Specialist education provider can provide support to neurodivergent people facing barriers to employment
Just 33% of disabled people in Ireland are in employment, compared with an EU average of 51%. A free webinar hosted by National Learning Network (NLN) on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, will explore how to close that gap.
The online event between 2pm to 3pm called Pathways to Potential, Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals into Education and Work, will feature expert speakers, employers and real-life success stories, offering practical solutions for parents, educators, employers, and health professionals.
Roughly 10pc of adults in Ireland identify as neurodivergent. Since 2020, NLN has supported hundreds of neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia, to take the next step into meaningful employment or further education. Through accessible programmes and tailored supports, NLN creates pathways that enable students to thrive in their own way.
Graduates of NLN programmes have gone on to secure positions with leading employers such as Meta, Cook Medical, Dunnes Stores, and Mr. Price, as well as with a wide range of other organisations. Their achievements highlight the difference that inclusive education and workplace readiness can make when combined with the right structures and encouragement.
Rita Ní Dhuigneáin, Principal Psychologist with Rehab Group, will be among the keynote contributors. With over 20 years of experience spanning mental health, disability, recovery, and family support, Rita is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals.
Her solution-focused and neuro-affirmative approach is centred on uncovering strengths, exploring possibilities, and creating practical pathways that help people overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
Among the speakers will be Operations Manager with Mr Price Branded Bargains, Edel McSorley, who will speak about how employing disabled people is not only possible, but value-adding for any company.
National Learning Network and Mr Price Branded Bargains joined forces to champion inclusive employment across the country. The partnership is focused on creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities, supported by tailored training and inclusive recruitment practices. Dozens of individuals have successfully moved into employment, with concrete support from both NLN and Mr Price.
Ms McSorley has championed employing disabled people since she started with the company in 2011. Now, 17% of its workforce are drawn from the cohort.
“Working with NLN showed us that inclusion isn’t an extra, it’s the right way to work. Their training helped us create simple, practical strategies that embrace neurodiversity and unlock people’s strengths. The payoff is clear: our shops are thriving with energy, talent, and personality. To other employers: don’t miss out, this talent brings real value,” said Ms McSorley.
When Dylan Flanagan, who is autistic, finished secondary school, he knew he wanted to keep learning but wasn’t sure he was ready for the leap into further education. That uncertainty led him to National Learning Network in Waterford, where he found a structured, supportive environment that helped him grow both personally and professionally. From building everyday independence to gaining real work experience, Dylan says NLN gave him the confidence to take the next step toward his dream career in journalism.
“The support I received at NLN Waterford was life changing. From one-to-one guidance that helped me become more independent, to social groups where I made lasting friends, to work experience that gave me real confidence in the workplace, I gained so much. Now I’m studying journalism, working part-time, and writing for a local newspaper. None of this would’ve been possible without NLN, and I’d encourage anyone struggling with education or careers to give it a try. It can truly change your life.”
Also speaking will be Anne Marie McDonnell, NLN’s Head of Service and Programme Design and Development. As a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, Anne Marie has over 25 years’ experience working in the areas of Disability Inclusion, Further Education and Training and Inclusive Employment.
Director of National Learning Network, Dr Rita Day said: “Our mission is to remove the barriers that stand in the way of education and employment for neurodiverse individuals. We’re proud to be one of the first organisations in Ireland to provide neurodiversity-affirmative training for staff, ensuring that every student is met with respect, understanding, and the right tools to succeed. This webinar is open to anyone who has someone in their lives who would benefit from the kinds of personalised supports NLN provides.”
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For more information, please contact Ciara Heffernan:ciara.heffernan@rehab.ie