The Personal Reader support helps employees and self-employed people who are blind or have a visual impairment with reading tasks that are essential to carrying out their work. A Personal Reader can assist with workplace documents and other job-related reading where assistive technology alone does not meet the person's needs.
Where appropriate, applicants may instead apply for reading software or other assistive technology through Work Equipment support.
Support Available
The Work and Access Scheme provides funding to hire or contract a Personal Reader to assist with work-related reading tasks.
Funding is based on:
- The current National Minimum Wage, and
- The level of reading support required by the applicant.
The Personal Reader may be an individual or an organisation, provided they:
- Are registered as a business, where applicable.
- Are tax compliant.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you meet the general Work and Access eligibility criteria and:
- Are an employee or self-employed.
- Are blind or have a visual impairment.
- Require assistance with reading tasks as part of your employment or self-employment.
Applicants should consider whether assistive technology available through the Work Equipment support may better meet their needs before applying for a Personal Reader.
What a Personal Reader Can Assist With
A Personal Reader can provide assistance with work-related reading tasks, including:
- Reading printed or handwritten documents.
- Reviewing workplace correspondence.
- Reading reports, manuals and other employment-related materials.
- Supporting access to information required to perform work duties.
The support is intended to help the individual carry out essential aspects of their role where reading presents a barrier.
Choosing a Personal Reader
Applicants are responsible for sourcing their own Personal Reader.
A Personal Reader:
- Does not need formal qualifications.
- May be an individual or an organisation.
- Must be registered as a business (where applicable) and be tax compliant.
The scheme cannot fund support that would normally be provided by:
- Work colleagues
- Family members
- Friends
Alternative Support
Many applicants find that assistive technology, such as screen-reading or text-to-speech software, provides a more suitable long-term solution.
Where appropriate, funding for this equipment may be available through the Work Equipment support under the Work and Access Scheme.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the application form
Employees and self-employed applicants must complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA1).
Step 2: Submit your application
Applications 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
Step 3: Approval and Payment
The Department of Social Protection will assess your application.
- If approved, funding will be agreed based on your support needs.
- You may then engage your chosen Personal Reader.
At the end of each month in which the support is used, you must complete and submit a Personal Reader Support Claim Form to enable payment to be processed.
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 additional supporting evidence.