As a regular customer of Centra Marley Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 I’d often noticed that some of the staff have down syndrome and I was eager to talk to the owner Breda Cahill to find out the background on why she employs staff with an intellectual disability. I put together a few questions to understand the benefits and also any barriers when employing a person with an intellectual disability as below. Breda is a standing member of the local Rathfarnham/Ballinteer/Dundrum community and without her as an employer many guys may not have a job.

All questions are related to matching a job with a person with intellectual disabilities.

• How many staff with intellectual disabilities (id) do you employ? We employ 4 people, 2 in Ballinteer and 2 in Marley. https://centra.ie/locate/leinster/dublin/16/ballinteer and https://centra.ie/locate/leinster/dublin/16/marlay-park.

• Why do you employ staff with id? Why NOT? Everyone needs a break. We have to be able to give something back to society and if that’s a job for someone who finds it hard to get work then, why not. We are here to make a difference.

• What benefit/advantages does it bring to your shops and how do your staff interact with staff with an intellectual disability? Huge benefits- My staff has more patience and are very caring. People with an intellectual disability shine a light on those around them and bring out the best in most people. Customers like to see that we care and we DO really care. It makes everyone slow down and I believe appreciate the more basics in life. They put a smile on everyone’s face no matter how small the chat. The thought or the glimpse seeing a staff member going the extra 5% chatting about everyone’s week end or a night out means the integration is working. Our staff don’t see staff with an intellectual disability as being any different. Perhaps initially they may have but now they are just part of the team and very inclusive too.

• What do you think your customers experience is when being served or helped by a member of staff with id? Customers enjoy the chat and make allowances for those less able to do. They really don’t mind and I believe it adds to their experience.

• How do you recruit?  Generally it is a service provider that will come to me. We look at what way they can support us and us them and we cater for the individual needs as best we can.

• Are there any obstacles or barriers when recruiting a member of staff?  When we are recruiting anyone, regardless of their ability, we have to know they will mix well and can follow instructions. This is no different for a staff member with intellectual disabilities.

• Do you have specific roles for staff? Yes. We assign specific jobs to staff with an intellectual disability such as – Lots, Price checking, packing light manageable items, sweeping, greeting etc. They have to be able to start/finish their assigned role.

• What skills do members of staff with id need to work for you? Be social, good communication ie verbal, eagerness to work and good listening skills.

• Do you pay staff with an intellectual disability? Yes everyone is paid accordingly.

Interviewed conducted on 30th March 2017 with Breda Cahill.

This woman from USA has gone on to open her own bakery shop after determination and support from her family and friends. It can be done!

A cafe and bookshop in Co. Kerry recently opened it’s doors to the public and employs a number of Down Syndrome staff. The aims are to help staff learn new skills, raise runds for it’s centre and also ensure the staff are in paid employment.