WALK support people ‘to live the life that they choose’

CATHERINE Kelly stepped down as deputy CEO of intellectual disability service WALK last week, to embark on a new career as a university lecturer in Waterford.

Dr Kelly began working for the Walkinstown-based service in 2002 as a residential respite manager, and later became a director of services before being appointed deputy CEO in 2021.

Over the years, Dr Kelly has seen a transformation in the opportunities being provided to people with intellectual disabilities, and has seen WALK grow from having 25 clients to now having over 300.

“It’s a fantastic organisation to work in,” Dr Kelly told The Echo.

“It has super values, super staff and an amazing CEO, Joe Mason.

“They achieve brilliant outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities and support them to live the life that they choose.

“When I started in WALK, we had a very traditional day service where people did activities, but now the people we support drive to work, they have their own lives and jobs.”

An overall change in attitudes and society’s perceptions of the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities also became apparent to Dr Kelly during her tenure at WALK.

“When I started in 2002, the rights of people with disabilities hadn’t been ratified and legislation hadn’t been put in place,” she explained.

“But WALK has always been well ahead of that.

“Change started gradually, but once people saw the outcomes it became quicker.

“When I started, we would ask the people we supported if they wanted to go into employment and maybe 10 per cent would put up their hands.

“Now, it’s over 90 per cent, because they see their peers in jobs too.”

Dr Kelly’s last day in WALK was on Friday, where there was a small gathering with some clients and staff, and she was also presented with a bouquet of flowers.

“I feel heartbroken,” she said.

“[Leaving] came about because of a decision I made because I recently finished my PhD.

“I’ll be lecturing in nursing in intellectual disability in SETU (South East Technological University) in Waterford.

“It’s more a life choice.

“The job of deputy CEO can be a very stressful job, and you’re on call all the time, so it’s more of a lifestyle change.

“But I’ll miss all of the staff, senior management and the CEO of WALK.”

While Dr Kelly is excited to embark on her new chapter of working in academia, she’s planning to stay involved with WALK on a voluntary basis.

“I will be gone but I won’t be gone – my time will be given to WALK as a volunteer,” she said.

“It’s scary to change careers after so long, but I’m looking forward to a new challenge and having more time to write and do research.”