On the 5^th 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 25^th 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.

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!

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".