'They're capable of so much': Cork support hub urges firms to employ people with intellectual disabilities

Sandra Egan, who has an intellectual disability, has been working at flower shop Juniper Rose in Midleton thanks to Horizon’s hub in the East Cork town

Sandra Egan works at local florists Juniper Rose in Midleton, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

After decades of unsuccessful job hunting, Sandra Egan, who has an intellectual disability, had all but given up on her dream of ever entering the workforce.

At the age of 53 she has finally achieved what she never thought was possible. Years of rejection had taken a considerable toll on her self-esteem. 

However, staff at the Midleton hub in East Cork, which provides day services and support for people with intellectual disabilities under the umbrella of Horizons, never gave up on Sandra. 

Now, their mentorship is finally paying off as she thrives in her work experience role at flower shop Juniper Rose in Midleton. 

The Cork woman is one of 30 people supported by Horizon’s Midleton hub, which also has a facility in Carrigtwohill supporting a further 12 service users.

She broke down in tears as she expressed her gratitude to Horizons and owner of Juniper Rose, Rachel McCarthy, for taking a chance on her.

Sandra Egan with florist and proprietor Rachel McCarthy at Juniper Rose in Midleton, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“I’m there two years now,” she told the Irish Examiner.  “I am so happy. I love working in Juniper Rose. Just coming in and smelling the flowers makes me so happy. 

"My favourite flowers are baby’s breath, but I also love pink roses. My colleagues are very kind to me. We could be talking about anything together. The staff there are so funny and witty. 

"I talk about everything with the customers. I was chatting with one man so much we even realised we both had the same breakfast that morning, porridge with blueberries.” 

Unfortunately, Alan Wiggins, who is a support worker with Horizon’s Midleton Hub, explained that, although Sandra Egan’s experience was positive, overall community integration efforts have proved very challenging for others.

“I have approached businesses to get people work experience and they had said 'no' outright without even hearing about the person. They are terrified of bringing someone in even if they have never met them."

His colleague Lyndsey Rellis revealed that she had similar experiences when trying to access employment opportunities for members of the Midleton hub.

“Sometimes it’s a lack of education. Other times, it’s a lack of interest. 

There are people in a situation where they have been told no all their lives, leaving them with no confidence. 

"Sandra is 53-years-old and had been let down a lot in the past in terms of employment before getting a chance with Juniper Rose. A lot of the time, employers don’t believe that those from the hub can carry out these tasks, even though they are more than capable.” 

Lyndsey urged employers to keen an open mind.

“We don’t want them to be treated differently. There are some people who have health issues in addition to an intellectual disability. In these cases, we completely understand if an employer feels they are not equipped to deal with their needs. 

"All we are asking is for people who are able to work to be offered that chance. 

"There are people here who have great skills who are capable of so much. It’s difficult to describe the positive impact that working can have on a person’s self-esteem. 

"The people here who are working are just so proud to be part of something and a part of the community. Even being included in a photograph for a business’s social media means so much to them.” 

Members of the hub are often known to exceed expectations.

“We had two women here whose families believed they would never be able for the work they were doing now. I asked them if we could at least try to see if they might enjoy the experience. 

"They are now doing so well and their families are really surprised and proud to see what they have achieved. They told us that they can’t believe this is happening.” 

(Seated front left to right) Luke McNerney, Sandra Egan, Katie O'Brien and Raphaela McCarthy with (rear left to right) support workers Lyndsey Rellis and Alan Wiggins with Patrick De Ward. Picture: Larry Cummins

Patrick De Ward is among the other success stories at the hub. His love of animals led him to pursue work with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and Skinvet in Midleton.

“I work with assistance dogs. In the Skinvet I take care of the animals and supplies. I love the dogs. Sometimes they are friendly and others are the shy type. The people I work with are all really nice and I often bring them in biscuits and chocolate.” 

Manager at the facility, Ruairí Ó Laoghaire, said the people involved with the hub are passionate about giving back to their communities.

“They all want the same thing. One motivates the other. They are out and about. Some are joined the tidy towns. They do fundraisers every year including one for Marymount at Christmas so there is a big focus on giving back.”