Jobs target for BMW region

The Irish Association for Supported Employment has revealed details of its ‘Open 50’ project, which aims to see over 50 businesses throughout Ireland employ a person with a disability by April.

It’s part of the Open Door initiative and follows on from the success of Job Shadow Day, which sees hundreds of individuals with a disability shadow a workplace mentor each April.

Now the IASE is encouraging Irish employers to commit to offering one job in their organization to a person with a disability.

“Open 50 is an exciting project that aims to support employers to take the first step to employing a person with a disability.  Open 50 gives employers the opportunity to become champions among their peers removing barriers to inclusion and creating diversity in the work place,” said IASE Chairperson Greg Barry.

The Open Door initiative works with employers, disability services and jobseekers to promote equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Initially the project will operate across the Border, Midlands, Western (BMW) region, with plans to extend nationwide in 2015.

That BMW region includes Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth.

A series of employer events have taken place highlighting the business benefits of hiring and retaining employees with disabilities using the supported employment model. The Open Door team is now meeting individually with interested employers to work through the process with them.

The initiative is open to businesses of all sizes and within all industries.

IrishJobs.ie, Ireland’s number one recruitment website, is supporting the Open 50 project.

Jane Lorigan, CEO Europe of Saongroup.com and MD of IrishJobs.ie said: “This is a very positive initiative that highlights the valuable contribution a person with a disability can bring to a business or organization. We would encourage all our companies to check out the IASE website for more information and join us in promoting equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workplace.”

IASE is a national voluntary organisation which was established in February 1994 with the aim of promoting and developing supported employment at a national level. IASE is the representative voice of almost 900 members in Ireland.

Employers and job seekers interested in participating in Open 50 are invited to register their interest at www.iase.ie.