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While many people with a disability face daily restrictions on what they can and can't do, a young man from Northern Ireland who is a wheelchair user has been given an employment lifeline, thanks to a training programme which he took part in. Dean Crooks has started working in the Brewery Lane bar in Cookstown, Country Tyrone as a customer services assistant, carrying out a range of duties including the important task of booking cabs for customers.

Dean joined the New Deal for Disabled People Programme in October last year, after being referred by Anne Marie O'Kane, a Day Opportunity Coordinator in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The New Deal for Disabled People Programme (NDDP) provides people in receipt of health related benefits with a range of training and support to enable them to return to employment. Dean has suffered from a physical disability from birth and is restricted to a wheelchair. But despite his disability, which initially led to extreme difficulties with employment, because of low self-esteem and problems communicating with people, Dean is now looking positively toward the future.

Dean was assigned to USEL'S Employment Support Officer, Siobhan Quinn who worked with the young Irish man to explore different employment options. After expressing an interest in working in the hospitality trade, Siobhan provided the encouragement for Dean to seek employment in the area. When a vacancy rose in the bar for a customer services assistant, Dean was successful in his application, and Siobhan and Anne Marie worked closely with him to ensure he settled into his new role.

Manager of the Brewery Lane, Stephen Conway has recognised the valuable contribution Dean made to the business. "Dean is an asset to the bar. He is friendly and helpful to the customers, and they in return have built a very strong friendship with him," explained Stephen.

The social aspect of his employment has allowed Dean to build his confidence and overcome any communication difficulties. And Siobhan said she has witnessed a great change in Dean from his initial registration on the NDDP programme.

"Dean is like a new person. I have seen his confidence grow and grow, and his communication skills and confidence have improved immensely," she added.

Siobhan regularly visits Dean in Cookstown to review his progress and provide any assistance if needed.

And Dean added: "Without the help provided by USEL I wouldn't have been able to return to work. My confidence has increased so much and I have made so many new friends. "

This young man's experience is by no means unique and proves that all people, regardless of disability, need the support of the government.

Learn more about this author, GF McDade.
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