Step Ahead Plus: New Track
A brain injury can affect your ability to work or study
Step Ahead Plus offers online group information sessions for those seeking new employment or education. These sessions are designed to share information and resources that you can use to explore options and supports to start your journey of finding a course or job.
We also have occasional work placement opportunities.
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)?
- Are you able to access videocall software (zoom, or Microsoft Teams)?
- Are you happy to be signed up to our learning management system to complete courses after attending the information sessions?
- 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 upcoming online group dates
- 18 July 2024
- 3 October 2024
If you would like to register now for a group, please fill out this registration form.
The topics we cover in our online group information sessions include:
- Career Exploration & Work Preparation
- CV Preparation
- Job Searching
- Recruitment Options
- Interview Skills
- Education Applications & Searching
- Disclosure
- Social Welfare & Supports
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about our services for those seeking new employment or education, 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
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.
Find out about other Step Ahead Plus supports
Step Ahead Plus: Fast Track
This programme will help identify changes you can make in how you work or study, to support you to remain in work 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.
