Adapt NI enters a new era with the Launch of the Adapt Legacy Programme

On October 10, the initial remit of Adapt NI entered a new era with the launch of an inspirational Legacy Programme.  The Legacy Programme offers practical and financial support to partners who value good practice in access and disability equality. The Legacy programme has been devised to recognise the many worthwhile achievements of former access themed schemes, with a small reserve fund designated to uphold core Adapt values and objectives.

Caroline Shiels Chief Executive of Adapt NI, an organisation which was set up to improve disabled access across Northern Ireland says ‘This is an exciting time for the local charity, we want to ensure that disabled people remain at the centre of the decision making process around accessibility and that progress is sustained in disability equality across the culture, arts and leisure sectors. We want to leave a lasting legacy to celebrate the work of Adapt NI since 1996. Having been set up as a grant distributing organisation the charity has evolved to so much more to improve access for all across Northern Ireland and we want our Legacy Programme to reflect that. ’

Adapt NI’s Legacy Programme has 5 elements –

• Training

  A series of Disability workshops programmed as a response to recent needs analysis will take place during October / November 2014. These are free sessions to current Access Exchange members. For further details and to register your interest please go to our website. Closing date to register for training is 20 October 2014.

   

• Grants/ awards up to £2500

  Funding the gap. Access Exchange Members are invited to submit a proposal that will provide and / or sustain accessible facilities and services.

   

• Work placements

  Intended to help young disabled people prepare for work and to motivate employers towards diversity in the workplace.  A £200 incentive is available to employer organisations that host a placement lasting 4 weeks or more.

   

• Training bursary

  (up to £250) To support the completion of a recognised qualification or training course to improve and develop skills and employment prospects.

   

• Business Grant

  (Award up to £500) Support for entrepreneurs to raise awareness of the skills and inventiveness of people with disabilities.

Legacy grant applications will be open from 10 October until 28 November 2014.  We would encourage our key partners to get involved as well as organisations and individuals that we have worked with over the years.

For further information on Adapt NI and to get involved with the Adapt Legacy Programme, contact us on 9023 1211 or [email protected]