Friday June 21 saw Minister Charlie Flanagan visit the Rehab Enterprises Centre in Clonminan Business Park to view the work that is being done there.
He was met by manager Marie Kinsella and he praised the work being carried out there for numerous businesses.
The Minister for Equality and Justice also met and spoke to all staff and discussed ways of enhancing employment for people with disabilities in the Portlaoise area.
Rehab Enterprises in Portlaoise provides supported employment to 13 people with disabilities, including three certified forklift drivers, who work alongside three people without disabilities on a range of enterprises.
Their day-to-day jobs include sub-assembly work as well as ‘pick and pack’ services for a range of medical companies, including Becton and Dickinson Medical Dun Laoghaire, Fleming Medical in Limerick and Voya Beauty Products, Sligo.
Rehab Enterprises in Portlaoise also has contracts with An Post, Powerpoint Engineering Portlaoise, Alpha Wireless in Ballybrittas and Foamalite Plastics in Cavan.
They have also secured a contract with the Department of Social Protection, and this service is carried out in their lo-call centre in Portlaoise.
Rehab Group is working hard to counter misconceptions that those living with a disability are incapable of offering value.
Employment provides financial independence for people living with disabilities and builds confidence, enabling people to contribute and play a valuable part in their local communities.
It also offers a supportive environment for people who may find returning to the workplace physically or emotionally stressful.
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