Integration and inclusion in the hospitality industry 

A new cookery competition aiming to enhance young people’s culinary skills while bringing down barriers associated with disabilities has been launched by Rotary Ireland and the Culinary Ability Awards 

Chef Chris Standford with students Dara Sheridan, Tommy O’Malley, Padraig Gleeson and Tadgh Rice from St. Farnan’s Post Primary School, Prosperous at the Rotary International Culinary Chef Event in the Killashee House Hotel, Naas. Picture: Tony Gavin

“It can be life-changing,” says chef Chris Sandford. He knows that creating opportunities for disabled people to participate in a professional kitchen makes a huge difference to their lives. 

Sandford is the founder of the Culinary Ability Awards which supports people with disabilities into careers in hospitality. “It gives disabled people the tools to do what they want to do and the majority of people who take part in the Culinary Ability Awards end up in full-time employment,” he says.