St Cronan's to break new ground

Local councillor Michael Smith has welcomed the announcement of a grant of €325,000 for St Cronan's Association for people with disabilities.

Cllr Smith said he was delighted to be present with his mother Mary, Chairperson of St Cronan's Association, and the CEO Dr Kathy McLoughlin and Deputy CEO Martin Kearney for the announcement by the Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath.

“These funds will enable the association to take new initiative to help service users gain employment,” Cllr Smith stated. “The association was founded just over 40 years ago and my mother, being a founding member, has broken down many barriers which stood in the way of people with various kinds of disabilities getting a fair deal.  

“The association now serves north Tipperary, south Offaly and south Laois, with training centres here in Roscrea, Nenagh and Birr. There are 120 service users and over 40 full-time staff members.

“All the participants are involved in Rehabilitative Training but, up to now, not enough of them progress to employment or further education. The barriers for people with intellectual disability working include lack of support, lack of awareness and personal challenges such as slower learning time, poor memory or concentration.  

“However, evaluations of job coaching and vocational programme, have demonstrated positive outcomes for the person with a disability, employers, and society as a whole. This project is aimed at 24 young people aged 20 – 29 years, 12 this year and 12 next year. The aim will be to broaden the experience of the participants prior to them selecting a career area.  

“Sampling will need to be conducted in tandem with personal skills development such as money management, travel training and communication skills,” Cllr Smith added.