Dublin City University’s Ability programme, which helps young people with disabilities to get work, celebrated its first year today.
The landmark birthday comes on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The programme promotes the employability of young people between the ages of 18 and 29 with disabilities to gain the skills, competencies and experiences needed to be career-ready.
The course then creates opportunities for these young people to enter into education, training and work placements, including a link with supermarket chain Applegreen.
Dr Deirdre Corby, project lead, said: "The DCU Ability project has surpassed our expectations.
"The progress so far has shown that there is an appetite out there with our young people to get work, if they are given the opportunity.
"This programme is about citizenship, about inclusion and about giving agency to young adults with disabilities. It’s about helping them achieve their independence.”
And project manager Carmel Anderson added: "I would like to thank all the great people who have been involved so far.
"Especially the employers who have made this such an enriching experience for the young people by offering them really great work experiences.”
Within one year, the course took on 35 students who completed the programme, which puts them on course to hit their three year target of 100 students.
