Ability Programme continues to support young people during lockdown
WITH a number of its service users falling into the vulnerable category, the people behind Wexford Local Development’s (WLD) Ability Programme had to make an early judgement call when the coronavirus landed upon our shores.
Supporting young people aged 18-29 with an intellectual disability to prepare for the workplace, the Ability Programme was halfway throughits three-year cycle when Covid-19 struck.
‘We had to make a judgement call earlier than most given that a number of our participants would be vulnerable,’ explained Sarah Bolger, one of the programme’s two Employment Support Officers (ESO).
‘Once we made it official that all our trainings would have to be postponed for the foreseeable future, we had to think on our feet quickly to make sure we had a range of supports in place,’ said Sarah.
And so, Sarah and fellow ESO, Michael O’Brien, put together training packs for all those participating in the programme, each pack tailored specifically to the individual’s needs and containing content linked to their interests. Having posted these packs to service users the next challenge was to maintain regular contact while adhering to restrictions.
And they, like so many, have gravitated towards video calling, using technology to bridge the gaps brought about by social distancing.
‘There are participants who like standard calls on their mobiles, one-to-one video calls and group discussions on applications such as Zoom,’ said Michael, who went on to note the comfort the participants appear to derive from such regular contact.
‘While we discuss the various aspects of the particular courses during the conversations, it is important that we are there in every sense you can be. Sometimes people just need to chat and they might be a little bit anxious about something.
‘The conversation can be about what work experience they’re aiming to secure in the coming months but you might detect that lack of confidence in their voice. It’s a place everybody finds themselves in before they start off in the workplace. A small bit of encouragement goes a long way.
‘We have to measure, log and record all data for the programme from an administration point of view. But having a personal approach is vital. The participants need to feel you’re on their journey with them.’
The focus of the Ability Programme is to develop each participants’ skills and knowledge to get a step closer to the workplace. All trainings are planned with this in mind.
The ESOs note how they can see the confidence levels gradually rise in participants as they complete the various modules and learn specifically about their preferred future career. This in turn feeds into their home environment.
With this in mind, Sarah Bolger stresses the importance of developing solid relationships with the participants and being cognisant of their wider circle.
‘While our focus is on the participants, behind everyone is a mother, a father, some form of a family unit. We are in regular contact with a number of the parents of the participants,’ says Sarah.
‘It’s very important to be mindful of the stresses and anxieties individuals and their families are dealing with in general, and during the current climate this will have intensified. The changes in routine for a number of people with intellectual disabilities can make life harder to cope with.
‘That’s why we constantly remind the participants and the family members that we’re always available on the other end of the phone if they need to have a chat. And in this regard, it’s very encouraging during calls with parents when they feel that sense of connection with you to open up about matters.
‘They might tell you how their son or daughter can’t wait until the trainings are back up and running. But you’ll be told too about how much they appreciate that there is someone to check-in with them, and remind them that their hopes and goals are still very much on track despite the strange times we find ourselves living in.’