'My friends in Field of Dreams see me as a role model and they all want to work too'

A CORK pub that has successfully used an innovative screen-based technology system to support employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities is encouraging other pubs across the county to see how they might do the same.

The South County Bar in Douglas Village teamed up with AssistiV Ireland earlier this year to support Dylan Kennedy, who has Down syndrome, in a role working in the bar.

AssistiV’s platform helps make bar work easier by converting complex tasks into simple visual and audio cues, thereby removing barriers related to numeracy and literacy.

Mr Kennedy said the technology has given him “so much confidence” and independence.

“I do lots of jobs here at the South County, from stocking shelves to waiting on tables, taking orders, and pouring pints.

“All of the staff treat me as part of the team, and we all work hard together.

Fabulous

“The customers are fabulous, and I have great craic with them working behind the bar, especially when it’s busy,” he added. “I love my job, I pull a great pint of Heineken.”

Mr Kennedy also attends Down Syndrome Cork’s ‘Field of Dreams’ project, which provides work and life skills development opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.

“My friends in Field of Dreams see me as a role model and they all want to work too.

“All people need to do is to give us a chance. With the right support, we can be great for anyone’s business.”

South County Bar manager, Sarah Burke added: “When we took on Dylan, a young man with Down syndrome, we saw his potential and wanted to support his interest in bar work.

“We’ve seen first-hand how these changes benefit both our employees and customers and would strongly encourage other pubs to look at how they might do the same.”

The use of the technology is fully funded by the Government’s Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant, meaning its implementation is cost-neutral to employers.

See https://assistivireland.com/