Mr. Matt McCann:

I am deeply honoured to be invited to this committee to discuss the crucial subject of increasing employment participation for people with disabilities through self-employment and entrepreneurship. As we gather here today during Disability Pride month, this dialogue could not be more timely. As a person with cerebral palsy and the co-founder of Access Earth, I am very familiar with the challenges and opportunities that exist within this area.

First, it is important to underscore a reality that is often overlooked: most disabilities are acquired during our working life. According to the United Nations, we will all, on average, spend about eight years of our lives with some form of disability. This fact illustrates that employers have to be prepared to adapt throughout an employee's evolving career journey. Our focus should not only be on creating inclusive hiring practices and providing support for self-employment, but also on creating a work environment that is adaptable and can meet changing needs during an employee's tenure.

People with disabilities, like anyone else, have a diverse range of skills, talents and passions. However, we are often faced by unique hurdles in the traditional employment market due to inaccessible workplaces, prejudiced assumptions and limited opportunities for career advancement. For many, self-employment and entrepreneurship provide both a path to independence and fulfilment and a chance to contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.

While celebrating Disability Pride month is significant, it is crucial to acknowledge that we still have a long road ahead of us. Far too often, disability is overlooked or given superficial attention in discussions and actions around diversity, equity and inclusion. This is a disparity we must actively and earnestly address. In Ireland, we have made significant strides in identifying those barriers, and the TU Dublin report, Pathway to Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities in Ireland, demonstrates a commitment to wanting to do more. However, the lived experiences of entrepreneurs like me suggest there is so much more we can do. Despite the advances we have made, disabled entrepreneurs in particular face additional barriers. These range from accessing start-up capital to navigating built environments that are not designed for us. There is also the added labour of essentially having to educate others about our conditions and needs, an often overlooked part of our entrepreneurial journey.

I am in a unique position as a disabled entrepreneur in that I find myself in the dual role of being both an employer and an employee with disabilities. This perspective allows me to understand the challenges on both sides of the employment equation. As an employer, I want to be able to make my company not just accessible in its products and services but also in its work environment and culture. This requires continuous learning and adaptation as well as investments in accessibility that can be difficult to make within the start-up phase. Equally, as an employee, I grapple with managing my health and energy levels and accessing appropriate accommodation as well as battling societal prejudice and misconceptions about what I am capable of.

To address these challenges effectively, I believe we need to deepen our commitment to three key areas. The first is education. Society needs a better understanding of the realities and capabilities of people with disabilities, which will help to reduce biases and open up opportunities in all sectors. The second is accessibility. While physically accessible workplaces are crucial, other aspects like communications and technology must also be considered because everyone’s accessibility needs are different and everyone’s disability story is different. The third area is support. Disabled entrepreneurs require additional support, including funding, mentorship and networks. This support should be widely available and tailored to meet everyone’s unique needs and journey and not just put them in the same bucket as everyone else.

The goal should be a society where disability is not seen as a barrier to entrepreneurship but as a unique perspective and a real opportunity to help drive innovation. Given we are clearly problem solvers and exceptionally determined people, we are well suited for this sector. It is not just about doing what is right for people with disabilities; it is about what is right for society as a whole. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak.