Experience

Mixed Ability Sports Ireland

• Ireland
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director

  • Oct 2020 - Present

  Director of Mixed Ability Sports Ireland CLG with the responsibility for developing Mixed Ability model on the island of Ireland. Mixed Ability Sports Ireland is part of the International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) a global movement challenging the orthodoxy of grassroots sport provision. Our vision is to radically change the way we think of, join in and enjoy sports, leading to a fairer and more equal society. Mixed Ability takes an innovative approach to breaking down barriers to participation. We use peer-education and co-produced resources to create a supportive environment within mainstream sports clubs. Mixed Ability Sports Ireland awards MA coaching certification and club accreditation, delivers training and organises national and international events to enhance participants' health and confidence, reinforce social skills, social cohesion, integration and inclusion across Europe. Mixed Ability Sports Ireland is the organiser of the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament, next due in Cork (Ireland) in 2022.



IMART World Cup

• Ireland
• Spectator Sports

• Director

  • May 2018 - Present

  Director at IMART Cork 2020 CLG - IMART Cork 2020 CLG is set up for the effective delivery, management and eviction of the 3rd edition of the International Mixed Ability Rugby tournament. Mixed Ability Rugby is played by players with and without disabilities on the same team. IMART Cork 2020 is an international sporting event being held in Cork form the 7th to 12th of June. IMART Cork 2020 will see 1000 players from 14 nations and 28 teams include for the first time 4 women's teams play out to how will be crown winners. IMART Cork 2020 is part of the Mixed Ability Week 20, (MAW20) is part funded by the Erasmus Plus for sport programme. MAW20 includes activities such as exhibitions sport under the mixed ability model, workshops and an international conference looking at how mixed ability can be part of the future in society , sport and business.



Cope Foundation

• Ireland
• Non-profit Organizations
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Community Hub Manager

  • Sep 2014 - Jan 2022

  In 2013 I developed and started pilot project to support adults with intellectual disabilities in a community based setting in order to access the natural supports with in communities. Heavily influenced by national policies guiding change in the Intellectual disability services and day services provision, this service uses a person centered approach with the support of key working team to achieve individual outcomes in areas of education , employment, social and personal development.In September 2014 QDS Community Hub Popes Quay opened its doors in Cork city , it now supports 36 individuals with a highly motivated and networked Key working team of 6 staff. All individuals are achieving real outcomes in a variety of areas from increased personal independence, to paid employment, to valued social roles with in their community and Cork city, to formal QQI educational qualifications being provided in education centers across the city and county. In September 2015 further of services were required, QDS community hub now have a second location in the Cork suburb of Togher. This services specializes in providing community based opportunities with higher key working and care working support levels to achieve person centered individual outcomes. At present 12 people access this service and are supported by a team of 6 with a skill mixed from Intellectual disability nursing, key workers and care assistance.Both service locations are funded by the HSE, with a plan to seek further fund to role out to more community based locations to meet demand.

• Day Services Manager

  • Jan 2012 - Aug 2018

  QDS is a large Intellectual disability adult day service run by Cope Foundation. It provides day service placement to 140 to 160 adults daily with a further 40 people attached to the service for supported employment supports.Since taking up this post in 2012 the landscape of how day services are provided has been ever evolving. With the shift from the group and sheltered workshop model and the change in needs with an aging population the service as become more individualized person centered. This has required change management and influencing relevant stakeholders (people supported by the service, their guardians and staff) to buy in to a way of support not familiar to them at first.This role includes the overseeing of the facility, its up keep, finical budgeting, normal operational management a team of 21 staff from intellectual disability nursing , supervisor instructors, trades people and care assistance. The service operates a low level a commercial furniture and woodwork manufacture department, strong links have been developed with the national college of furniture design GMIT Letterfrack to develop this part of the service to reflect change in service delivery for people supported in this area.

• Senior Supervisor Instructor

  • Sep 2008 - Jan 2012

  Ard Dara, Activation Centre provides recreational and person centered day supports for residents and non-residents in that location. The role required program development tailored to individual need, supporting individual care needs and support plans, working with multi disciplinary team and supporting individuals during periods of behaviors that challenge.



Brothers of Charity Services Ireland

• Ireland
• Health and Human Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Supervisor Instructor

  • Jul 2007 - Aug 2008

  I provided individualised adult supports on a one to one level working as part of a small team. The role required supporting person(s) with in their own communities and families through positive behavioral support programs reporting back to management and clinical support. I provided individualised adult supports on a one to one level working as part of a small team. The role required supporting person(s) with in their own communities and families through positive behavioral support programs reporting back to management and clinical support.

• Community Support Worker

  • Apr 2005 - Jun 2006

  Working under the direction of company psychology , Autism and behavioral support departments me roles include in home family support, residential support, behavioral support and one to one day supports. This work placement has had a major influence on how i have approached my work in the area of intellectual disabilities. Working under the direction of the company psychologist it in stilled in me the practice of positive behavioral support and its importance in how society can view persons with a barrier in life. I worked autonomously and part of dynamic teams and helped support people achive outcomes while at this post.