Mairéad McHale

As Community Employment Manager, Mairéad is passionate about advancing inclusive employment and designing programmes that create meaningful pathways for Autistic people to enter, sustain, and thrive in employment. Mairéad’s role focuses on creating clear pathways into work for Autistic jobseekers and promoting inclusive recruitment practices among employers. She works closely with our employer partners to encourage the hiring and retention of Autistic talent. She develops employment programmes that address autism unemployment and underemployment, ensuring supports are practical, impactful, and outcome focused. In addition, Mairéad organises our employment seminars and events for Autistic jobseekers, employers, and other stakeholders, helping to build understanding, confidence, and inclusive workplace cultures. Mairéad holds a degree in Community Studies, a Higher Diploma in Further Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Special & Inclusive Education and a Master of Education degree. She lectures in Inclusive Education, Critical Disability Studies, and Equality Studies.