A NEW NATIONAL award hopes to offer the chance for Special Needs Assistants across Ireland to be recognised and celebrated for their work. 

The SNA Support and Inspire National Award has been launched by Oneesa McWeeney, an SNA and advocate for the profession. McWeeney is the founder of SNA Support and Inspire, a network that aims to “empower SNAs to provide exceptional care and support to students with additional needs while nurturing their own growth and well-being”.

The award is open for nominations until 7 September, with the winner being announced on 20 October.

The winner of the prize will receive a generous gift bundle, a hand-crafted sculpture by Irish artist David Glynn, a voucher from Dunnes Stores, one of the award’s sponsors, a night’s stay at a hotel in Leitrim, and recognition for their work.

SNAs can be nominated via an online form by schools, teachers, principals, students, parents, or any member of the community.

Speaking to The Journal, McWeeney highlighted the struggles facing SNAs and how many working in the field receive little support from the government in acquiring early education training and other skills relevant to their work in schools.

McWeeney has been working as an SNA since 2019, having left a previous corporate role to enter the field. She is currently working in a secondary school in Maynooth. 

“There’s definitely a different line of authority for SNAs, in terms of recognition absolutely: you’d see it in our pay, you’d see it in our contracts, how vague they are in our contracts,” she said. 

She was driven to establish the award having seen similar awards available for teachers and university lecturers. 

So far, there’s been a lot of interest in the award with many people in communities nominating SNAs, but McWeeney urged anyone who appreciates the work of a given SNA to put them forward. 

The submissions will be reviewed by the judging panel, which includes Adam Harris of AsIAm; Áine Curtin, a paediatric occupational therapy assistant; Amanda McGuinness, an advocate for autism and an autism and visual supports specialist; the deputy director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Rachel O’Connor; and Samantha O’Flanagan, an SNA, tutor and advocate for equality and inclusion.

“This award is about giving SNAs the recognition they so deeply deserve,” McWeeney said. “It’s more than a title, it’s a way of saying: we see you, we value you, and your work truly matters.”