Step Ahead Plus: Employer Track
A brain injury can affect your ability to work or study. Step Ahead Plus is a return-to-work or education rehabilitation programme for those impacted by an acquired brain injury.
We also engage directly with employers of survivors of acquired brain injury, and those preparing to welcome someone impacted to their workplace.
Work Placement Programme
We are developing an inclusive work placement programme that offers practical opportunities for individuals to gain work skills and industry-based experience in preparation for finding new employment.
We aim to start small and to be flexible based on the needs of the individual and the employer.
As part of our support for work placements, Step Ahead Plus offers:
- Occupational Therapy Assessment
- Site Visits
- Workplace Support Plan
- Brain Injury Symptom Education
- On-going support remotely and in-person
- Support with feedback meetings
We are always interested in working with inclusive employers.
What are the benefits to you, as employer?
There are many benefits to you, as an employer, hosting an inclusive work placement programme. They include:
- Hosting hardworking and dedicated team members.
- Access to a wide, untapped pool of skilled jobseekers.
- Increasing disability awareness among workforce for current and prospective employees.
- Fostering diversity and meeting corporate social responsibility targets.
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.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about our services and supports for employers, please contact us and we will direct you.
Contact – Ciara Nolan, Employment and Training Liaison
e: cnolan@abiireland.ie
m: +353 86 440 1017
Find out about other Step Ahead Plus supports
Step Ahead Plus: Fast Track
Step Ahead Plus will help identify changes you can make in how you work or study, to remain in work or education.
Step Ahead Plus: New Track
Step Ahead Plus offers online group information sessions for those seeking new employment or education.
