County Carlow Chamber of Commerce won the ‘Event of the Year Award’ in this year’s Chambers Ireland awards for their Creating Inclusive Employment event, which they developed in collaboration with their 2023 / 2024 Charity Partner – the Carlow branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.
The award as announced at a Chambers Ireland Awards Ceremony in Kilashee House Hotel on the 6th of June, 2024.
The Creating Inclusive Employment event – which took place in Delta Sensory Gardens on 21st of March 2024 and marked world Down Syndrome Day – focused on creating inclusive employment, by encouraging employers to look beyond the disability and to focus on ability.
“Winning this award means a lot, not only to the team, board and members of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, but to our Charity Partners Down Syndrome Ireland and to all of the employers and employees who are currently taking part in this ground-breaking initiative. The event raised awareness of the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces – and we are thrilled to receive this award recognising the impact of the event.” Says Rowena Dooley of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce.
The event, which included a presentation by Down Syndrome Ireland, featured some employers and employees already benefiting from this powerful and inclusive initiative. It recognised and celebrated the positive impact that inclusivity in the workplace can have for all involved.
Quote from DSI
“Partnering with County Carlow Chamber of Commerce on this event enabled DSI to have a much greater reach – and to showcase the incredible opportunities open to employers when they have an inclusive workplace. We currently have 6 members employed in 4 businesses in County Carlow – and several more in the pipeline, with several more Carlow employers eager to come on board. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber for partnering with us and to congratulate them on winning this national award.” Says Joanne Dawson, DSI.
County Carlow Chamber of Commerce were also shortlisted for the Best International Project Award for their ‘International Carlow’ project which was an exploration of the international reach and connections of Carlow companies.