02 Ability Awards

May 17, 2010

Trinity College was selected as an Ability Company in all six categories of the recent 02 Ability Awards 2010: Leadership, Customer Service, Environmental Accessibility, Learning Development and Progression, Retention and Well Being, and, Recruitment and Selection.

The 02 Ability Awards recognise best practice in the inclusion of people with disabilities, both as customers and as employees. The Awards, now in their fourth year and created by  the disability organisation Kanchi, recognise organisations and business leaders that think and act differently about people with disabilities. Thirty-eight organisations from the public and private sectors were shortlisted as Ability Companies for this year’s Awards. Trinity was shortlisted (1 of 3 finalists) for a prize in Leadership, Environmental Accessibility and overall winner in the Non-Private Sector category.

Commenting on its significance, TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty said: “Being selected as an Ability Company is a great achievement for Trinity. It highlights how deeply we value the contribution and talent of all members of our College community and the commitment across College to providing equality of access, opportunity and experience to all.”

Minister Batt O’Keeffe, TCD’s Interim COO, Tony McMahon,  O2 CEO, Danuta Gray,  TCD’s Director of Disability Service, Declan Treanor,  Caroline Casey and PWC’s Ciaran  Kelly.

The College’s Interim Chief Operating Officer, Tony McMahon, who received the Ability Company certificates at the ceremony that took place on May 12th last in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, added: “The inclusion of staff and students with disabilities in all aspects of the  university  is very  important for Trinity. We are delighted to be chosen independently as an Ability Company, as this is a demonstrable example of our commitment to our core value of Inclusivity.”

The Director of  the Trinity College Disability Service, Declan Treanor,  highlighted some of the recent initiatives in order to  make  the College more accessible such as the improved access to services in Front Square  among others.  “Participating in the 02 Awards has been a collaborative effort across College, and we are very pleased with the positive message this sends out to people with disabilities about Trinity as a place to work and study.”

Entrant organisations to the O2 Ability Awards underwent a four month in-depth assessment that examines all aspects of employment and customer service, conducted by disability management consultants and Kanchi’s assessment partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

For more information on Trinity's participation in the Ability Awards  click on rte to view the RTE documentary programme featuring Trinity and other finalists on RTE player.

To find out more about the Awards and Kanchi please visit ability awards.