Rathmines College of Further Education – An Online Evening Course for People With Disabilities Looking for Employment

/ Barry Walsh

I am delighted to announce that my Embracing Workplace Inclusion course in Rathmines College of Further Education is back for a second year. The course aims to equip people with disabilities with the skills that they need to find a job. Advocates for people with disability can also join the course. We had a great reaction to last year’s course and we are hoping to have even more people join this year.

My Background

I have Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, so I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find employment when you have a disability. Despite achieving excellent grades in college I went through a really difficult time finding employment, as I was never thought the skills of how to find employment when you have an a disability.

I have since gone on to work for start-ups, advertising companies, charities, Publicjobs.ie, Bank of Ireland’s ThinkBusiness.ie, and Dell Technologies. In addition, I was also a job coach to autistic people for two years and saw first hand how they were also discriminated against in the workplace and in recruitment.

So together with my former college, Rathmines College of Further Education, we have created a course where I teach people with disabilities the skills of how to find a job.

Course Overview

The eight-week online evening course,runs from September to November 2025. It provides practical knowledge and insights into how to gain employment. Classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm. It is open to participants in the Republic of Ireland, regardless of qualifications, employment status, or disability documentation requirements.

Topics and Structure

Participants will benefit from sessions covering:

  • Unconscious bias in job searching and personal SWOT analysis
  • Core values, reasonable accommodations, and disclosure
  • Skills audits, using Excel for job searching, and networking strategies
  • Company selection, comfort zones, and managing burnout
  • CVs, cover letters, and video CVs
  • LinkedIn development, interview tips, and career coaching
  • Personal branding, AI in recruitment, red flags to look out for, and onboarding guidance

Each week features a guest speaker from leading organizations and career support networks, such as The Open Doors Initative, Talent Hub, and Career Lab.

Key Details

  • Cost: €50 for the full course
  • It will be starting on Tuesday the 15th of September
  • No exams or assignments; homework is assigned
  • There is no job placement or work experience offered at the end of the course
  • I cannot advise on, disability, health or immigration status during the course
  • The course is supported by CDETB disabilities officers
  • You do not need an up to date psychological report to join the course
  • Open registration for people with disabilities and advocates for people with disabilities
  • It is open to both unemployed and employed people

If you’re interested please contact me or apply directly to the course here