The Inclusion Effect

In a rapidly evolving global economy, as businesses navigate a changing social landscape, it is more important than ever for us to continue to embrace diversity within the workplace. Diversity and inclusion efforts have traditionally focused on race, gender, and sexuality. However, more recently, we have seen a greater focus on the inclusion of employees with intellectual disabilities within the workplace.

Employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities remains critically low compared to the general population. In fact, currently in Ireland less than 17% of people with intellectual disabilities are in paid employment.

These individuals are often overlooked, yet they offer unique perspectives and skills that can enrich the workplace. Companies that open their doors to people with intellectual disabilities find loyal, hardworking, and motivated employees- significant assets within any workforce.

Untapped Potential and Mutual Benefits

There is an enormous pool of untapped talent among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their problem-solving abilities, resilience, creativity, and determination often exceed expectations. Unfortunately, systemic barriers continue to limit their access to education, training, and employment. Companies that choose to offer opportunities to these individuals benefit from new perspectives and approaches that can be transformative in a competitive market.

A diverse workforce brings a richness to any organisation. Individuals who think differently often approach challenges in unconventional and highly effective ways, offering alternative solutions that may not arise from traditional modes of thinking. Diverse teams can enhance innovation, improve design thinking, and contribute to a more adaptable, forward-thinking organisational culture. A variety of cognitive styles can help businesses to identify overlooked opportunities and navigate complexity with greater agility.

The benefits for people with intellectual disabilities who find employment are profound: increased independence, improved mental health, social inclusion, and financial security. However, there are significant benefits to companies also. Companies that hire inclusively report stronger team cohesion, higher morale, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced brand reputation. Teams that include individuals with intellectual disabilities often experience a more positive, empathetic, and supportive working environment. Colleagues become more collaborative and communicative, and managers’ report improvements in leadership skills and team engagement.

How businesses can help

Many capable candidates never get the chance to prove themselves due to lack of available employment opportunities. Internships and training programmes can be powerful tools to bridge this gap, offering real-world experiences and a pathway to meaningful employment. Offering candidates with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in internships will allow them to hone their skills and to demonstrate their potential.

Workshops designed to provide an introduction to the workplace are also extremely valuable. They provide a valuable educational opportunity for everyone involved. They also provide a unique insight into various types of employment environments and the skills needed for each.

The Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) facilitates a 2-year Certificate programme for students with intellectual disabilities. The programme provides a rich and varied academic programme, where students study 18 modules over the 2 years. Modules include a number of business-related subjects such as Introduction to Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Work Placement. In addition to the 2-year programme, TCPID also offers a graduate internship programme, where graduates are placed with TCPID’s partner companies for 6 month paid internships. Many of the internships have been extended beyond the 6 months with many converting to permanent employment.

TCPID students and graduates have a hugely positive impact upon the teams in each of the businesses.

TCPID business partners commented on their experience:

“The graduate helps us all to be more aware of how we can make our workplace more inclusive and accessible. He is such a positive person to have as part of the team and he helps us every day to be a more friendly, collaborative and team-orientated place to work.”

“The graduate has been fantastic to work with as part of the TCPID internship programme. Kind, compassionate and a fast learner. He brings great value to the team. He never says no to a challenge and completes the tasks when assigned. For me, a call with the graduate is the highlight of my day. It has been a career highlight to see him progress and to learn from him.”

TCPID runs an annual programme of student workshops with business partners in May. The workshops are co-designed with businesses to give students an unrivalled opportunity to develop key skills with the support of business experts.

In May 2025, TCPID delivered a series of workshops with 14 business partners, across a wide range of industries and within a wide range of employment environments, including some of Ireland’s top companies. The workshops took place within Abbott, AerCap, Aer Lingus, Bank of Ireland, Coillte, Cpl, DAA, EY, ICON, LinkedIn, Microsoft, National Lottery, Sisk and Squarespace. And provided students with unique insights into each of the companies.

Students who participated in our workshop programme commented on their experiences:

“Thank you for the workshops because they really helped us develop some of the skills we might need for the future.”

“Thank you so much for supporting TCPID for so long and for giving people like me a chance.”

“Thank you for helping me with my CV and the mock interviews. They were fun.”

“A big thank you to you all for very informative workshops over the past 4 weeks. What I learned from this I will definitely take forward with me to my internship and beyond.”

It was really great learning about competencies and getting to practice them was great fun. I will have to say the mock interviews were so much fun. I had great time.”

True societal progress is measured by how inclusively it treats its most vulnerable members. Allowing everyone a chance to participate fully in society, including the workforce is a basic human right. True inclusion helps to build a future where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the chance to contribute, to succeed, and to belong.