Powered by Inclusion: 17/05/2022

Powered by Inclusion was a disability awareness event set up by Disability Federation Ireland in conjunction with Inclusive Pathways to Employment, Galway Chamber, Galway City Partnership, and the Connemara Forum.

The event was a tremendous success with Kenny Deery the Galway Chamber CEO providing MC for the event and fantastic keynote speakers including the mayor of Galway City Collette Connolly, Minister Anne Rabbitte TD, and Jack Kavanagh pharmacist and motivational speaker.
 
Jack Kavanaghs words were emotional and powerful and really resonated with people, his story is one of courage and insight into the realities of life and how we need to alter our perceptions regarding disabilities and not put limitations on people who deserve and desire the same opportunities as everyone.



We then had a Q&A panel with Mariae Gannon from Intreo (to advise on government grants available), Cathy Keene from Forum Connemara, Pierce Richardson from Disability Federation Ireland, and Sharon Doyle from Inclusive Pathways to Employment.
 
We then had Lived in Speakers: Carmel Creven - Personal Trainer/Nutritionist HQ Gym Tuam Co. Galway, Damian Manning – Hedz Hair Saloon - Employer with experience in employing workers with disabilities.
 
To Finish we had a panel discussion with: Helen Garvin - CEO of Westport Chamber of Commerce, James Doherty- Hospitality Inc, Peter McWilliams/ Roisin McDonagh - Employability Galway.
 
The feedback that we have received from the company representatives that attended the event both in person and virtually has been very positive many of them want to engage more with our programme and hopefully we will progress them forward into opening doors to employment for our clients.
 
It takes courage for our clients to break out of the mold that our society has placed them in, to put themselves out there and confidently say that they have valuable skills and contribute to society and more importantly their own independent future. We hope to play our part in making their goals a reality.