"And I would walk 5000 miles?
No thanks I"ll cycle!"

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Belmullet on Friday night last to welcome back IASE Trailblazers to music, dance and champagne celebrations to mark their fantastic achievements for people with disabilities.

With the Lord Mayor of Dublin

Following the success of the IASE "Trail Blazers" Malin head to Mizen head Cycle in 2008, IASE trail blazers exceeded 5,000 miles of cycling on a two day coast to coast challenge from Dublin to Belmullet in aim of raising awareness of equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout Ireland.

David Ryan, Greg Barry

Eleven novice cyclists departed from Phoenix Park on Thursday August 19th with the event having being launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Green. The whole journey covered a distance of 200 miles over two stages with the final destination being Belmullet, Co Mayo where IASE National head quarters are based.

Cyclists Eamonn & Dermot Padden (Broadhaven Bay Hotel), IASE Executive members Pam Mansell (Kilkenny), Greg Barry (Castlebar), Dermot Cunningham (Sligo) David Ryan (Nenagh), Mary Rabbet & Ciaran Rabbet (Eachleam, Belmullet) Rose Kennedy (Western Strands Hotel), Dervillia Cullotty (Glencastle) Anne Nallen (Shanaghee) and joining them of various legs of the journey for support were Tony Murphy, Eithne Jarrett, PJ Barrett, Joe Murray, Chris Cullotty, Dominic Cassidy & Aaron Ryan.

Roscommon

The success of the event was due to the cooperation of many organisations and the association wishes to extend their gratitude to the Mayo Civil Defense, An Garda Síochána, D&S Pluming, Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Western Strands Hotel, Mayo County Council, Deputy John O'Mahoney and his wife Geraldine, Wheelworx, Mike's Bike's (Binghamstown), Mullens Spar (Sligo) and all who provided encouragement and support along the route.

With John O'Mahony and the Mayor of Roscommon

IASE (Irish Association of Supported Employment) is a national voluntary organisation established in 1994 with the aim of promoting and developing supported employment throughout Ireland. IASE is the representative voice of almost 900 members in Ireland who in turn are working with over 5,000 people with disabilities who are receiving supports through a range of supported employment initiatives.

Supported Employment is an internationally proven model which enables people with disabilities to find, secure and maintain employment with the assistance of a job coach/employment facilitators.

All smiles as the cyclists enter Erris

Work is a central part of most adult's lives; people with disabilities are far less likely to have jobs that other people of working age. Whatever way disability is measured, the proportion of people with disability who are in work is much lower than the rest of the community. Census figures show that people with disability are two and a half time less likely to have a job and this figure may be greater considering the current economic climate.

Nearly There!

IASE's recently announced patron Sean Gallagher (Dragon's Den) encourages employers to consider the skills, ability and contribution that people with disability can bring to the work force.

Group photo on the Square in Belmullet

For more information about IASE Telephone 097 82894 email admin@iase.ie or visit www.iase.ie