This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

People with disabilities are finding it harder than ever before to get jobs.

That’s according to Galway-based disability advocate Maggie Woods who was speaking at the country’s first ever national conference of Local Development Companies in Ballina.

The Galway City Partnership ‘WorkAbility’ Programme Co-ordinator says out of 90 people on their programme, only 15 have jobs.

Woods is urging prospective employers to give people with disabilities a chance:

Speaking at the LDCN conference, the Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary wasn’t surprised. He has this message for employers: