As we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, it is essential to highlight the importance of neurodiversity and the unique perspectives it brings to our society. Colm McNamee, Cuimsiú Employability Mentor at FIT, shared his inspiring journey, demonstrating the potential of neurodivergent individuals and inspiring others to work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Breaking Barriers in Education
Colm’s early experiences in the educational system were challenging. Despite having an IQ of 134, he was placed in the “slow corner” of his class due to being Dyslexic and an ADHDer. This situation sheds light on a challenge within our educational system and the need to better recognise and support diverse learning styles. Colm’s story is a reminder that intelligence and potential come in many forms and cannot be fully captured by traditional academic measures alone.
One of the most profound aspects of Colm’s journey is his development of empathy: “I learned to understand and internalise the emotions of others, despite initially struggling with social cues.” This growth underscores the importance of creating supportive environments where neurodivergent individuals have the space and time to develop skills at their own pace.
Redefining Success
Colm’s journey to success truly began after school, when he pursued a carpentry apprenticeship before going on to earn a degree and a master’s from National College of Ireland (NCI).
Today, Colm works for Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) as a mentor with the Cuimsiú programme, supporting people with disabilities as they progress in their careers. The Cuimsiú Programme is an initiative set up by FIT to support neurodivergent and disabled people on a path to tech employment that works for them. The programme is funded by Pobal under the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.
Through the Cuimsiú programme, Colm and the Cuimsiú team work to increase employment rates for neurodivergent and disabled tech enthusiasts and assist participants to become job ready. Cuimsiú Programme participants build tech skills and can take part in online and in person training to prepare for the workplace, receiving 1:1 support with our Employability Mentors. The Cuimsiú team also work with employers to support them in their own efforts to make workplaces more inclusive.
Colm’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunities, neurodivergent individuals can thrive in any field, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community support in helping individuals reach their full potential.
A Path to Inclusion
As we reflect on Colm’s journey, his experiences challenge us to rethink our definitions of success and intelligence. He mentions: “Let’s commit to fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for neurodivergent individuals. This means advocating for educational reforms, promoting empathy and understanding, and recognising the unique strengths that neurodiversity brings to our communities”.
Learn more about the Cuimsiú programme here. If you are an individual interested in taking part in the Cuimsiú programme, you can email Colm directly on colmmcnamee@fit.ie to start your journey.
The Cuimsiú programme is funded by Pobal under the Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union.
