'It’s my dream job, because of the way I’m treated'

(Above) Fintan Bray.

Out of work since March of last year due to the pandemic, Delvin's Fintan Bray is looking forward to returning to Clonabreany House in Kells.

Fintan got his job at Clonabreany House around three years ago through the Ability Programme, an initiative which provides funding to 27 local, regional and national projects that focus on bringing young people with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 29 closer to the labour market.

In addition to completing the Ability Programme run by Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI); during Covid Fintan also took part in the course Ability Online, which was developed as part of the charity’s response to the Covid-19 lockdown.

He says that both programmes have helped enrich his life. He also said that he's counting down the days until he can return to Clonabreany House.

“It’s my dream job, because of the way I’m treated. I’m a staff member, like everyone else.

“On the Ability Programme I learned different skills and worked at my achievements and goals. A new level of me came out and I improved myself. On occasion I ask for help so that I know I can do it for myself in the future. I have abilities, lots of them, which makes me live life to the fullest.

“We need young people to join the Ability Programme, so they have a chance to get jobs. All young adults with disabilities, all over Ireland, should have that chance.

“I learned how to live during Covid this way, on Zoom. I baked bread for the very first time. I got bored on occasion but mostly I kept myself busy. I like helping other people with disabilities, which I hadn’t done before.

“This programme helped me with a lot of things, DSI has helped me so much, emotionally and personally. I got my job from working hard and achieving so much, and that’s how the Ability Programme helped me. I’m glad to have been a part of the Ability Programme and I would recommend it to anyone, all over Ireland.”

The Minister of Justice Social Protection, Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys has outlined her support for the initiative.

“I am committed to supporting people with disabilities to participate more fully in society by providing supports that address the barriers that they may face. The Ability Programme is an example of this commitment in action and this innovative tool will further assist people with disabilities to avail of the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential.”

DSI's Ability Programme is one of the 27 Ability grantees. More than 185 adults took part in the programme, which aimed to break down barriers and help adults with Down syndrome enter the workforce.

Lisa Martin, Head of Education with Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “Even though the impact of the pandemic was enormous it was fantastic to see adults with Down syndrome employed across a wide variety of sectors including hospitality, retail, leisure and administration. DSI are proud to be one of the 27 Ability grantees and look forward to further developing training and employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome."