The following 4 brief case histories illustrate the nature of disability experienced by Newry Technology Centre’s clients and the benefits which they achieved through contact with the organisation.

Tony, a former Ulsterbus (Translink) driver, developed a tumour on his spine. He underwent resultant surgery on his spine, which was not successful and now requires a wheelchair for mobility. Tony joined Newry Technology Centre, having identified the need for alternative skills development in the area of Information Technology to enable him to re-enter the employment market. During the time Tony attended the Centre, he achieved a significant number of qualifications:

• Word Processing, stages 1, 2 and 3

• Computer Literacy and Information Technology

• Integrated Business Technology

• Desktop Publishing, stages 2 and 3

• Audio Transcription, stages 1 - 3

Tony has now left the Centre to take up permanent employment as Clerical Officer with Newry & Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, where he is utilising  the skills he gained during his time at Newry Technology Centre.

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Darrel was the victim of a very bad car accident in February 1998 and spent a lengthy period in hospital. He suffered severe head injuries and had to learn to walk, talk, eat etc again. Prior to his accident, Darrel achieved a Degree in Building Services Engineering. As this was his main interest, he joined Newry Technology Centre to undertake the Computer Aided Design course, using Autocad, to allow him to enter employment in the design field of building services engineering. Darrel was successful in this area, - he achieved the Autocad qualification and has since secured permanent employment with a Building Services company, in their Drawing Office.

Jacqueline was the victim of a car accident in 1983, at the age of 17, and is paraplegic. She joined Newry Technology Centre when it was first established in 1993. Jacqueline had no formal qualifications at this stage and joined the Centre to build computer skills, gain certificated qualifications and secure employment. In 1996 Jacqueline was successful in her application as Support Tutor on a part-time basis in Newry Technology Centre itself. In 1997 this position became full-time and Jacqueline was once again successful. During her time at the Centre she achieved a wide range of qualifications including the Trainer/Assessor Awards and Teaching Certificate in Basic Skills, allowing her to carry out her new role. Jacqueline has now moved on from her position at Newry Technology Centre. She is currently in employment with the Southern Health & Social Services Board as Training Officer for Disability Awareness, where she delivers Disability Awareness training to approximately 7500 staff members.

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Belinda was born with brittle bone disorder and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Most of her early life was spent in hospital undergoing operations. As a result of this she did not undertake any school qualifications. She left school in 1978 and from this, until 1998, did not attempt to achieve either qualifications or employment mainly due to lack of confidence as a result of her disability. She joined Newry Technology Centre to build skills, gain confidence and qualifications and most of all a feeling of self worth. Belinda’s primary aim was to secure employment. During her time at the Centre she successfully achieved a wide range of qualifications, won an Award for ‘Personal Achievement and Initiative’ and has recently secured permanent employment with Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, who have adapted the office to suit her physical requirements. Her new role as Receptionist/Administrator allows her to utilise the skills and qualifications she has gained. Belinda has also passed her driving test and is very independent in her new car - a tremendous achievement.

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