The Disability Equality and Inclusion Training support helps eligible employers and organisations fund disability equality and inclusion training for their workforce. The training should be tailored to the workplace's needs and promote a more inclusive work environment for people with disabilities. 

This support is available to private sector, community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations. It is not available to self-employed individuals. 

Grant Amount 

Up to €20,000 per year is available for eligible training costs, including reasonable travel and subsistence expenses. 

Funding is provided at the following rates: 

• 90% of eligible costs for:  
• Accredited disability-related training recognised by an accredited training body in Ireland or the UK.  
• Trainers with recognised training and/or professional qualifications relevant to disability who meet the requirements set out in the Work and Access Operational Guidelines.  
• 80% of eligible costs for:  
• Other eligible trainers or training courses that meet the Work and Access Operational Guidelines but are not accredited or delivered by professionally qualified trainers.  

Employers are responsible for sourcing their own external training provider and should ensure value for money when selecting a provider. 

Eligibility 

Unlike other Work and Access supports, the general Work and Access eligibility criteria do not apply to this training support. 

An employer or organisation is eligible if it: 

• Is a non-public sector employer.  
• Has a paid workforce.  
• Wishes to provide staff training that:  
• Promotes disability equality and workplace inclusion.  
• Increases awareness and understanding of disability, the social model of disability, and disability equality.  
• Helps staff recognise people with disabilities as individuals with their own strengths, skills and abilities.  
• Challenges stereotypes, negative assumptions and discrimination in the workplace.  

Eligible Training 

General Disability Equality and Inclusion Training 

Training for all staff should include: 

• Understanding disability, the social model of disability and disability equality.  
• Disability rights and relevant equality and anti-discrimination legislation.  
• Different types of disabilities.  
• Respectful, accessible and inclusive communication, including appropriate disability language.  
• Recognising the strengths and capabilities of people with disabilities while addressing stereotypes and unconscious attitudes.  
• Supporting and including people with mental health conditions in the workplace.  

Inclusive Recruitment and Management Training 

Training for managers should cover: 

• Inclusive recruitment and outreach.  
• Accessible application and interview processes.  
• Discussing disability and workplace disclosure.  
• Assessing and providing reasonable accommodations.  
• Identifying and addressing unconscious bias.  

Disability-Specific Training 

Examples include: 

• Irish Sign Language (ISL) training where an employee or employer is Deaf.  
• Lámh training where an employee or employer uses Lámh communication.  
• Disability-specific workplace inclusion training, such as neurodiversity awareness where relevant to the workplace.  

Trainer Requirements 

Training providers should: 

• Have relevant qualifications and/or practical experience.  
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the social model of disability.  
• Have expertise in disability rights, equality, inclusion and human rights.  
• Be experienced in developing universally designed training and providing accessible training materials.  
• Ideally have lived experience of disability, co-deliver training with a disabled person, or have developed the training in consultation with disabled people.  
• Be registered with Revenue.  

Quotation Requirements 

Employers must obtain quotations before purchasing training: 

One quotation

If the required number of quotations cannot be obtained—for example, due to a shortage of specialist trainers—the employer must provide a written justification. 

VAT 

Disability Equality and Inclusion Training may be exempt from VAT where it qualifies as vocational training under VAT legislation. Employers should confirm the VAT status with the training provider. 

How to Apply 

The Department of Social Protection is developing an online application process. Until this is available, follow the steps below. 

Step 1: Complete the application form 

• Request the application form from your local Intreo Centre or download it from gov.ie.  
• Complete the WA2 Work and Access Application Form.  

Step 2: Submit your application 

Send the completed WA2 Form by post to: 

Work and Access Section 
Central Team 
Finglas Intreo Centre 
PO Box 13736 
Freepost FDN7696 
Dublin 11 

Step 3: Assessment and Approval 

• An Employer Relations Officer (ERO) will assess your application.  
• The ERO may contact you to discuss the proposed training and request additional documentation.  
• Approval must be received before any training is booked or purchased.  Applications submitted after training has been purchased cannot be approved for funding.  
• An invoice from the training provider detailing all costs and contact information must be provided before payment can be made.  

Appeals 

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