An Taoiseach Enda Kenny is among those taking part in 2013 Job Shadow Day which is taking place today.
The initiative is designed to give people with disabilities the opportunity to get a close-up look at the world of work for one day or one week in April each year to discover and learn about the skills and education required to compete and succeed in the work place.
It is now in its 6th year and the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) says the experience provided on Job Shadow Day has proven to be invaluable for employers, workers and people with disabilities involved.
Hundreds of companies are taking part in the event across a wide range of areas.
Dublin to host major international conference
IrishJobs.ie is one of the main sponsors of the initiative. Managing-Director of the website Jane Lorigan said "We hope that by participating in initiatives like Job Shadow Day, employers will have the opportunity to see the valuable contribution that an individual with a disability can make to an organization and the positive impact it can have on everyone involved".
The IASE is due to host a major international conference on disability and employment in Dublin this June, adding that Ireland 'is set to become a world leader in the advancement of supporting people with disabilities into jobs'.
The European Union of Supported Employment conference will see many of the leading experts in this field and more than 500 delegates from 30 countries, across 5 continents, meet for 3 days in Croke Park.
Teresa Mallon is Chairperson of the IASE. She outlines why it is such an important initiative.
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Watch highlights from last year's campaign below:
