OCO and Me

“I don’t know where to start. The week I spent in the OCO was indescribable. I loved absolutely every second of it and honestly didn’t want to leave.

“From the very first moment I arrived I was made feel so welcome and such a part of the whole staff.

“I first met Emily back in June 2012, while on a visit to the OCO, with a group from the Donegal Physical and Sensory disability department.

“I instantly fell in love with the place, it was such a fabulous, fun and colourful building. It’s so unlike a typical office – you’re immediately greeted by huge beanbags when you enter the building! I was overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of everyone.

“After our visit, I was absolutely overjoyed to receive an invitation for myself and Stephen to come on a week’s work experience to their office.

“And so a plan was set in place, for our trip to Dublin – I literally couldn’t contain my excitement.

“After lots of planning, we made the trip to Dublin. The OCO organised our accommodation for a week and also enabled us to have PAs assist us. Without this, our week in Dublin would not have been possible. This gave me a huge feeling of independence and enabled me to get a realistic feeling that I was living and working in the big city.

“Each morning, we made our own way to the office (in my electric wheelchair), along the streets, with the hundreds of other work-goers of Dublin. This was quite daunting, but also added to the whole sense of adventure.

“During the week in the office, I gained a really good understanding, as to the work of the OCO and what exactly each individual department does. I was very interested in how each case and issue is dealt with.

“The role of the Ombudsman for Children’s office is vitally important. It allows children to have a voice, and ensures their voices are heard.

“They also make children aware of their rights .Throughout my education, I endured ongoing difficulties – I now realise how the OCO could have helped deal with these issues. This is just one area where the OCO can play a vital role in ensuring the safety, happiness and well-being of children.

“My experience in the office was extremely positive. I have so many memories I will cherish forever.

“It was my first exposure to the working world and living independently. It enabled me to realise that anything is possible and that certainly gave me encouragement for future possibilities. Thank you to everyone at the OCO. I’ll never forget my experience. “