Our Vendability Enterprise was launched in August 2011 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague. Based on the Enterprise Program developed in the United States under the Randolf Sheppard Act, Hand on Heart staff with disabilities are managing all aspects of a vending enterprise which includes servicing and stocking vending machines placed in business and organisations accross Dublin.

As the Lord Mayor of Dublin described in the press release for the launch:

“It is exciting to see how Hand on Heart Enterprises is looking at innovative ideas such as vending machines, that have traditionally been only operated in the private sector. Hand on Heart Enterprises has shown during their first year, a new approach to employment for people with disabilities (through a social enterprise) does not necessarily require government funding if businesses and local communities offer their support.”

For more information download one of our brochures Vendability brochure

A big thanks to Ciaran Mannion – Who got it all started !!!

The idea behind the Vendability Enterprise was introduced to Hand on Heart by Ciaran Mannion, an Enterprenuer from Athlone. Ciaran had lived in Minnesota for many years, and had seen first hand the success of a vending employment program that was supported by Federal Legislation known as the Randolf Sheppard Act. Under the the Vending Facility Program blind and visually impaired people recieve remunerative employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on federal and other property.

Working closely with Gerry Kerr of Vision Challenge in Finglas who is blind, they developed a pilot program for the Vending in St Kevins School of Finglas. The program they called VISER, Visually Impaired Self Employment Route was very successful, and became the establishment of the first vending machine in Ireland managed by a visually impaired person.

Ciaran very generously donated vending machines and stock, but as importantly his time and knowledge of the industry to assist us in getting the Vendability Enterprise up and running. Our sincere thanks to Ciaran for all his support.

Photo of launch with (left to right) Gerry Kerry, Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague, Ciaran Mannion and Jamie Regan, Chief Executive of Hand on Heart.