CHAT Access to AT in Work – 19th Sept 24

CHAT—Access to AT in Work—We chatted about AT in Work and learned about Ireland’s new Work and Access programme.
When: Thursday, 19th September 2024 at 2 pm
This Community Hub for Assistive Technology event focused on Access to AT in Work and chat about the new Work and Access programme. We are thankful that representatives from the Department of Social Protection and the CHAT community joined the event.

Summary of CHAT:

Many thanks to all the speakers who joined us and the wider CHAT community, including;

Marie Giblin – Department of Social Projection – Work And Access Overview

Niall Lane – Department of Social Protection – Work and Access – clarifications

Shauna Humphries – AT User – Lived experience access to AT in Work and starting out in employment 

Ursula Mackenzie – Employability Limerick – Community services to inform companies about AT resources to support inclusive recruitment

Anna Boda – Open Doors Initiative – Impact for employers

Niamh Flaw – National Disability Authority –

  1. Overview of the Work and Access Scheme:
  • The scheme was launched on 13th July, replacing the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme.
  • Aims to support people with disabilities in gaining, returning to, or retaining employment.
  • Developed based on a review of predecessor schemes with over 912 responses, published in August 2023.
  1. Key Features of the Scheme:
  • The scheme provides seven types of support: Workplace Needs Assessment, Communication Support, In-Work Support, Personal Reader, Employer Support, Workplace Adaptations, and Disability and inclusion Training.
  • Employers must be in the non-public sector, private, or part of the newly included community and not-for-profit sectors.
  • Open to individuals over 18, within the legal working age, who can work in the Republic of Ireland and have a lasting disability/health condition.
  1. Supports Available:
  • Workplace Needs Assessment: Up to €2,500 is available to hire a specialist to assess necessary workplace adjustments.
  • Communication Support: Support for Irish Sign Language interpreters, lip speakers, etc., for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Different hours are allocated for pre-interview support, induction, ongoing communication, etc.
  • In-Work Support: Up to €12,500/year can be funded for a work coach or specialist support worker.
  • Personal Reader Grant: Up to €12,500/year for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Work Equipment: Funding up to €12,000 for assistive equipment or technology needed for work.
  • Workplace Adaptations: Increased funding of up to €25,000 for adapting technology or business premises.
  • Disability, Equality, and Inclusion Training: Up to €20,000/year will be funded for general and specific training for employers.
  1. Application Process:
  • Central team in Finglas handles applications via post or email (workandaccess@welfare.ie).
  • Current forms are unavailable online due to pending data protection impact assessments, but forms can be requested by post.
  • Regional representatives manage employer and employee queries for smooth processing.
  1. Questions Raised During the Meeting:
  • Concerning Digital Accessible Forms: The digital form is unavailable due to a required data protection impact assessment.
  • Job Coach and Personal Assistance Distinction: Work coaches focus on job-related tasks, whereas personal assistants provide broader support.
  • Disability Model and Assessment: Concerns were raised about ensuring a person-centered approach, with assessments carried out by professionals like occupational therapists or ergonomics specialists.
  1. Comments and Feedback:
  • Increased Budget: Positive reception of the increased funding in the scheme.
  • Employers’ Concerns: Need for precise information and support for employers to navigate the scheme.
  • Access to Technology: Providing AT information to those who may not know what is available is essential.
  1. Presentations:
  • Employability Limerick: Presented a brief overview of their services and support to individuals with disabilities in securing employment.
  • Shauna’s Experience: Shared the gap between educational support and workplace support, highlighting the importance of the new Work and Access Scheme.
  • Employers for Change: Advocated for more awareness and an online application system.
  1. Additional Notes:
  • The National Disability Authority’s upcoming conference was mentioned, emphasising participation and inclusion in cultural life, recreation, and sport.

Action Items:

  • Promote awareness of the Work and Access Scheme among employers and employees.
  • Await the launch of the online application form for the scheme.
  • Consider creating a sample list of assistive technologies for reference.

Next Steps:

  • Follow up with the DSP on the availability of an online application form.
  • Engage with Employability Services and Employers for Change for further assistance.
  • Follow up with Niall Department of Social Protection re: List of AT