Sam Thompson’s Journey to Work

Sam describes himself as 27 years old, having Autism and being independent. He lives in Tallaght with his family and dreamed of having a good and interesting career, where he can feel successful.

Sam is clear on his strengths and what he needs help with. He loves music, particularly music by Kenny Rogers, soundtrack music and music with meaning and a good message. He says,

‘"This is Me" from the Greatest Showman is my song, and it resonates with me.’

Getting the opportunity to join the Oireachtas Work and Learn (OWL) programme in Leinster House in 2024 was a big step for Sam. Completing work experience rotations in three different Departments allowed Sam to find where he might best like to work. The supportive staff were a key factor, having repetitive and familiar tasks felt comfortable and working with a smaller number of people seemed to be the best type of environment.

On completing the OWL programme, Sam was invited to apply for a panel position through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and following a successful interview he later accepted a role with the Courts Service. Starting work in early 2025, Sam took on the responsibility of entering court motions onto the Courts Service computer system and filing in the archive room. In a recent review with his Job Coach, Sam said

‘well I guess the best way to describe the opportunity for me would be that’s its proof that I can rise to the occasion despite having a disability and that I’m capable of doing things I at one point never would have even considered’