Workplace disability inclusion in 2022
It is with the best intentions that we plan to take the time to sit down and write News Articles for our website, but the best intentions don't always translate into actionable results... so our News Articles section of the website has been gathering dust as of late.
Thankfully, this is a good sign. As we moved through Q3 and Q4 of 2021 we simply didn't have the time to put pen to paper and our focus was on working with clients in the public and private sector to deliver our Live Online Disability Awareness Training Programmes. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with many organisations throughout 2021 who placed such a genuine interest in disability inclusion.
Many people, especially those working in HR, Access Officers and DLO's who we worked closely with really did inspire us with their commitment to ensuring delivery of disability awareness training was done in a manner which was much more than just a 'box ticking exercise'. As a provider of this important service, working closely with people who genuinely want to see greater workplace disability inclusion makes our job much easier, and much more fulfilling.
We delivered 1-hour webinars which focused on introducing staff to disability inclusion. We delivered customised programmes including our 2.5-hour Live Online Group Training which is always highly interactive, impactful and completed in one sitting. And of course, we delivered our award winning 4-hour Live Online Disability Awareness Training Programme to business groups, multinationals and public bodies.
As we moved through 2021, we always sought feedback and used this feedback to adapt each programme, continually updating and enhancing participant experience. All participant feedback was appreciated and used to improve each programme. We took on board suggestions and formatted Ireland's first ever Reasonable Accommodation Training Programme and before Christmas we completed the finishing touches on our Inclusive Recruitment Training Programme.
It is always great to get positive feedback, especially when we have the opportunity to work with one of the best known and highly regarded organisations in the State. We worked with the TA/HR Team at daa (Dublin Airport Authority) in October and November and there was always a buzz in the 'virtual' room at training.
During such a difficult year for all involved in the aviation sector it was inspiring to see Siobhan Winters and the daa TA/HR team place such a positive emphasis on disability awareness. Each training programme was really enjoyable and it was clear to see daa (Dublin Airport Authority) is an organisation that is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring disability inclusion will be a core part of their operation in 2022.
Thanks to Siobhan for such a positive testimonial and we very much look forward to continuing our work with this hugely engaged team this year:
"In partnering with Ability Focus to help us progress our diversity and inclusion strategy, Stephen Kelly has delivered a number of workshops for us including building inclusive recruitment practices and more recently disability awareness training with the wider HR community.
Feedback from the teams has been excellent. Our next step is to roll this awareness training out to the wider organisation and implement a number of actions to better support employees with disabilities.
Stephen has huge knowledge and experience in this area and shares his expertise and passion for driving progress in a highly engaging and compelling manner.
I would have no hesitation in recommending him to any organisation and I look forward to continuing our work with Stephen through 2022."
- Siobhan Winters, Head of Talent Acquisition at daa.
We're looking forward to 2022, and hopefully we will be able to commit to penning News Articles on a slightly more consistent basis!
If you are considering disability awareness training for your organisation and would like to find out more about how Ability Focus can assist you, please contact our team on (01) 699 1150 or email info@abilityfocus.ie
