In Ireland, accessibility to technology is becoming a priority as the country moves toward a more inclusive and digitally connected society. With over 22% of the Irish population living with a disability, ensuring equal access to technology should be a must. Assistive Technology is on the rise, from AI-powered tools to wearables.

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest trends in Assistive Technology, compare popular tools, and break down their pros and approx. cost to help Irish businesses and individuals make informed decisions.

Accessibility in the Irish Context

With the National Disability Authority promoting equality and the government’s digital strategy — Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework, aiming to connect us all, Assistive Technology is finding its place. It’s about giving everyone a fair chance — whether it’s navigating the Luas or reading the latest from RTÉ. Below, we’ll look at different angles within the Irish context and a comparison of the most popular Assistive Technology trending now in Ireland.   

1. The Legal Perspective in Ireland

• Ireland has a strong legal framework to promote accessibility, including the Disability Act 2005, which ensures public services are accessible to people with disabilities.
• The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 prohibit discrimination based on disability, encouraging businesses to adopt inclusive practices.
• Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) further reinforces the commitment to accessibility in both the public and private sectors.
• Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) is increasingly becoming a legal requirement for Irish websites and digital services.
• The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which was incorporated into national law through the European Union (Accessibility Requirements of Products and Services) Regulations 2023, comes into effect as of June 28, 2025. These regulations set accessibility standards for various products and services to ensure they are usable by persons with disabilities.  

2. Trends in Assistive Technology in Ireland

• AI-powered tools: Real-time captioning and voice recognition are gaining traction in Irish universities and workplaces.
• Voice Recognition Software: Voice technology enables nearly hands-free computer use, making it especially beneficial for employees who find typing difficult or slow, such as those with manual dexterity issues or Repetitive Strain Injury. Such software allows users to control their computer entirely by voice, from sending emails to saving files and browsing the web.
• Visual Support Software: Software like screen enlargers helps individuals with low vision by magnifying on-screen content, similar to a magnifying glass. Screen readers, on the other hand, provide nonvisual access to Windows and any other compatible operating system, applications and web browsers by converting on-screen text into digitised speech. This allows blind users to navigate their computers through audio feedback. Examples of screen readers include Window-Eyes and JAWS. These tools are becoming more advanced and widely used in Irish schools and libraries: Libraries for Everyone

3. The Importance of Accessibility in Ireland

• Accessibility ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities for people with disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in education, employment, and social activities.
• Businesses benefit from a wider audience, improved customer satisfaction, and compliance with legal requirements.
• Accessible Technology fosters innovation and creates a more equitable society, aligning with Ireland’s values of equality and inclusion.

Comparison of Popular Assistive Technologies in Ireland

Below is a table comparing some of the most widely used Assistive Technologies, their pros, and approximate costs, tailored to the Irish market. Some may be free, and others are built with some operating systems we use.  

Assistive Technology Comparison Table

Why These Trends Matter

Technology is evolving rapidly, and assistive innovations are becoming more advanced, accessible, and impactful. The DFI and Enable Ireland research (AT Paper final version.pdf) highlights that Assistive Technology can significantly improve the quality of life and independence for people with disabilities and older adults. For example:

• Education: The report's case study shows that a visually impaired student who used €5,800 worth of Assistive Technology during her degree secured a graduate job with a starting salary of €36,250. Without Assistive Technology, she might have relied on Disability Allowance, costing the State €49,000 over five years.
• Employment: Another case study highlights a woman who uses €5,420 worth of Assistive Technology in her workplace and home. Her salary of €48,000 per year contrasts with the potential €49,000 cost over a five-year period to the State if she were on Disability Allowance.
• Independent Living: A wheelchair user who invested €18,500 in environmental controls reduced her need for personal assistant support from 168 hours to 99 hours per week, saving the State €59,000 annually.

These examples demonstrate that Assistive Technology is not just a cost—it’s an investment in independence, productivity, and social inclusion.

These trends are shaping how people with disabilities interact with the world, offering greater independence and efficiency. However, despite its potential, Assistive Technology adoption in Ireland faces significant challenges:

• Fragmented Services: Assistive Technology services are spread across multiple government departments, leading to inconsistencies and delays.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of the Assistive Technology options available to them.
• Funding Gaps: Current funding is insufficient and often difficult to access.

To address these issues, the DFI and Enable Ireland report recommends:

1. Introduce an Assistive Technology Passport: A single record of an individual’s Assistive Technology needs, training, and funding history, owned by the user.
2. Central Coordination: A central agency to oversee Assistive Technology services, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
3. Improved Information: The creation of an impartial website, supported on a statutory basis. In addition to a website and helpline, an online loan library would allow prospective users to test technology in advance of purchase.
4. Funding Protocols: Develop flexible funding models based on need and financial means.

These tools are more than just gadgets—they’re essential for independence. As Technology evolves, assistive solutions are becoming smarter and more affordable. Yet, accessibility remains uneven. High-end devices like smart glasses highlight a growing gap: innovation is advancing faster than affordability, leaving many without access to the latest tools.

While Ireland has made progress in accessibility, challenges remain. Embracing Assistive Technology can help bridge this gap, allowing businesses, educators, and individuals to create a more inclusive society. Whether in the workplace, classroom, or home, understanding these tools and their impact is the first step toward meaningful change.

To learn more about Assistive Technology in the workplace, we recommend the below:

• Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities and Older People: A Discussion Paper by Enable Ireland and Disability Federation Ireland  
• Assistive Technology in the Workplace: A Tool for Everyone by Enable Ireland and IrishJobs.ie  

For funding to help employers provide reasonable accommodations, check the following Work and Access Scheme grants:

• Workplace Needs Assessment: Helps identify necessary support or adjustments.
• Communication Support: Assists with effective communication, especially for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication challenges.
• Personal Reader: Assistance for individuals who require help with reading in their job.
• Work Equipment: Financial assistance for purchasing specialised equipment.
• Workplace Adaptation: Financial support to help employers adapt their workplaces to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.

To know more about the above, visit: Work and Access Funding Scheme.  

Some Assistive Technology providers:  

• Vision Ireland: Digital Braille
• Jackson Technology
• Ash Technologies Ltd: www.ashtech.ie

References:

• Assistive Technology in the Workplace: A Tool for Everyone
• Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities and Older People: A Discussion Paper