National Supports & Grants
This document lists government-run supports that help people with disabilities access paid work, remain in employment, study in further/higher education and start or scale businesses. Each entry shows the administering body, a short description of what the support does, who can apply, and a direct link to official guidance or the application page.
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Employment Supports
Work and Access
Workplace adaptations, in-work supports and training: A consolidated package replacing the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme; offers Workplace Needs Assessment grants, Workplace Adaptation grants (larger adaptations), Work Equipment grants (assistive tech), Personal Reader support, communication/interpreter support, in-work support and employer training. Available to jobseekers, employees, self-employed people and non-public-sector employers.
An employee, a self-employed person, or a person acting on behalf of the employee can apply for funding for Communication Support, such as a job interview, job induction, and further workplace communication support.
In-Work Support
The scheme provides funding towards work coach, specialist services or other support, such as provided by a Lámh support worker. If needed, communication support can be used alongside this.
Training Services for In-Work Support
An employee or self-employed person can get the services of suitably qualified training providers. The following conditions apply:
The training needs must be identified by a Workplace Needs Assessment
The training must not already be provided by the department directly or by any other state provider (such as Solas/Education and Training Boards, Teagasc)
Personal Reader
An employee/self-employed person, or a person acting on behalf of the employee, can apply for support for a Personal Reader to assist them with their work-related reading. An employee or self-employed person who is blind or visually impaired can use this support if they need help with reading as part of their work duties.
To get a Personal Reader support, you must meet the general eligibility requirements for Work and Access.
Work Equipment
A new or existing employee, or a self-employed person, can apply for funding to cover the costs of assistive equipment or technology needed to work or continue working at their business premises and/or remote-working premises.
Note Adaptations to equipment are funded under the Workplace Adaptations support.
EmployAbility / Employability Services
Local supported-employment services and job-coaching to help people with health conditions or disabilities find and sustain work. Contact your local Intreo or employability provider for referrals.
Education Supports for Further and Higher Education
Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
Central HEA funding to support students with disabilities in approved higher education courses (supports such as assistive tech, personal assistance, and additional exam provisions). Students should contact their institution’s disability support office to apply (institution applies to FSD).
Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third-level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have affected their second-level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second-level education.
SUSI
Student grant scheme (including special rates for eligible students with disabilities) National awarding authority for student grants covering further and higher education; includes special/ higher maintenance rates and supports where income/eligibility criteria are met. SUSI provides application pages and eligibility details.
1916 Bursary Fund
The 1916 Bursary is a financial award that encourages the participation and success of students from underrepresented groups in higher education. The 1916 Bursary is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and aims to encourage participation and success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and from groups most under-represented in higher education. To be eligible for a 1916 Bursary, all applicants must meet the Financial, Priority Group and College Entry eligibility criteria. Each participating college has a limited number of bursaries, which are awarded to eligible applicants who demonstrate the greatest need.
Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full- or part-time students experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply to the Student Assistance Fund for assistance with temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
National University of Ireland (NUI) Grant Scheme for Students with Disabilities
This scheme provides financial support for undergraduate students with serious physical and/or sensory disabilities who are in the first year/stage of a primary degree programme at the constituent universities and recognised colleges of the NUI.
Vision Ireland Gerard Byrne Bursary
The annual Gerard Byrne Bursary is for students with a vision impairment entering into or currently in full-time third-level education. The annual bursary is awarded at a value of €1,500 for the duration of their undergraduate degree. Subject to the impact of Covid-19, Vision Ireland may offer a 6-month internship to one bursary recipient annually, helping them to gain work experience to further prepare for employment.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Erasmus+ has opportunities for people of all ages, helping them develop and share knowledge and experience at institutions and organisations in different countries. Studying abroad is a central part of Erasmus+ and has been shown to positively affect later job prospects. It is also an opportunity to improve language skills, gain self-confidence and independence and immerse yourself in a new culture. Erasmus+ also offers the chance to combine studying abroad with a traineeship. Opportunities are available for students at bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels.
The Irish Refugee Education Fund
This Irish Refugee Education Fund was established in 2015 with support from the Community Foundation for Ireland to financially assist people in the asylum process in accessing further education.
Postgraduate Education Supports
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is an established national initiative, funded by the Department of Education and Skills and managed by the Irish Research Council. The aim of the scheme is to support suitably qualified research master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing, or intending to pursue, full-time research in any discipline.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science run a number of scholarship schemes, such as the All-Ireland Scholarship Scheme and the European University Institute scheme.
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Central Remedial Clinic Ciaran Barry Graduate Scholarship
This scheme is reserved for students with a disability undertaking a postgraduate degree in any discipline. The scholarship covers one academic year and is not renewable.
Entrepreneurship & Business Start-Up Supports
Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)
Grants, training and mentoring for startups and micro-businesses LEOs provide feasibility support, trading online vouchers, start-up grants, and mentoring. People with disabilities who are starting a micro or small business should contact their local LEO for tailored support and potential grant schemes. Enterprise Ireland and LEO pages describe eligibility and application steps.
Enterprise Ireland / New Frontiers
Support for innovative, high-potential startups National entrepreneur development and funding programmes (New Frontiers, startup supports) are useful for people with scalable, innovative business ideas. Some supports provide business development funding, incubation and mentoring. Contact Enterprise Ireland or local incubation centres for details on accessibility and additional supports.