Don’t worry, I’ve turtley got this..
A WORD in your shell-like... this is Toby the dog, who can balance anything on his head – even a “ninja” turtle.
And the reptile seems to like it as the German shepherd-husky cross holds the turtle aloft. Toby was tortoise how to do it by Pat Langner in Alberta, Canada. The 11-year-old then balanced icicles, and festive fruit. Pat said: “Food balances are his favourite, they are their own reward.”
And although the Public Sector and larger businesses have systems in place to facilitate needs, 70% of working-age people with disabilities are unemployed.
As many as 35% of those have not worked in over four years.
Spokesman for Advocacy group Social Justice Ireland Eamon Murphy claimed small businesses often don’t think it is “worth their time” to employ people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, he added prospects of losing benefits such as free travel are deterring others from entering the workforce.
Mr Murphy said many are “left with a choice between taking unemployment or losing certain benefits”.
But despite this, more than 80% had been employed at some point in their lives.
And he insisted the Government can help fix the problem if it raises Medical Card earnings and allows workers to retain free travel.
SKILLS
He said: “People with disabilities in employment tend to be better educated than those not at work generally.
“Retaining their human capital, experience and skills is of benefit to society as well as the individuals themselves and their families.”
He went on to criticise the Government for not reacting to a Department of Social Protection report in the last Budget as a “major disappointment”.
Mr Murphy added: “Without specific interventions the percentage of people with a disability in employment is unlikely to increase.
“They should be allowed to retain their Free Travel Pass for five years after taking up a job.
“There should also be an increase in the Medical Card earnings disregard.
“Both these moves were recommended yet no provision was made for either.”