The misconceptions, fears and the prejudices of business owners about employing people with disabilities will be addressed at a one-day workshop in Dublin today.
More than 70 companies have applied to attend the workshop, which has been organised by the Aisling foundation.
Founded by Caroline Casey, the organisation encourages the employment of people with disabilities in the private sector. Ms Casey came to national attention in 2001 when, partially sighted, she rode 1,000km across India on an elephant.
Spokeswoman Sarah Conroy said the idea for the forum emerged when the foundation was inviting companies to enter the second O2 Ability Awards, to be held early next year. The awards recognise commitments companies make to employing people with disabilities. She said a lot of companies "would love to employ more people with disabilities but they were concerned about various things".
According to Ms Conroy, employers were concerned they would have greater legal responsibilities, that their insurance costs would increase or that they would have to make substantial alterations to their premises to improve access. "We hope to try and dispel some of the misconceptions and also show them how there is a lot of help and advice."
Ms Casey said previous O2 Ability Award winners, such as Superquinn and AIB, would be at the workshop to share their experiences and expertise, "so that the area of disability becomes manageable as opposed to intimidating. It's only by asking questions that we can all learn."
Latest statistics from the Central Statistics Office indicate that 8.3 per cent of the population has a disability. The unemployment rate among people with a disability is 70 per cent, and households headed by a person with a disability are among the most likely to experience poverty.
For more information, contact the Aisling foundation on 01-6340018, or email caroline@theaislingfoundation.org
