Disability job initiative launched

A NEW employment initiative that promises jobs for local people with disabilities has been launched by Dublin Lord Mayor, Andrew Montaghue, in Ballymun.
Vendability Enterprise is based on a successful non-profit US employment project which sees visually impaired and blind people receiving training and assistance from State funded organisations to operate vending machines.It’s estimated that there’s over 20,000 vending machines in Ireland serviced by private vending companies and the Vendability Enterprise run by Hand on Heart Enterprises is hoping to capture some of the market to create jobs for disabled workers.Hand on Heart is a recent winner of the Arthur Guinness Fund is a new organisation that’s developing simple but innovative approaches to creating jobs for people with disabilities.It uses the social enterprise business model to operate a bar and a catering service that creates jobs for people with disabilities in a non-profit business.Founder and chief executive, Jamie Regan explained the concept behind the venture.

“People with disabilities have abilities, and we have to get away from this thinking that they can’t work in certain jobs such as those in the hospitality and catering industry,

? he said.

“Our Vendability Enterprise will be the first not-for-profit business that will compete on the same terms as private vending companies.

?Hand on Heart Enterprises already employs people with all different types of disabilities and develops teams of people to manage the same tasks that are undertaken by a team of people without disabilities.The Inclusion Bar that opened in the Axis Centre in Ballymun last year was its first enterprise and it’s been hailed as an innovative idea that’s the first of its kind in the world.The Vendability Enterprise is already operating vending machines in a number of Northside locations including St Kevin’s in Finglas and Donneycarney Youth Centre.

“Hand on Heart believes good marketing is as important aspect of the business,

? continued Mr Regan.

“On every Hand on Heart vending machine the message is clear

‘Thank you, your purchase has just supported the employment of people with disabilities’.

?Lord Mayor Andrew Montague described the Hand on Heart vending machine venture as

“innovative

?.

“As Hand on Heart Enterprises have shown during their first year, a new approach to employment for people with disabilities through a social enterprise does not necessarily require government funding if businesses and local communities offer their support,

? he said.

“It is exciting to see how Hand on Heart Enterprises is looking at innovative ideas such as vending machines, that have traditionally been only operated in the private sector.

?