- Grants of up to €25,000 available to Employers to adapt Workplace for staff
- Grants of €12,000 for individuals for Personal Assistance Equipment
- Funding available for specialist Work Coaches and Personal Readers
- Work and Access now open for applications
Work and Access is an exciting new Employment Programme aimed at removing barriers that disabled people may face in the workplace.
Work and Access offers seven key supports:
1. Workplace Needs Assessment Grants of up to €2,500 are available to enable people with a disability or health condition to identify the supports they need in their workplace to do their job.
2. Workplace Adaptations Grants of up to €25,000 are available to support employers with funding to adapt their business premises for an employee or future employee with a disability.
3. Work Equipment Grants of up to €12,000 are available towards personalised assistive equipment or technology for people with disabilities working in the business premises or working remotely.
4. Personal Reader funding is available to assist people who are blind or visually impaired with work-related reading.
5. Communication support which funds help with job interviews, job inductions, in-work meetings or performance reviews.
6. In-Work Support funding is available towards a work coach or specialist support to help a person with a disability to do their job or re-train if they move to another position.
7. Disability Equality and Inclusion Training funding is available for employers with a paid workforce to train all their staff on disability and inclusion.
Welcoming the new programme, Minister Rabbitte said:
Removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities requires a multi pronged approach. This includes challenging preconceived notions and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Accessible physical environments, reasonable accommodations, and assistive technologies are critical to success.
Additionally, providing comprehensive career guidance and job training programs tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities empowers them to reach their full potential.
By investing in these initiatives, we create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their skills and talents to the workforce.
Minister Humphreys said:
I strongly encourage employers to consider how the new Work and Access Programme can support them to make their workplaces better environments for staff with disabilities.
All that is required to make a difference in someone’s life is to give them a chance.
The team here at the Hodson Bay are a great example. They are providing full time work and part-time work so that it matches with the capacity of their employees with disabilities.
Investing in others works. It works for business and it works for the person with a disability. Work and Access provides a wide range of practical supports that I believe will make a real and positive difference in people’s lives.
Work and Access is now open for applications.
Full information on how to apply is available at: gov.ie/workandaccess .
You can also contact your local Intreo centre or email workandaccess@welfare.ie
