wanted to be involved," said Lesley.

Fiona Morgan Coleman, who is undergoing chemotherapy.

The only non-Cork ambassador is Fiona Morgan Coleman. Lesly said: "Fiona is currently undergoing chemotherapy, for a diagnosis of breast cancer. She has the most unique spirit and approach to overcoming cancer. Every day she does make up tutorials on Instagram. Her positivity is infectious. I am thrilled she is part of our campaign as she shows strength, optimism and style, at a time that could break someone."

Ethan Desmond, who is the creative force behind From the Sketch... Up!

Next up was Ethan Desmond, creative force behind From the Sketch...Up!

A fashion illustrator, originally from Shandon/Blarney Street he created the logo for Harper's Hats and the two have built up quite a bond.

"Lesley asked me to model to represent those of us who take charge of our individuality through our personal style regardless of gender labels. Inspired by Billie Porter, Grace Jones and Erin O'Connor, I said gladly!"

Eimear Hallahan, of Whitegate, was also a must-have for Lesley. She's a brand ambassador for Harper's Hats and Lesley describes her as 'an up and coming blogger; from girly chats to sharing real life problems she's a breath of fresh air.'

Finally, completing the line-up was Shauna Doyle, a well known Cork influencer.

"This young lady is not only stylish, funny and a make-up artist; she is also embarking on her masters in CIT. I am thrilled Shauna is involved in our campaign as I feel for young people today she is using her platform as a light- hearted escape, but she also speaks so eloquently about online bullying, education and reaching for the stars," said Lesley.

Credits:

Make-up by Liz Desmond Hair by Stephen Hennessy Stylist, Fiona Lemasney Photography by @play_creativeagency

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A special Cork photo shoot to celebrate sisterhood...

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WEAR a crown, and not a mask. That is the message behind a powerful photoshoot featuring a diverse group of people organised by a Cork milliner.

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An article on our Ability To cook Programme

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An article on our Ability To cook Programme

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Daragh Forde Job Coach at Cork's Cope Foundation came up with the brainwave which is proving to be a big hit

A chef at a Kerry hotel has stepped in to teach a group of people with disabilities who are part of the Ability@Work service at Cork's Cope Foundation how to cook

Ability@Work is a supported employment service which aims to bring young people with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism closer to the labour market.

Since opening over 18 months ago they managed to secure 37 paid jobs for people with disabilities in Cork City and County.
However since the pandemic hit this number is down to 6 so those who were formerly working and accessing day services are missing their routines and struggling with boredom

Job Coach Daragh Forde stepped into the breach and contacted the head chef at the Brehon Hotel in Killarney in an effort to create a unique training opportunity which would be beneficial and fun at the same time

Chad Byrne at the Brehon jumped at the opportunity to help and now hosts a weekly cooking class for people with disabilities

Speaking to RedFM News Ability@Work Coordinator at Cope Marian Hennessy says the class has proved to be a big hit

The classes are held ever Friday at 12.30 via an Instagram Live page called ChefVChef and anyone is welcome to join the weekly class

Listen to this audio

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Online Cooking Class Keeps Ability@Work Participants Busy During Covid-19 Pandemic

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Daragh Forde Job Coach at Cork's Cope Foundation came up with the brainwave which is proving to be a big hit A chef at a Kerry hotel has stepped in to teach a group of people with disabilities who are part of the Ability@Work service at Cork's Cope Foundation how to cook Ability@Work is a supported employment service which aims to bring young people with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism closer to the labour market.

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The Ability to cook initiative was set up in March 2020 during the first Covid 19 lockdown to give participants something to focus on all whilst learning the essential skill of cooking. Head Chef and Founder of the Chef Collab, Chad Byrne, kindly offered up his time to partner with Ability@Work and run the interactive cooking programme with our participants. Each week a different participant goes live and cooks alongside Chad. It has been such a great success and is still taking place on our Ability To Cook Ireland Instagram page fortnightly. Everyone is welcome to join and it takes place every second Monday at 12.30pm. Please get in touch if you are interested in joining. We would be delighted to have you.

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Participants taking part in Ability to Cook

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Participants taking part in Ability to Cook

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We encourage participant's to send in photos of their dishes. Here is a participant making chicken chorizo pasta.

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Participant Una's finished Buttermilk Panna Cotta.

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We are honoured to have been selected as an awardee of this year's Zero Project Award. This years topic was Employment and ICT for people with Disabilities. We were selected as one of the 66 innovative projects across 47 countries. This is an international award, recognising new and innovative practices in supported employment across the globe. As winners we presented in the #ZeroCon21 between the 10th -12th of February.  We were also privileged to have been selected to attend the Ambassador Circle, where we had the pleasure of meeting the Irish Ambassador to Austria, his excellency Mr. Eoin O Leary. This was a very inspiring meeting where we also had a chance to meet and listen to other innovations around the world who are also working towards ensuring a world of zero barriers and inclusion for people with disabilities.

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We were delighted to win the Aontas Star Awards in March 2020, in the category of Adult Learning initiatives that support Sustainable Employment - Large Organisations.

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AONTAS - The National Adult Learning Organisation

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AONTAS - The National Adult Learning Organisation

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Photos from the Aontas Star Awards Ceremony. 

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Photos from the Aontas Star Awards Ceremony. 

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Programme Co-Ordinator Marian and staff members Daragh and Noelle after receiving the Award

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Programme Co-Ordinator Marian and staff members Daragh and Noelle after receiving the Award

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Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 Semi Finalists

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Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 Semi Finalists

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We were delighted to make it to the Semi Finalists of the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 . We were nominated in the category of Best Use of Digital Marketing for the Greater Good (CSR).

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"Ability@work internationally recognised for their work in supported employment"

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We run Job clubs once a week for our participants. The aim of our job clubs is to educate and prepare our participants for the labour market. We cover a wide range of topics in our job clubs starting from Career Preparation, Work values, Workplace behaviours, Interview skills, Teamwork, contracts, Employers Expectations, right down to the UN convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
Since the Covid 19 pandemic we have moved our job clubs online which is going well. We are delighted that most of our participants have adapted well to the change.

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Caitlin shared her story and she wants to speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.
Caitlin believes "Advocacy is important as you advocate on peoples rights and give a voice to people who find it hard to get a job".  You can read her full here: http://www.aontas.com/learner-stories/our-voice-should-be-heard

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Amy from the ability Board shared her learner voice as part of the campaign.
Amy describes how Action speaks louder than words" and discusses the need for representation of people with different abilities in decision-making positions.

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Estelle uses her learners voice to campaign on behalf of people with different abilities. Estelle shares the importance of representation and having her voice heard. "She believes that people with disabilities should be consulted and included in the decisions that affect their life".

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Florin is a keen advocate for equality and inclusion for people with different abilities. "He doesn't want people to be making decisions about his life, he wants to make them himself".

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Job Shadow day in a national project bringing supported employment agencies and employers together for one day to highlight the positive contribution people with disabilities can and do make at work.

Job shadow affords a person with a disability the opportunity to gain an insight into the world of work by shadowing an employee as they go about their normal work routine.

This is the 13th year Cope Foundation has ran the Job Shadow Initiative and it has always been a very positive day for both participants and employers.

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113 people from Cope Foundation took part in job shadow day 2019. Some even leading onto paid employment for the participant.

Below are some pictures of Job Shadow 2019.

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Philip and Aaron in Trabolgan Holiday Village 

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Philip and Aaron in Trabolgan Holiday Village 

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Before I joined Ability @ Work it was hard to find a job. I sent CVs to different places and didn’t get any responses. When I joined Ability @ Work, I got help to find a job. I did a Job Shadow in Janssen, where I shadowed the security staff. After that, I heard from Janssen that there was a job for me in Janssen in Ringaskiddy.

At the beginning, it was difficult because I didn’t have much work experience beforehand. My Job Coach  was there to help me because I was a little afraid to ask questions in the beginning. Now in work I’m getting on very well and I work with my colleagues to get the job done. We have great respect for each other and if one of us can’t do a job, another person will help out. If Janssen are happy to keep me, I’m very happy to stay with them!

fore I joined Ability @ Work it was hard to find a job. I sent CVs to different places and didn’t get any responses. When I joined Ability @ Work, I got help to find a job. I did a Job Shadow in Janssen, where I shadowed the security staff. After that, I heard from Janssen that there was a job for me in Janssen in Ringaskiddy.

At the beginning, it was difficult because I didn’t have much work experience beforehand. My Job Coach  was there to help me because I was a little afraid to ask questions in the beginning. Now in work I’m getting on very well and I work with my colleagues to get the job done. We have great respect for each other and if one of us can’t do a job, another person will help out. If Janssen are happy to keep me, I’m very happy to stay with them!

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"I always wanted to work in a shop. I did work experience in Dealz in Dungarvin and I loved it. I always wanted a paid job like everyone else. When I joined Ability@Work I got a Job Coach and she helped me find a real job in Lidl. I had to go for an interview. I was very happy the day I signed my contact. I was very nervous starting but my Job Coach stayed with me for a few weeks to help me with my jobs. Now I am very fast at my job. She doesn’t need to call to be as often now. I feel really independent because I can walk home from work every day. I went to the Christmas party last year. We all got a bus into Cork to The Elmtree restaurant and had a great night. I’m part of the team now.

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Five or ten years ago, I’d never have envisaged Thomas in paid employment. Personally, I could not believe that would happen. I was dumb-founded! The rewards are massive. Having a bit of independence is a big thing, his involvement in society in general as a valued individual makes us really happy. It is about breaking down barriers; seeing the ability not the disability. It’s about having a purpose in life. The excitement when his first pay cheque came in the post! We couldn’t believe it! He is a diligent worker, conscientious and responsible. He’s up in time for work in the mornings, Monday and Wednesday. He gets himself ready and his uniform is his own responsibility. He makes his own lunch and off he goes. He is very organised. He just loves going to work. The amount of people congratulating him is amazing. It is the result of all the support, and the result of getting the right support. His older sister graduated from college and she is working now. Thomas loves being just like her. Now he has a job just like everybody else. It is a great boost for him and for his self-esteem.

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"My dream job was to work in an office and to work in a big company. Working at Lilly has been a dream come true. My role is to organize the stationary cupboards and to work with the reception staff and make sure there is enough stock. In 2013 I did traffic training so I could travel to work independently. I now get a bus and train to work by myself. Working at Lilly makes me feel happy and confident in my abilities. Another part that has changed my life is earning my own money and being more independent. I also have very supportive colleagues at Lilly and I have made some good friends there. I go on lunch break with the lads and I go to the Christmas party every year. I even got a birthday cake from the team. This all makes working at Lilly my dream job".

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"I had been looking for work since 2013. I found this very difficult until I joined Ability@Work.  I think a lot of employers are not really open to my disability. I had an interview which didn’t go well. The manager got very negative when I told her I had a disability and her reply was that she would be worried about me, that I wouldn’t be able to work on my own or help customers because I am special. This left me really embarrassed and feeling worthless.

I did a speech at the Ability@Work Launch. With the help of my Job Coach I had the confidence to open up about my experiences. Lidl managers at the Launch contacted Ability@Work and asked for my CV. I had an interview and got the job! I am a Customer Service Assistant and I am delighted to be working in my community. Lidl has helped me feel more confident. I have the chance to get up and do something with my life. I am much more positive about my future now. Some day when I gain more confidence and experience I might take steps to climb the Lidl ladder".

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This year Job Shadow was a little different due to the pandemic but we still went ahead and ran it on May 19th.

18 participants took part in Job shadow day on May 19th and it was a very positive day for all involved.
Job shadow day will continue for longer this year and we still have placements happening throughout the summer to accommodate businesses re-opening.

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Caitlyn in Lidl

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Aoife in the Cork City Library Hollyhill

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Aoife in the Cork City Library Hollyhill

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Louise did her placement in Hair Parlour Hairdressers

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Louise did her placement in Hair Parlour Hairdressers

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Ability Board campaign video

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Ability Board Social Impact video final 