The Disability Equality and Inclusion Training Grant supports employers and organizations in the private, community, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors to provide inclusive training to their staff. The grant aims to promote a more inclusive workplace environment for individuals with disabilities.
Grant Amount
- Up to €20,000 per year for approved training costs.
- 90% of the cost for courses certified by QQI or another nationally recognised governing body.
- 80% of the cost for courses not certified by a recognized governing body.
Eligible Training:
- General Disability Equality and Inclusion Training: Covers topics such as:
- Understanding disabilities and the social model of disability.
- Anti-discrimination and equal opportunities laws.
- Different types of disabilities.
- Inclusive communication and interaction.
- Recognizing individuals with disabilities and challenging stereotypes.
- Including people with mental health issues.
- Inclusive Recruitment and Management Training: Addresses topics like:
- Reaching out to individuals with disabilities.
- Fair and inclusive recruitment processes.
- Discussing disability and disclosure.
- Providing reasonable accommodations.
- Addressing unconscious bias.
- Disability-Specific Training: Tailored to specific disabilities (e.g., ISL training for deaf employees).
Finding a Trainer or Provider:
- Employers or organisations are responsible for finding their trainers or providers.
- Trainers should have relevant qualifications, experience, and a solid understanding of the social model of disability.
- They should also have expertise in creating universally designed training programs and providing accessible training materials.
How to apply
The Department of Social Protection is developing an online application process, which will be available soon. In the meantime, follow the process below.
Step 1: Complete the application form
- Request the form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.
- Complete the WA2 Form.
Step 2: Submission and support details
- Send your 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 processing
- A designated Employer Relations Officer (ERO) will manage your application.
- You will be contacted directly to discuss available options and necessary documents.
- Final approval is required before purchasing any support.
- Applications submitted after purchasing support cannot be processed or paid.
You must provide an invoice from the course provider that includes all contact details and costs.
Appeals:
You cannot formally appeal a decision, but you can request a review by another DSP officer within 21 days of the decision. You'll need to explain why you believe the decision was wrong and provide supporting evidence.