Part 1. Opening Address

Part 2. Ministerial Launch

Part 3. A Conversation with INHEF Graduates

Part 4. A Word of Support from Inclusion Ireland

Part 5. A Word of Support from the Higher Education Authority (HEA)

Part 6. A Word of Support from AHEAD

Part 7. Closing Questions & Answers

The Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities has launched a new report on Identifying Employment Opportunities and Programmes for People with Intellectual Disability in the Republic of Ireland

This report has been designed to document the current employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and evaluates the success or otherwise of the many initiatives developed to enhance employment prospects for this marginalised cohort within Irish society. The report examines the challenges experienced by this cohort in accessing meaningful employment and how these barriers have been addressed through a series of Government and voluntary initiatives. Current Government management of facilitating employment opportunities for people who have an intellectual disability is reviewed. An analysis of the economic benefits to the State of enabling these people to be gainfully employed has also been prepared by Nick Davis, a contributor to the report. Based on the evidence gathered in this report, a series of recommendations are proposed.

Professor Michael Shevlin, Director of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities said,

“ We all know that young people with intellectual disabilities experience great difficulties in accessing meaningful employment. This report highlights that despite significant government investment, employment rates for these young people remain stubbornly low. Recommendations from this report, if implemented, can begin to address this situation.”

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner of EY Ireland said,

“Our experience of working with the TCPID has contributed significantly to our people experience while positively supporting our inclusive culture, ensuring that we can continue to deliver exceptional services to our clients through diverse teams. This report provides a valuable insight into the supports that are available to employers and parents/carers. It is a game-changer in creating opportunities for graduates and persons with intellectual disabilities.”

DCU Ability are delighted to have our article published in the AHEAD Journal, March 2021 [ISSN 2009-8286]

‘Supporting People with Disabilities towards Employment: DCU Ability Project’ describes the DCU Ability project and explains the importance of employment for people with disabilities.