AbilityWise

08/12/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to receive this fantastic Google review from the McDonald's fast food restaurant team following our recent Neurodiversity Training for Managers.

“We decided to have this training to make ourselves more knowledgeable regarding hidden disabilities for our staff and for our customers and Deirdre did not disappoint. She was so passionate about the subject and we all left very much more informed. I would not hesitate to recommend AbilityWise for this training and massive thank you to Deirdre.”

A huge thank you to the team for being so engaged and open to learning, and for taking such an important step toward greater inclusion and understanding in the workplace. It was an absolute pleasure delivering this session.

Thank you to McDonald's for taking the time to leave a review for AbilityWise. Thank you also to the wonderful Aaron O Sullivan for being part of the AbilityWise team and providing his valuable insights into his lived experience as an Autistic adult during this training.

Accredited Disability Equality, Inclusion Training and Consultancy in Cork - online or in-person for workplaces, schools and communities.

02/12/2025

ADHD Ireland

·
14h
Pop in to an event this week 😊

Register here: https://buff.ly/MAOvN99

24/11/2025

AbilityWise are delighted to once again collaborate with South Kerry Development Partnership CLG on an upcoming event, "From Intention to Action".

This event has a fantastic line up of speakers who detail the practical supports available for employers and employees to build inclusive workspaces.

Definitely one not to be missed. Further details are included in the attached poster.

11/11/2025

As we approach the end of the year, things have been incredibly busy with organisations prioritising inclusion before Christmas. It’s been amazing to see so many teams investing in this work — and it’s keeping us on our toes (in the best way!).

We still have a few limited spaces left before Christmas for those who want to fit in a DEI session before the holidays, and we’re also taking bookings for 2026.

We’re fortunate to be able to offer 100% fully funded DEI training for charities, and 90% funded training for community groups and non-public sector organisations.
It’s something I'm really proud of because it means cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to learning or inclusion.

Over the years, I’ve seen how small changes in understanding can completely transform a workplace — not just for people with disabilities, but for everyone.

That’s really what drives us at AbilityWise.

We don’t just deliver Disability Equality and Inclusion (DEI) training — we start conversations that help people see each other differently.

Our sessions explore topics such as:

- Neurodiversity

-Mental Health and Wellbeing

- Physical Disabilities

- Deaf and Hard of Hearing

- Blind and Vision Impairment

- Learning Difficulties and Intellectual Disabilities

- Universal Design for Learning

Every time we run a session, we see people walk away with more empathy, more confidence, and more practical tools to make their spaces inclusive.

If you’d like to make inclusion part of your organisation’s goals — whether before Christmas or in the new year — get in touch.

085 2571482

info@abilitywise.ie

www.AbilityWise.ie

Be Wise about Ability with AbilityWise

Accredited Disability Equality, Inclusion Training and Consultancy in Cork - online or in-person for workplaces, schools and communities.

06/11/2025

Igniting Inclusion

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Igniting Inclusion Conference organised by Cork Volunteer Centre to mark Volunteer Managers Day — a space dedicated to exploring how we can make volunteering truly accessible and welcoming for everyone.

My talk focused on practical inclusion — how we can move beyond policies and intentions to actively break down barriers and create volunteer opportunities that are genuinely inclusive and accessible to all.

It was inspiring to share the stage with incredible speakers who brought their own unique perspectives on inclusion:

Kate Moynihan highlighted the importance of inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community.

Siubhan Mc Carthy from Age Friendly shared insights on engaging and supporting older volunteers.

Dr Salome Mbuga from AkiDwA offered a powerful perspective on cultural inclusion and how diversity strengthens communities.

The message was clear: Inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s an action. When we listen, adapt, and make space for everyone, we ignite real change.

A huge thank you to Cork Volunteer Centre for hosting such a thoughtful and energising event. Let’s keep the conversation going — and keep igniting inclusion in everything we do.

Be Wise about Ability with AbilityWise

Www.AbilityWise.ie

30/10/2025

Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) , one of the most beautiful places I've ever provided training in.

As with all registered charities, it's great to be able to support them through 100% cost neutral training, thanks to 90% from the Work and Access Scheme and the remainder 10% donated back from AbilityWise.

It was a particular pleasure to spend the day training staff on Disability Equality and Inclusion and great to see such interest in the subject.

Thank you to Denise Cremin and all the staff for the wonderful welcome and for the very delicious box of cakes, directly from their onsite bakery.

Www.AbilityWise.ie

28/10/2025

Thank you to Childhood-Matters Early Years for the fabulous testimonial!

Mental health and wellbeing are such vital topics in any workplace. It was a pleasure to work with your entire team to explore strategies for managing positive mental health and supporting wellbeing across the workforce.

Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Training Module is designed to help teams:

Build awareness and confidence around mental health conversations

Develop practical tools to support wellbeing at work

Create a culture of openness, empathy, and resilience

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a special day recognising your amazing team and celebrating their time with Childhood Matters Early Years.

A huge well done for putting staff wellbeing at the heart of the celebration — it truly made the day shine.

21/10/2025

Inclusive Christmas Events

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded how special this time of year can be — and how important it is that every family feels included in the magic.

At AbilityWise, we work with organisations across Ireland to make their Christmas events and family experiences truly inclusive. Our training isn’t just theory — it’s hands-on, practical, and tailored to real-world environments.

We bring a wheelchair for experiential learning, run on-site simulations to make sessions relevant to your setting, and help identify accessibility barriers that can be easily improved. It’s amazing how a few small changes can make a world of difference for families who have disabilities.

Even better — our training is up to 90% government funded, and for charities, we donate the remaining 10% back, meaning 100% reimbursement.

This Christmas, let’s make sure every child and family can experience the joy they deserve — without barriers.

If you’re running festive events and want to explore how we can help, we’d love to chat.

Contact Deirdre on 085 2571482 or info@abilitywise.ie

www.AbilityWise.ie

Be Wise about Ability with AbilityWise

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day

Yesterday, I completed my qualification as a Mental Health First Responder — a milestone that aligns perfectly with today’s focus on mental wellbeing. This experience reinforced something I’ve long believed: wellbeing and inclusion are inseparable.

The conversation around wellbeing has come a long way, but awareness alone isn’t enough. The next step is embedding mental health into the fabric of workplace culture — where policies, leadership, and everyday interactions reflect genuine care and psychological safety.

A truly inclusive organisation doesn’t just accommodate difference; it understands that mental health is part of human diversity. Leaders who recognise this create teams that are more engaged, loyal, and productive — not because people are managed better, but because they feel understood.

That's why, at AbilityWise, we work with organisations to translate these principles into action — through practical, evidence-based training that empowers teams to build environments where people can thrive, not just cope.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, let’s move beyond awareness toward accountability — shaping workplaces where everyone’s mental health matters every day.

Let's keep the conversation going, today and every day.

Be Wise about ability with AbilityWise

www.AbilityWise.ie

06/10/2025

At AbilityWise, we believe inclusion starts with understanding. Last week marked the completion of our 90% funded Neurodiversity Training for staff across Bon Secours Hospital, Cork — a key step toward building more neuro-inclusive workplaces in healthcare.

Over the past month, we’ve had the privilege of working with a wide and dedicated cohort — from surgeons and medical scientists to admin and support staff — all committed to creating more inclusive, understanding, and neuro-affirming environments.

The feedback has been truly heartwarming
One comment in particular stood out:

“As the parent of an autistic child, I’ve done a lot of courses, but I learnt so much from this training. Thank you.”

Moments like these remind us why this work matters — fostering awareness, empathy, and real change within healthcare and beyond.

Learn more about what we do: www.AbilityWise.ie

Accredited Disability Equality, Inclusion Training and Consultancy in Cork - online or in-person for workplaces, schools and communities.

02/10/2025

Thank you Network Cork . The unwavering support from organisers and members has blown me away. So proud to be recognised within such a prestigious group.

Thank you also to everyone who wished me well and congratulated me.

Still living on the high !!!!