AbilityWise

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

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 !!!!

27/09/2025

A proud career milestone

Anyone who knows me will know that AbilityWise is far more than just a business. It’s born from my passion for supporting organisations to create workplaces where everyone feels included.

Running a business while living with a disability has had its challenges, but it has also given me a unique perspective on balancing a career with chronic illness—insight that drives everything I do at AbilityWise.

That’s why moments like last night mean so much. I was honoured to receive an award of Highly Commended in the Emerging Businesswoman category at the Network Ireland Awards.

A heartfelt thank you to:

The amazing team Network Ireland Cork for a phenomenal evening

My husband Timothy O' Sullivan and my wonderful children Kerri O' Sullivan and Aaron O'Sullivan for their endless encouragement.

Hannah Plant, for being one of my greatest supporters, always. Everyone should have a Hannah in their lives.

This recognition is more than an award—it’s a reminder of why I do what I do, and the importance of pushing for inclusion every single day.

Www.AbilityWise.ie

16/09/2025

Further Big news for inclusion and employment!

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary have announced major reforms to the Wage Subsidy Scheme – making it easier for people with disabilities to access and retain meaningful work, while supporting employers across Ireland.

*Minimum weekly hours reduced from 21 → 15 hours

* Scheme expanded to the community, voluntary, and commercial state-sponsored sectors

*Employees on Partial Capacity Benefit are now eligible

*Shift to the social model of disability – focusing on ability, not “deficits”

*Regular subsidy reviews to ensure fair support

The Wage Subsidy Scheme helps employers hire and retain staff with disabilities by providing subsidies of €6.30 – €9.45 per hour, plus additional supports for larger employers.

These changes mean more opportunities, more inclusion, and stronger workplaces for everyone.



Learn more at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/press-releases/taoiseach-miche%c3%a1l-martin-and-minister-dara-calleary-launch-reformed-wage-subsidy-scheme/?fbclid=IwdGRzaAM2gptjbGNrAzaBEmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeFcLEGVRoMD14ZA5qX_D-ntO__SOnKSfCfrer8P6Kvqx39UL6YzdilTHRvQk_aem_dKb1aPVgJrd-XZTKzGa0qA&sfnsn=mo

Be Wise about Ability with AbilityWise

info@abilitywise.ie
085 2571482
Www.AbilityWise.ie

14/09/2025

New EU ruling on Reasonable Accommodations

AbilityWise, Ireland’s leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training provider, has welcomed a landmark ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that strengthens workplace protections for parents of children with disabilities.

The ruling clarifies that protections against indirect discrimination on grounds of disability extend not only to employees living with a disability themselves, but also to parents caring for children with disabilities. Employers across Ireland and the EU are now required to consider reasonable accommodations for such employees to ensure they can balance work and caring responsibilities—without suffering career disadvantage.

This case arose after an Italian station operator, who repeatedly sought fixed working hours to care for her son with complex needs, was refused permanent accommodations. The CJEU determined that denying such adjustments, when reasonable, amounts to unlawful indirect discrimination “by association.”

Implications for Irish Workplaces

For Irish employers, this ruling has immediate and significant implications:
Extension of Equality Law: The Irish Employment Equality Acts 1998–2021 already prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability. This judgment confirms that protections extend to family carers of persons with disabilities, strengthening the concept of “discrimination by association.”

Legal Duty on Employers: Under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, employers have a statutory duty to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. This ruling reinforces that obligation, particularly for working parents providing care.

Reasonable Accommodation: Irish employers must ensure that working arrangements—such as hours, location, and flexibility—are adapted where possible to support parents of children with disabilities, provided such adjustments do not cause a disproportionate burden on the organisation.

Risk of Litigation: Failure to comply may expose employers to claims before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) or Irish courts.

Beyond compliance, this ruling encourages Irish organisations to create family-friendly workplace cultures that value caregiving as a shared social responsibility.

Too often, parents of children with disabilities face impossible choices between their careers and their caring responsibilities. This ruling confirms what inclusion advocates have long argued: that workplace equality must account for the needs of families, not just individuals. Irish employers should view this as both a legal obligation and an opportunity to lead with compassion and inclusivity.

AbilityWise, 90% government-funded DEI training programs (100% funded for those with charity registration) support employers in understanding their legal obligations, while embedding practical, people-centred policies that drive long-term inclusion.

info@abilitywise.ie
085 2571482

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

31/07/2025

Why every workplace should have sensory spaces.

Sensory zones aren't just for neurodivergent individuals - they benefit everyone in the workplace.
These spaces offer a calming environment that helps to reduce stress, restore focus and improve emotional regulation.
Whether a break from screen fatigue, a quiet space to think, or a moment to rest during a busy day, Sensory zones support overall well- being and productivity.

Employees with access to controlled Sensory environments tend to report lower levels of stress and better cognitive performance. Even short breaks in these zones can support emotional regulation and recurring clarity in task ex*****on.

By designing environments for Sensory diversity - encompassing not just those who are neurodivergent but also individuals who have PTSD, ADHD, etc., you can send an unspoken message of support: diversity is multifaceted, and we honour every unseen need.

Providing a Sensory zone is providing a sanctuary from modern workplace stressors for all team members.

By acknowledging diverse Sensory needs, organisations create a more inclusive and human centred workplace for all.

Be Wise about Ability with AbilityWise

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