I like Caroline Casey. I would go as far to say that Caroline is a National Treasure. If you wish to know why, then I advise you to watch the video below in which Caroline presents herself more eloquently than I could ever attempt.
I've been fortunate enough to meet Caroline on a few occasions and on each , she has wowed and transfixed her audience with stirring speeches, always focused on the positive. No self pity or limits! Just a focus on the point that every person, no matter what the obstacles, needs to strive to be the very best that they can be.
Through her Kanchi Network, Caroline strives to change mindsets, attitudes and behaviours around the subject of disability. Kanchi works with decision makers and business leaders to promote the disability business case through unique ,innovative and effective business initiatives.
At a recent meeting attended by leaders from the very top of the Irish corporate world, Caroline rationalised that with one billion people worldwide and a very identifiable spend of billions of euro annually, the question as to why a business would be disability inclusive is totally nullified by the question as to why not!
Disabled consumers buy services and buy goods. It has nothing to do with pity or sensitivity! It just make commercial sense to be disability inclusive as a business.
Almost every day we read in the newspaper (especially in the run up to austerity budgets) of the life of carers. How a trip to the supermarket presents huge challenges for for them! Something that trivial! How daunting must a trip to a tyre depot be?
Whilst many businesses have changed their ways, I once worked with a national company who for example, could not see the sense of the argument for providing a no charge call out fee to wheelchair users! Despite the obvious commercial sense of doing so! Wheelchair bound consumers have to be more quality and safety conscious where their vehicles are concerned so going back to the original point, Why wouldn't you?
At Heffernan Tyres, we are not short sighted. we see the benefit of inclusion where disability is concerned. Yes, we have a sense of community and corporate responsibility but also Yes, because the families and members of the greater disability community are valuable customers.
We have full wheelchair access and parking. Restrooms and a comfortable waiting area with free wi fi. Our waiting area is always spotless and we provide complimentary tea,coffee,TV,games and toys for the kids. We try to make the purchasing experience as comfortable for everyone as we possibly can. That's what inclusion in business is all about.
And then there is our staff. A professional, patient and friendly team who always strive to be the best at what they do and do us proud as a company in the Kildare and greater Leinster community. We are open for business to anyone and provide the facilities for that. We look forward to welcoming you to our business.
