Laois school project wins two national awards
The BridgeAbility Project was led by students at Portlaoise College
A project led by students of Portlaoise College has won two national awards.
In an initiative to address the employment challenges faced by adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the BridgeAbility Project has made great strides in raising awareness about neurodiversity in the workplace.
Led by a passionate team of Portlaoise College students, the project was spurred into action by the staggering statistic that 85% of adults with autism are unemployed. Recognising the need for change, the BridgeAbility Project embarked on a mission to ignite transformation.
The student team members were Alex Toman, Robyn Neylon-Phipps, Cillian Harkin, Shauna McPartland, Sophie Robertson and Kyla Walsh.
Teachers Sarah Rowan and James Moloughney commended the BridgeAbility Project team members.
“The team have shown incredible dedication and hard work in their mission to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace. What they’ve accomplished goes beyond what can be learned from textbooks,” they said.
Above: The Project team pictured at the Young Social Innovators (YSI) Push Back on Poverty Award.
“Their achievements, winning two national awards, are a testament to their hard work and the positive impact they’re making in our community,” their teacher Ms Rowan said.
“Throughout this journey, the team has developed essential skills in communication, self-esteem, and advocacy, which will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavours,” she added.