Irish Wheelchair Association’s Ability Programme is a free service supporting young adults with physical disabilities who want to improve their job-seeking and employability skills. The aim of the programme is to provide holistic, person-centred, coaching to enable a person to become an independent jobseeker or employee. The programme offers one-to-one support to help participants develop their own step-by-step career progression plan. It is open to people aged 18 to 29 years living anywhere in the Republic of Ireland.
A person-centred approach will be used to support each Ability Programme participant, with a detailed career progression plan developed to bring participants closer to the labour market. One-to-one career coaching, group training sessions, and confidence building will also be provided.
During the programme, IWA's dedicated job coaches focus on individual abilities and goals. The programme will help those taking part to identify their pathway into further education, training, or employment, while working to become a confident, independent, jobseeker or employee.
A step-by-step guide on how to take part in the Ability Programme
1. Initial meeting (virtual ): An initial meeting will identify how the Ability Programme can help to develop a personalised career progression path.
2. Coaching: Personalised coaching will identify training needs and support progress along a chosen career or education path. Employability training will also be provided.
3. Support: IWA's expert panel are always available to provide support and information relating to how benefits and entitlements may be affected following employment.
4. Review: IWA will deliver continued support and follow up meetings with participants and new employers.
To find out more about the Ability Programme, or Irish Wheelchair Association services, contact Sarah Chalke, ability job coach, western region, on 087 331 0255, email [email protected], or visit www.iwa.ie/ability
