The Ability Programme supports people with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 29 to prepare for and access education, training or employment based on their interests, skills and goals. From October 2018 to June 2019, the programme ran in Mitchelstown, County Cork. 13 young people took part in various courses and activities through the programme which ran on 2 days each week.

Through 6 art therapy workshops, the group completed a graffiti-style 'Tree of Life' project.

A 6-week Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) course guided the group to create their own individual plans for maintaining their mental and physical wellness. 

Many of the 2018/19 group set themselves the goal of gaining their provisional driving license. To support this goal, the Ability Programme provided all participants with the opportunity to go to Munster Driving Campus. There, they learned about the basics of car management, learned about the dangers of driving under the influence, and got to drive a car around a private track with the help of an instructor. 

The group received Driver Theory Tutoring as part of the Programme and travelled as a group to Charleville to sit their Theory Tests in March 2019. 

Work experience was an important part of the Programme for many members of the group. Placements took place on dairy farms, in charity shops, in a local hair salon, with a media production company and with a local pottery artist.

Team-building days out were organised throughout the year. The group agreed on activities and places they would like to experience during these days. They visited Limerick Animal Welfare Sanctuary, the Escape Rooms in Cobh, college campuses in Cork City and more.

The group completed lots of training during the year. Work related training such as Manual Handling, HACCP, Safepass and a Level 3 Office Procedures course were sometimes hard work, but always worth the effort! 

Other types of training completed included Barista Skills, Self defense training and Music and Communication Level 2 QQI. 

The group helped to organise and run an event for Zero Discrimination Day in March 2019. They also helped to plan their graduation event in June and even prepared performances and speeches for the day.

Well done to all who took part in the 2018/19 Ability Programme!