A young man from Donegal is working to remove barriers to employment for people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Marcus Ward, 29, is a peer mentor who draws on his own experience living with a disability to help and educate others.
Work with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, it accompanies job seekers and employers who wish to hire them. Marcus brings a unique level of understanding to the table, having been born with the birth defect which affects 1,000 babies born each year in Ireland.
The role is both very valuable and very rewarding, he says.
“There are a few barriers to employment that come up time and time again. Transportation is a big problem. People who do not drive and people living in rural areas may find it difficult to find work. The lack of public transport, especially in rural areas, is a problem.
“Finally, the attitude of some employers is also a barrier. They don’t understand the situation, and there may be a fear of hiring a person with a disability, they may feel compelled to renovate their business premises.
Marcus himself, who now lives in Dublin near the SBHI office, is an example of how people with spina bifida can work and bring important insights into inclusion in a work environment.
He first became involved with SBHI as a teenager, attending social events which brought together families from across Ireland. The local branch of SBHI was established 11 years ago and has continued to grow ever since.
Members of the Donegal Branch of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI)
“We are very fortunate that our branch in Donegal is very active,” said Marcus.
“The association helps me in several ways. From an educational point of view, I go to events where I learn about my own condition and also about the experiences of others. Then there are the social events and the “away weeks” when you meet people and get the craic.
“In Donegal, a group like this is hugely important. Especially when you’re in a rural county, you don’t often see other people with spina bifida unless you arrange to meet.
The charity is also a lifeline for young families who have a baby with spina bifida. In such an anxious time, the group is there to advise them and show them the services available.
Sharing awareness of the condition is an important part of Marcus’ work and that of the charity.
He explains: “Spina bifida is a birth defect where the baby is born with an opening in the back, which needs to be closed at birth as soon as possible. This has several different side effects for a person in their life, most commonly mobility issues, often bladder and bowel issues.
“Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of CSF fluid in the brain. A tube must be inserted at birth to drain it.
“People with spina bifida and hydrocephalus can continue to lead healthy lives and be very successful in their careers,” Marcus added.
For more information visit: sbhi.ie
Charity draw for the 10,000 km du Nord-Ouest
This month, Marcus and his family are giving back to the Donegal branch of SBHI through an exciting charity raffle.
They are hosting a seven night stay at their Airbnb, The Artist’s Cottage Ardara, to benefit charities linked to this year’s North West 10K – Donegal Diabetes Parents Support Group, The No Barriers Foundation, Donegal Branch of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus.
The winner will be invited to a 2 double bedroom stay at the cozy chalet from Saturday August 20th to Saturday August 27th, or choose any other week where there is availability.
The Artist’s Cottage, just 3km from the town of Ardara, is surrounded by trees and stone walls, nestled in the hills of Cronkeerin. Guests can take relaxing walks in the surrounding countryside or drive to Maghera Caves or Narin-Portnoo Beach. It is also the ideal base for visiting Sliabh Liag and Donegal Town. The chalet is suitable for families, hikers, festival goers or artists of all kinds who want a quiet place to vacation, go on an adventure or be creative.
The cottage includes a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a dining room and a living room with a stove and a flagstone floor. The ground floor also contains an accessible shower room and a laundry room. The floor includes 2 charming bedrooms and a bathroom.
The house of the artist Ardara
The draw takes place this Saturday, April 30, with only 250 tickets sold. Tickets cost €20 and are available from owner Catherine Gallagher on 0879035321, or online from Marcus Ward. Visit Marcus’ Facebook page HERE for more details: https://www.facebook.com/marcus.ward.520
For a chance to win a stay at the artist’s house, contact Marcus Ward, peer mentor at Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI), who is organizing the draw.
Marcus takes stakes via Paypal and Revolut on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marcus.ward.520
For any assistance, just send a direct message or leave a comment on the page:
Young man from Donegal gives back to spina bifida community was last modified: April 27, 2022 by
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