Ability Programme The Ability Programme provides funding to 27 local, regional and national projects in the Republic of Ireland that focus on bringing young people with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 29 closer to the labour market. The aims of the programme are achieved by using a range of person-centred supports. IRD Duhallow as lead partner collaborates with Ballyhoura Development and South East Cork Area Development (SECAD) to deliver the Ability programme across Cork, Kerry and Limerick. We work closely with a number of referral agencies including St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville, HSE Mental Health Services and the Department of Employment Affairs and Ability Programme Participants Hayleigh Naughton and Ciaran Higgins being creative during their weekly Art & Craft Social Protection. Therapy classes.
Nationally, the Ability Programme has supported 886 Young People with a Disability, 574 families and 745 employers. Over the past year IRD Duhallow’ s Ability Programme has supported 13 Young People through a range of person-centred planning supports. These supports enabled the Young People to make informed choices about how they want to live their life, at present and in the future. The programme has been key in helping the participants to develop skills to enhance their independence, build their self-confidence and in supporting greater engagement in community life. Support to access & participate in Education & Training Person Centred planning has allowed the Youth Disability Engagement Development Officer to focus primarily on the Young Person rather than on their disability, supporting them to implement a plan to achieve their ambitions and goals and which focuses on all areas of their lives. Thinking about the future is an important aspect of person-centred planning, which should aim to build on the Ciaran Higgins, David Shelley and Hayleigh Naughton cooking up person’s strengths and skills, and help them some pancakes on Pancake Tuesday as part of their Cookery Module. consider what they want most in life. IRD Duhallow’s Ability Programme, builds upon the young people’s learning through practical activities that support them to transfer skills learned to home life and their local community. Through the delivery of a range of training courses adapted to Joe Collins, Year 1 Ability participant volunteers weekly in Duhallow Furniture REVAMP. individuals’ specific needs, the programme aims to help these young people become as independent as possible and aid their progression. A broad range of courses have been delivered including: • Life Skills training in areas such as cookery, money management, keeping safe online, laundry skills, teamwork and shopping; • Social and Personal Development which involved modules such as confidence building, community involvement, assertiveness, relationship building, personal care and hygiene; • Career Preparation Programme; • Art & Craft Programme • Sports Workshops
Pictured are some of the participants of this year’s Ability Programme, taking a break from the classroom and exploring the Therapeutic Gardens.
Promotion of meaningful Social Roles Social inclusion programmes such as the Ability Programme allows individuals to feel a sense of belonging, to have an ability to make a choice. It helps to identify the unique needs of the person, focusing on their strengths and abilities. The Ability programme has empowered its participants to develop as individuals and enjoy new challenges through the exploration and promotion of volunteering opportunities and social action whilst making a positive contribution to the local community. Participation in meaningful social activities has been demonstrated to have a significant positive impact on Young People, connecting them with their local community. All of our participants have been supported and encouraged to participate in activities within their own communities. For example, one of our participants joined the local drama group and participated in their variety show in February while another attends their local Men’s Shed weekly and one whom attends a local knitting club. Engagement with Local Employers Caroline Jones presenting her vision board as part of her Life Skills Module. The Ability Programme seeks to directly address the barriers faced by Young People with Disabilities, trying to access the labour market. The programme aims to help Young People to gain the skills, competencies and experiences needed to be career ready. They are supported by our career coaches and the Youth Disability Engagement Officer to make informed choices about their future careers. They are supported to seek work placements within their own locality. To date, the programme participants have been supported with work placements through Duhallow Furniture REVAMP, a local clothes shop, accounts/administration, delivery services, food & catering and retail services. IRD Duhallow is delighted that it’s Ability Programme was featured in the current issue of the ESF Newsletter, which showcases the achievements of the European Social Fund in Ireland.
Response to Covid-19 Our current year 2 cohort were half way through their programme timetable when training was postponed due to COVID-19. To continue our engagement with participants a range of supports were put in place In response to COVID-19 restrictions, to ensure continuation of the classes are now delivered online for programme. Training and support packs Ability. Pictured is tutor Jeffery Fitzgerald hosting their weekly Boxercise Session. were put together for individuals tailored to each individuals needs and interests and areas covered included life skills, sport and recreational, wellbeing and art. During this time participants have been trying out some new activities in their homes including Yoga, Zumba, Cookery and mindfulness. The Youth Disability Engagement Officer supports participants via the phone and weekly Social & Personal Development sessions take place on a Thursday morning with their tutor via zoom.
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