Testimonials

The O2 Ability Awards 2010 would not have happened without the phenomenal support and leadership of our sponsors and supporters. Here’s what they have to say …

“As Chair of the Ability Awards I am proud to be part of the O2 Ability Awards 2010, the 4th cycle of these Awards in Ireland, and I am hugely impressed by the calibre and diversity of the organisations shortlisted for an O2 Ability Award. We were delighted, but not surprised, with the incredible jump in standard in this year’s participating organisations. The Ability Companies, organisations short-listed for an O2 Ability Award, are keenly aware of the competitive edge that employing people with disabilities and recognising them as a valued customer gives to their business. I would like to congratulate Caroline Casey, Danuta Gray and all the sponsors, endorsers, Ability Companies for leading where leaders are needed.”

Denis O’Brien, Chair of the O2 Ability Awards

“I am delighted to be associated with the O2 Ability Awards, an innovative programme engaging in an imaginative way with organisations and leaders throughout Ireland to promote the individual abilities of people who overcome significant challenges in their daily lives. It is particularly heartening that so many public and private enterprises continuously strive to recognise the abilities of people with disabilities and showcase the economic potential of developing accessible products and services for all.

Through the vision and determination of Caroline Casey and Kanchi, Ireland is now leading the way in changing the working landscape for people with disabilities as shown by the recent launch of the Telefónica Ability Awards in Spain. We can and must continue to focus on achieving for all people with a disability an exciting future at work, packed with potential and facilitating the full development of their abilities.

Warmest congratulations and continued success to all associated with the awards.”

Mary Robinson

“I want to thank Caroline Casey and everyone involved in the O2 Ability Awards. These Awards have enjoyed considerable success in recent years and that is very welcome.
I truly believe it is important that we place a strong focus in our society on ensuring all organisations do their utmost to promote opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities. And that is why the O2 Ability Awards are so significant. The Awards encourage positive change in how business interacts with people with disabilities as employees and customers.

I know that since 2005 the O2 Ability Awards programme has recognised over 100 organisations across all sectors of business for their efforts in driving change. I wish the sponsors and participants of the Ability Awards continued success with this good work.

In conclusion, I want to say personally that it is a great pleasure for me to be associated with these Awards which are about recognising the great contribution people with disabilities are making to our country.”

Brian Cowen, T.D., Taoiseach

“The O2 Ability Awards have come a long way since 2005 and we are extremely proud of the role they have played in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in Ireland.

It is inspiring to see the wide spread of companies that are winning awards here this evening. These are the organisations and business leaders that truly think and act differently, raising awareness, promoting leadership and encouraging best practice. They see an employee’s strengths and abilities over any disability and recognise the economic benefits of ensuring their products and services are accessible to all customers.

It was also with great pride that we saw the team at Kanchi launch the first Ability Awards outside of Ireland in Spain recently, in partnership with our parent company Telefónica. Given the phenomenal success of the Awards here, it is now only right and proper that they are being sought after further afield, where I have no doubt they will be equally as successful.”

Danuta Gray, CEO, Telefónica O2 Ireland

“Since FAS’ first involvement with the Ability Awards, as a founding sponsor, it has been particularly rewarding to see the number of company applications grow over the years. In the current challenging economic environment, this is indeed recognition of the continuing importance of addressing diversity and disability management in the workplace. For this, we applaud such companies and trust that the Awards ceremony provides the full public recognition that they richly deserve. More importantly, however, is that these examples of good practice will encourage other employers who are not yet fully engaged with people with a disability. They should consider not only the contribution their abilities could make to their organisations, as employees, but also the increasing importance of people with a disability as customers. All of this makes good business sense.”

Paul O’Toole, Director General, FÁS

“We think the documentary series on the O2 Ability Awards will be engaging and will bring strong human interest stories to our audiences across two weeks. RTÉ is delighted once again to be associated with this national event and we feel this is a great opportunity for businesses all over Ireland to show their strengths and their initiative.”

Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Commissioning Editor, Irish Language, Multiculture and Education, RTÉ

“The O2 Ability Awards celebrate businesses and organisations who think differently and innovatively about people with disabilities; who empower the employee and harness their strengths in the workplace. The Irish Times is proud to be a partner to such an innovative and inspiring scheme and we hope that the Awards will encourage other Irish businesses to recognise the value of being an ‘ability company’.”

Liam Kavanagh, Managing Director, The Irish Times

“Ireland has endured a tough few years. Business has had to find more cost effective and innovative ways of operating to survive. Media such as our station Newstalk play an important role in keeping our country’s perspective focused on what is best for businesses and for our people in the long term. Our people includes all our people, therefore we must remind ourselves that people with disabilities have a significant role to play in business and in our community. Rewarding best practise with the O2 Ability Awards is an excellent way of reminding all of us of the business case for doing so.”

Frank Cronin, Chief Executive, Newstalk 106-108FM

“We are delighted to be associated with the 2010 O2 Ability Awards and to act as the Assessment Partner. These awards provide a superb opportunity for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to realising the full potential of all their people. This commitment and enthusiasm was demonstrated by all of the project entries and their determination to make a difference has been truly amazing. PwC is committed to having a positive impact on the people and communities around us and we are delighted to support these Awards.”

Rónán Murphy, Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers

“In a challenging trading environment, my staff at McDonald’s Drive Thru’s in Ennis and Shannon are acutely aware of the importance of exceeding customer expectations on every visit.

As the number of potential customers with a disability continues to grow in Ireland, we identified the business requirement to become a restaurant of choice, accessible to EVERYONE, both customers and employees, regardless of ability.

Over the past 5 years, Kanchi has handheld my organisation along a profitable journey of discovery, cultivating confidence in our staff and senior management team.

With Kanchi’s assistance, we now have a restaurant in both Ennis and Shannon which is fully accessible to all, employing individuals of varying abilities who are fully trained to cater for the varying needs of our diverse customers.

Working with Kanchi has certainly strengthened our organisation while helping to significantly grow our customer base in both stores.

Our involvement with Kanchi certainly makes business sense”

Kieran Mc Dermott, Managing Director, McDonald’s Ennis & McDonald’s Shannon

“Participation in Kanchi’s O2 Ability Awards continues to motivate and support us in delivering excellence and in embedding accessibility in Cavan County Council. This award strengthens our determination to make Cavan society fully inclusive and enable everyone to participate fully. The feedback received from Kanchi following the intensive on-site assessment is a valuable tool and helps us ensure that our policies and strategies are inclusive for all our service users”

Jack Keyes, County Manager, Cavan County Council

“We found the whole process of the O2 Awards very positive. It makes you equally look at all your evaluation procedures as well as your actions. The on-site assessment was extremely beneficial and brought the whole team together in a common goal. Everyone at The Homework Club contributed to the day from the director to the tutors and even the students. By this action we can highlight the importance behind these awards.”

Naoisé O’Reilly, The Homework Club

“These awards recognise how workers recognise how workers with disabilities can enrich the labour workforce and seek their full measure of success in today’s jobs market. I want to acknowledge the commitment show by the Kanchi team in making the strong business case for the employment of workers with disabilities.

The leadership the Kanchi team show is important in raising the profile of social enterprise and the contribution those with disabilities can make to the economic recovery project and the growth that we will soon experience again. These awards are widely recognised as demonstrative of high standards in the employment of workers with disabilities and employers across the private and public sectors value what they have come to signify. I congratulate the award winners and I wish them continued success”

Batt O’Keeffe TD, Minister fro Enterprise Trade and Innovation