By Laura, Co-Founder of AdaptNI
As one of the co-founders of AdaptNI, I often think about the journey that brought us here. For me, it was more than just a professional endeavour – it was personal. I’ve long seen the barriers faced by people who are Deaf, have hearing loss, or live with tinnitus. When Northern Ireland’s only provider of pre and in-work support services closed, I knew something had to be done. That’s when we made the decision to establish AdaptNI – to continue providing essential services and to ensure that no one is left behind.
A Vision Born from Necessity
When the previous service provider shut their doors, the gap they left behind was immense. We couldn’t stand by and watch thousands of people lose access to the support they needed to find and keep jobs. That was the driving force behind AdaptNI’s creation – to fill that gap and provide tailored support across Northern Ireland. From the very beginning, we aimed to make our services accessible, practical, and impactful.
What We Stand For
Our mission at AdaptNI is simple: to break down barriers to employment for people who are Deaf, have hearing loss and tinnitus. The statistics speak for themselves – 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland are impacted. It’s not just about finding work; it’s about ensuring that workplaces are inclusive, understanding, and equipped to support the needs of their employees.
Our team of five work remotely from different parts of Northern Ireland, but we’re united in our dedication to this cause. We’ve worked with individuals and businesses across the country, providing advice, advocacy, and practical tools that make a real difference.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes AdaptNI unique is our personal approach. We know that every person’s needs are different, and that’s why we provide bespoke support, whether it’s helping someone prepare for an interview, arranging workplace adjustments, or delivering training for employers on how to better communicate with their staff.
Seeing the positive changes in people’s lives is what drives us. Watching individuals regain confidence, enter new careers, or flourish in their current roles is the best part of this work. And businesses, too, see the benefits – more inclusive work environments, a greater understanding of accessibility, and stronger employee relationships.
Our Achievements and Our Future
In just a short time, we’ve already achieved so much. From being two people trying to ensure the continuation of a vital service, team working, we've grown into a talented and dedicated team of 5, reaching hundreds of people in need. But our journey doesn’t end here. We’re continually striving to expand our reach and help even more people overcome the barriers they face in the workplace.
If you’re someone who could benefit from our services, or if you’re an employer looking to make your business more inclusive, please get in touch. Together, we can ensure that everyone can succeed.
Thank you for supporting AdaptNI on this incredible journey.
Laura,
Co-Founder, AdaptNI
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