Mr. Stephen Coates:

Good morning, everyone. I will speak about the rigidity that can be found in the workplace and in schools. When I was in second level education I was not allowed to do the leaving certificate applied or even to do transition year. I was told I was not doing them. When it came to the workplace in one place I did work experience I was asked to go in as a baker but when I arrived nothing was set up. What ended up happening was that I paid out of my own pocket for ingredients and supplies. That was quite difficult on disability payments. Another place I worked on a community employment, CE, scheme had very rigid standards. A CE scheme is supposed to be approximately 19 hours a week. I was working 40 hours a week there. There was no discussion or deliberation. I was told these were my times and to do them. When it came to doing the work sometimes with extra hands we were finished early. This left me, a person with ADHD, sitting around. That is quite unhealthy for us. We need to be moving. In my case if I am left sitting still I go completely mental.

Now that I have been introduced to the CRC I have found a new career path. Mr. Le Roux mentioned one student who wants to be self-employed. That is me. After the experiences I had in various workplaces I decided I want to have my own place where I can run a little bakery and avoid the mistakes I have suffered in the past. I want to have a bakery where everyone is welcome, whether they are disabled, blind, have Down's syndrome or are in a wheelchair. People could come in and do some work and learn the fun of baking. That is what I enjoy. It is therapeutic for me. Thanks to working with the CRC I have begun to work on a logo and copyrighting and trademarking names. I am learning the business side of what I need to do. Thanks to Mr. Le Roux I have found a self-employment course in TU Dublin for which I have applied.