Job shadow day is big success
LOCAL businesses in Wexford have been honoured for giving people with disabilities an insight into the world of employment.
Job Shadow Day which took place earlier this year is a national project bringing people with disabilities and local employers together for one day to highlight the contribution people with disabilities can and do make in the workplace.
RehabCare, National Learning Network (NLN) and the Wexford Chamber joined forces to encourage local employers to provide an opportunity for a person with a disability to shadow employees in businesses across Wexford.
Over 30 employers, businesses and organisations in the private, public or non-profit sector participated in the empowering event.
Last week more than 60 people attended a ceremony held in RehabCare to honour those who took part in the event.
Mayor of Wexford Jim Moore also acknowledged the important role local businesses play in making the initiative a success.
Sam Horan, a student at Wexford NLN, spoke about how his time at Yola Hedge School and Family Centre really provided an insight into the world of work.
‘At end of the day I came away with a smile on my face. Now I know what it’s like to have a real job. I’m hopeful of securing employment in the future,’ said Sam.
Sarah Kennedy, Integrated Service Manager with the Rehab Group, said employers in the Wexford region have been extremely positive about the project.
‘We have taken part in this initiative for a number of years and it was a really positive experience for both the people who use our services, and local employers who embraced the concept.
‘The people who took part in the project learned about their chosen jobs, what it involves and how it is done on a daily basis. Every day in our services throughout the country we meet people who are very capable of making a positive impact. People with disabilities can, and do make, a strong contribution to workplaces across Ireland.
‘When it comes to employing people with disabilities, attitudes are changing. But we need to develop a greater understanding that people with disabilities are able to participate in the workforce. It’s great Wexford employers recognise this.’