Entrepreneur Sean Gallagher named as Patron of Charity during National Supported Employment Week 2010

Sean Gallagher pictured speaking at the Job Shadow Awards at the Department of Education (July 2010)

RTE's Dragon’s Den star, entrepreneur and disability advocate Sean Gallagher was unveiled as Patron for IASE to assist with the promotion of equality in employment for people with disability through the concept of supported employment.

Sean Gallagher, who himself has a visual impairment took over from outgoing patron of the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) Senator Feargal Quinn a former employer of people with disabilities.

Message from our Patron

Dear Member,

I am both delighted and honoured to join IASE as Patron.  As someone who has faced many challenges in business and life, in particular with a visual impairment I am very aware of the many challenges people with disabilities have to overcome.

I recognise the role of work for people with disability and the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to society through employment is extremely beneficial.

I want to encourage employers to consider employing people with disability as they can help create a more diverse workforce which adds greatly to inclusion of people with disabilities in society. For all of us the ability to engage in meaningful work is part of building confidence, it is no different for people with disability, it is also important to assist individuals gain greater independence in their own family.

IASE is doing great work in raising awareness among employers, the general public and encouraging people with disabilities to engage with supported employment organisations or other relevant training services. I salute the work of all involved in the association at local, regional and national level.

Lastly, I want to encourage people with disability to continue to feel pride in themselves and the valuable contribution the can make to their family, their community and to the work force.

Sean Gallagher