Autism and disability advocates named Cork Persons of the Month
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Leading advocates for autistic people and those with disabilities have been jointly named Cork Persons of the Month for April.
Tony O’Donovan and William O’Brien have been honoured for what organisers said was their unwavering dedication to empowering those they advocate for, and for enhancing their lives.
Motivated by his son Kian, who has autism, Mr O’Donovan has spent over a decade campaigning for children with additional needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, to enhance their educational experience.
He holds a draw on April 2, World Autism Day, to raise funds to support his work, and he walks 100 miles every March to raise funds and awareness of the barriers faced by children with additional needs or autism.
He has raised close to €60,000 over the years to help fund the provision of crucial supports to special education units, schools and classrooms across Cork city and county; including sensory equipment, the renovation of sensory rooms, and funding for school transport and community social outings.
He has also been actively involved in initiatives such as the SuperValu Autism Friendly shopping hours.
“Tony’s commitment to supporting children with additional needs is truly inspiring,” awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said.
Businessman William O’Brien, well-known for his crane hire and self-storage businesses, has been honoured for his pioneering work in founding the social enterprise, See My Skills, which provides employment supports to people with disabilities.
Through its Accelerator Schools Programme, which recently began across 10 schools, it offers vital training in life and career skills.
“William’s dedication to the betterment of Cork goes far beyond business success. By addressing an area of critical need in Ireland, See My Skills acts as a beacon of hope and change,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
Their names will now go forward with the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year 2024 at a gala awards lunch next January.