Did you know that Ireland has one of the highest disability employment gaps in OECD countries? The employment rate of disabled people is about half that of people who aren’t disabled. (Ref OECD (2021), Disability, Work and Inclusion in Ireland: Engaging and Supporting Employers, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/74b45baa-en.)
Employment and recovery
However, the Occupational Therapy profession is based on the value and importance of occupation as part of wellbeing and recovery. Work, employment and education offer multiple physical, social and psychological benefits. Although there are some moves in the right direction, Ireland needs to do more to provide appropriate supports to allow disabled people to participate on an equal basis in the workplace.
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Week
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) is a fantastic organisation that offers support and advocacy for people with Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus and their families. This year they will have an Awareness Week (24th-29th October). It will highlight the right of disabled people to play an active role in all areas of life. This includes education, employment, relationships, accessibility and more.
I am delighted to take part by delivering a session. I will be sharing information and tips on executive functioning, supporting positive mental health, and navigating the transition to education/employment.
Occupational therapy
There are lots of amazing speakers throughout the week. This includes both representatives from Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann discussing accessibility issues, and the National Learning Network, who provide fantastic education and training opportunities and plenty of employment support organisations. Visit https://sbhi.ie/awarenessweek to see the full range of events and to sign up.