After graduating from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown in the summer 2016, where Ciara successfully achieved her 1st degree in Health Physiology, Ciara experienced a Brain Injury. Ciara developed Hydrocephalus as a result of a brain tumour.

After extensive rehab work provided by CBIT, Ciara was referred to the Cedar Foundation for support and guidance to plan what she wanted to do in the longer term and she was then given significant support and guidance by her local Inclusion Works Case Officer in  Enniskilen.

Ciara admits  “I felt lost after my first degree, as to what I could do".

Subsequently, after talking with her Case Officer Ciara decided to enrol onto a second degree at the Ulster University, studying Cardiology.

Ciara’s Case Officer supported her throughout, to source vital information about Student Finance and additional services available to her. She also had a NEEDs assessment organised by her Case Officer which he attended alongside Ciara to discuss and agree her individual support requirements.  Ciara settled in well to her new course of study and applied herself, working very hard and completed her degree achieving a coveted First Class Honours Degree in Cardiology.

Ciara hasn’t looked back and is currently employed by the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin.  We are delighted for Ciara and wish her every continued success!

This project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy. Funding is also provided by the Department for Communities and all five local HSCTs in Northern Ireland.

 

Inclusion Works supports adults with disabilities who are keen to build employability skills and experience to be work ready, then moving into a paid job, college course or volunteering on leaving. Specialist physical disability, ASD and brain injury support is available and tailored to each individual and their needs. Following initial assessments, participants will build an action plan, drawn from a menu of choices to address their personal barriers and agree solutions to meet their employability and inclusion goals. Inclusion Works is person-centred, encouraging and supporting individuals to design their own programmes around their needs and aspirations, building confidence and independence.