Step Ahead Plus: Fast Track
A brain injury can affect your ability to work or study.
Step Ahead Plus will help identify changes you can make in how you work or study. These changes can help you improve your quality of life, remain in work or education.
The programme also provides important information about brain injury to your employers, tutors or trainers, so that they can support you in your role. Our programme is primarily online using videocall, telephone and email.
Who can take part in Step Ahead Plus?
- Do you have a primary diagnosis of acquired brain injury (this means the main health condition you have is an acquired brain injury)?
- Are you medically stable (This means you are not having medical treatment now)?
- Do you want to have your skills and abilities assessed to help you return to work, training or education?
- Are you able to access videocall software (Zoom, or Microsoft Teams)?
- Are you willing to provide proof of age? (We are funded by the EU and it is part of their requirement that we check everyone is over 16 years through passport, drivers licence or birth certificate)
If you meet these five conditions, Step Ahead Plus may suit you.
Step Ahead Plus is not suitable for you if you have any of these conditions:
- A degenerative condition such as Huntington’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease
- Progressive organic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Alcohol-related brain injury
Our Waiting List
There is a lot of demand for our Step Ahead Plus service. We operate a dynamic waiting list that is continuously monitored. Some people may be offered the service before other people.
There are two reasons for this:
• You are at risk of leaving your job or education
• You are returning to your job or place of education soon
If you do not meet these conditions, you may have to wait longer for a place in our Step Ahead Plus service.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about our services for those preparing to return to work, education or training, please contact us and we will direct you.
Contact – Katie O’Dwyer, Administrator
e: kodwyer@abiireland.ie
t: +353 52 619 1259
m: +353 86 032 9413
Referral Forms
For Professionals
If you are a Professional referring someone living with a brain injury, please complete the referral form below now
For Individuals with a brain injury
If you want to self-refer or you are a friend or family member completing it on the person’s behalf please complete the referral form below now
Post a referral form
You can also print out the referral form. If you are unable to print the form please contact us and we will post one to you.
Please note that you or your nominated representative is also required to sign the consent forms at the end of the document. Once complete, please mail your form to:
Katie O’Dwyer, Area Administrator, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, National Services Area 2, St Luke’s Hospital, St Theresa’s Wing, Western Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, E91PR83
Participant Experiences
James is self-employed. He acquired a brain injury at the age of 52 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His greatest struggles following his brain injury were memory loss, concentration and fatigue. Thanks to Step Ahead Plus, James is now back at work and starting to get his life and independence back.
Sharon had a stroke in December 2020. As a result of her acquired brain injury, Sharon has problems with her memory, concentration and fatigue. Step Ahead Plus supported Sharon to prepare for a return to work.
In 2018, Belinda had an aneurysm. She had to learn to walk and talk again. When she returned home, Belinda found it overwhelming to plan, make decisions, and get things done. She came to Step Ahead Plus because she wanted to get back to work. Thanks to the service, she began to flourish and her concentration improved.
High Success Rate
From 2021 to 2023
We supported 234 people.
53% returned to Employment
21% returned to Education
Holistic Benefits
Our research shows that participants in the Step Ahead Plus programme experienced improved sleep, routine, pride, finances, mental health, confidence, and the ability to self-advocate.
Evidence Based
Our team is committed to providing an evidence based service. We have contributed to the vocational rehabilitation research field.
Readiness Questionnaire: for Clinicians and Healthcare Professionals
If the person is unsure if Vocational Rehabilitation is the right path for them, our readiness questionnaire has proven to be a useful tool that can assist with discussion. You can download the questionnaire here.
Find out how about other Step Ahead Plus supports
Step Ahead Plus: New Track
Step Ahead Plus offers online group information sessions for those seeking new employment or education.
Step Ahead Plus: Employer Track
We are developing an inclusive work placement programme for individuals to gain work skills and industry-based experience.
