‘Every ability can work’ - Kerry event aims to help create inclusive workplace

Employers, community representatives and professionals working to promote disability inclusion gathered in Killarney for a special seminar to encourage local business to develop inclusive workplaces.

Every Ability – Inclusive Hiring That Works, was a seminar organised by South Kerry Development Partnership’s (SKDP) WorkAbility Programme in partnership with the Department of Social Protection Southern Region.

The event took place at Hotel Killarney as part of Intreo Disability Work and Skills Week and Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The seminar highlighted the benefits of employing people with disabilities or long-term health conditions while encouraging employers to create more accessible, inclusive and supportive workplaces.

Participants explored how inclusive employment practices can benefit both employers and employees, strengthen local businesses and communities, and ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to participate in the workforce.

A key focus of the event was the practical steps employers can take to make recruitment and employment more inclusive.

Discussions covered the benefits of building a diverse workforce, practical approaches to disability-inclusive recruitment, examples of successful inclusive employment practices, and the range of government employment and workplace support schemes available to employers and employees.

The programme featured contributions from speakers with expertise in employment supports, accessibility, inclusion and community development.

Presentations were delivered by Pádraig Moynihan of the Department of Social Protection’s Employer Relations Service, Tilting the Lens Accessibility and Inclusion Consultants, Paddy Kevane, Lecturer and Meals on Wheels Community Leader, Deirdre O’Grady AbilityWise Disability, Equality and Inclusion Trainer and Ciaran Culloty, The Reeks Centra, Killarney.

Through presentations, shared experiences and interactive workshop activities, attendees considered how workplaces can better recognise individual strengths, address barriers to employment and support people with disabilities to thrive in their roles.

The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers, employment support services and community organisations in creating a more inclusive labour market.

A central message throughout the seminar was that inclusive hiring is not simply about meeting obligations but about recognising ability, widening access to opportunity and building stronger workplaces where everyone can contribute.

The seminar also showcased supports available through initiatives such as the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme, a project co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

By bringing together employers, employment support services and community representatives, Every Ability – Inclusive Hiring That Works encouraged practical action to challenge assumptions about disability, recognise the talents of a wider pool of potential employees and create positive employment opportunities across South Kerry and beyond.