The Communication Support / Irish Sign Language (ISL) support helps people with communication support needs participate fully in recruitment, workplace induction and day-to-day employment. Funding is available for employees, self-employed people and, in certain circumstances, employers applying on their behalf.

Support may be provided through an Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter, lip-reader, Lámh support worker, or another appropriate communication support professional.

Support Available

The Work and Access Scheme provides funding for the following communication supports:

Applicants may receive funding for more than one type of communication support where appropriate.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you meet the general Work and Access eligibility criteria and have a communication support requirement.

This support is available if you:

• Are Deaf or hard of hearing and require an Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter, lip-reader or another communication professional. Proof of deafness is not required.
• Have a disability or health condition that requires communication support, such as a Lámh support worker.

Employers may also apply for communication support where it is required to facilitate:

• A Workplace Needs Assessment.
• In-Work Support recommended through a Workplace Needs Assessment.

Eligible Communication Supports

Pre-Interview Support

Provides funding for up to one hour with your communication support professional before a job interview.

This session allows you to:

• Prepare for the interview.
• Become familiar with your interpreter or communication support worker.
• Discuss communication preferences before the interview.

Interview Support

Provides funding for up to three hours of communication support for each job interview.
There is no limit to the number of interviews for which support may be provided. Applicants must provide confirmation of the interview, such as:

• A letter from the employer, or
• An email from the recruiter.

Induction Support

Provides funding for up to 12 hours of communication support during workplace induction within the first 12 months of:

• Starting with a new employer, or
• Moving into a new role with an existing employer.

Employer approval is required for this support.

Ongoing Workplace Communication

Provides funding for up to 24 hours of communication support over a 12-month period for workplace meetings, training, performance discussions and other employment-related communication.

This support may be used alongside induction support.
Employer approval is required.

Communication Support for a Workplace Needs Assessment

Provides funding for up to 10 hours of communication support where required to enable a Workplace Needs Assessment to take place.

This support is available only where communication assistance is necessary for the assessment.

Communication Support for In-Work Support

Provides funding for up to 30 hours of communication support where a Workplace Needs Assessment recommends In-Work Support and communication assistance is required to deliver that support.

Communication Support Provider Requirements

Communication support professionals should:

• Have appropriate qualifications and experience.
• Be suitable for the applicant's communication needs.

Where an Irish Sign Language interpreter is engaged, they must be registered with the:

• Regulatory Centre for Irish Sign Language Interpreters (RISLI).

Communication support may be delivered:

• In person, or
• Online.

Where possible, the preferred format of the disabled person should be accommodated.

Applying for Multiple Supports

Applicants may apply for more than one communication support where required. For example, an individual may receive funding for:

• Pre-interview preparation
• Interview support
• Workplace induction
• Ongoing workplace communication
• In-Work Support.

Each application will be assessed based on individual circumstances.

How to Apply

Employees and Self-Employed Applicants

To apply for:

• Pre-interview support
• Interview support
• Induction support
• Ongoing workplace communication
• Complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA1).

Employers

To apply for communication support relating to:

• Workplace Needs Assessments
• In-Work Support
• Complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA2).

Submit Your Application

Completed application forms can be submitted by:

• Your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
• Email: WorkandAccess@welfare.ie
• Post to:
  Employment Services Management Support Team
  Department of Social Protection
  PO Box 13736
  Freepost FDN7696
  Co. Louth

Appeals

There is no formal appeals process. However, if your application is refused, you may request a review by another Department of Social Protection officer within 21 days of the decision. Your request should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and include any supporting evidence.