Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697751195271.pdf (Ireland)
Date: 11/07/23 Dear Honourable Members of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, I am deeply honoured to be invited to this Committee to discuss the crucial subject of increasing employment participation for people with disabilities through self-employment and entrepreneurship.

As we gather here today during Disability Pride Month, this dialogue couldn't be more timely.
As a person with cerebral palsy and the co-founder of Access Earth, I am intimately acquainted with the challenges and opportunities that exist within this domain.

It's important to underscore a reality that is often overlooked: most disabilities are acquired during an individual's working life.

According to the United Nations, we will all, on average, live about eight years of our lives with some form of disability.
This fact illustrates that employers must be prepared to adapt continuously to support an employee's evolving career journey.

Hence, our focus should not only be on inclusive hiring practices, but also on creating a work environment that is adaptable and can meet changing needs throughout an employee's tenure.

People with disabilities, like anyone else, have a diverse range of skills, talents, and passions.
However, we often face unique hurdles in the traditional employment market due to inaccessible workplaces, prejudiced assumptions, and limited opportunities for career advancement.

For many, self-employment and entrepreneurship provide a path to independence, fulfilment, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.

While celebrating Disability Pride Month is significant, it's crucial to acknowledge that we still have a long road ahead of us.
Far too often, disability is overlooked or given superficial attention in discussions and actions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is a disparity that we must actively and earnestly address.

In Ireland, we have made significant strides in supporting entrepreneurship for disabled people.
Initiatives such as the 2020 TUD report, "Pathway-to-Entrepreneurship-for- Company Registration Number / 570686 Website / https://www.accessearth.com Company Directors / Matthew McCann, Patrick O’Callaghan Email / matt@accessearth.com Company Address / Aghanagh, Coneyboro, Lucan Road, Celbridge, Kildare.

Registered In / Ireland People-with-Disabilities-in-Ireland," demonstrate our commitment to this cause.
However, the lived experiences of entrepreneurs with disabilities, including my own, suggest there is much more we can do.

Despite the advances we've made, disabled entrepreneurs face additional barriers.

These range from accessing start-up capital to navigating built environments that weren't designed with our needs in mind.

There is also the added labour of having to educate others about our conditions and needs, an often overlooked aspect of our entrepreneurial journey.
In my unique position as a disabled entrepreneur, I also find myself in the dual role of being both an employer and an employee with disabilities.

This perspective allows me to understand the challenges and aspirations of disabled individuals on both sides of the employment equation.

As an employer, I strive to ensure that my company is not just accessible in its products and services, but also in its work environment and culture.
This requires continuous learning and adaptation, as well as investments in accessibility that aren't always easy to make in the start-up phase.

As an employee, I grapple with managing my health and energy levels, accessing appropriate accommodations, and battling societal prejudices and misconceptions about what I'm capable of.

To effectively address these challenges, I believe we need to deepen our commitment to three key areas: 1.
Education: Society needs a better understanding of the realities and capabilities of people with disabilities.

This will help reduce biases and open up opportunities in all sectors.

Company Registration Number / 570686 Website / https://www.accessearth.com Company Directors / Matthew McCann, Patrick O’Callaghan Email / matt@accessearth.com Company Address / Aghanagh, Coneyboro, Lucan Road, Celbridge, Kildare.

Registered In / Ireland 2.


Accessibility: While physically accessible workplaces are crucial, other aspects like communication and technology must also be considered.

Disabilities are diverse, as are our needs.

3.

Support: Disabled entrepreneurs require additional support, including funding, mentorship, and networks.

This support should be widely available and tailored to meet our unique needs.
In conclusion, the goal should be a society where disability is not seen as a barrier to entrepreneurship but as a unique perspective that can drive innovation and growth.

It's not just about doing what's right for people with disabilities; it's about what's right for our economy and society as a whole.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak today.
I look forward to discussing these issues further and working together to improve the landscape for self-employment and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities in Ireland.

Best regards, Matthew McCann Managing Director Access Earth Limited Company Registration Number / 570686 Website / https://www.accessearth.com Company Directors / Matthew McCann, Patrick O’Callaghan Email / matt@accessearth.com Company Address / Aghanagh, Coneyboro, Lucan Road, Celbridge, Kildare.

Registered In / Ireland