Ireland has just had a significant budget and everyone is trying to get their heads around what it means for them and their families, their work, business or returning to Ireland.
Indeed life maybe more complex than when you left Ireland, perhaps you have acquired a disability as a result of an accident, illness,aging or you have a family member/loved one who has a disability.
You have just learned how to navigate the system in your own present country and arriving back into Ireland you now have to learn a new one .
This can include frameworks such as :
Employer’s Resources – WSS,DASS,Reasonable Accommodation ,Equipment Grants ….
Education preschool, primary secondary, special needs, further higher education,Ahead ….
Public Transport Travel Cards, accessibility assistive technology ,universal design ….
Disclosure Medical evidence, educational psychologists’ reports, recruitment procedures …
Social Welfare ( Domiciliary , Carer’s ,Disability Allowance ….
Legislation UNCRPD,Equal Status Act, Disability Act ….
Charities and Not for Profits – EDI,NDA,DFI ,NCBI ….
The list can go on and it can become overwhelming .
Ireland has come a long way in terms of Disability .Can we do more ? Of course we can .Joining the dots will make the system work more effectively .
Unconscious bias is a constant barrier .
Mainstreaming disability in the workplace is fundamental to a societal change that will increase the number of people with disabilities participating .
Opportunities available as a result of new Technologies are limitless.Disclosure and bringing ones true and whole self to the workplace is key to good mental health and welbeing .
This Can only be good for business and society as a whole .
Back 4 Good will be covering all aspects of dealing with the disability quagmire over the next number of weeks .
Clare Kennelly who is personally and professionally passionate about disability and employment.Clare is an independent Disability consultant,teacher,trainer based in Cork City .
Contact Clare at inclusivecork@gmail.com
