A personal reader is an individual who assists a blind or visually impaired employee with work-related reading tasks. They can be hired directly or contracted through a registered and tax-compliant business. While professional qualifications aren't required, the hourly rate may vary based on the reader's technical expertise.

Support Available:

• Work and Access will contribute up to €12,500 annually towards the cost of a personal reader.
• The grant pays an hourly rate equivalent to the current minimum wage, with potential adjustments for readers with specialized qualifications.
• The personal reader must not replace reading help provided by coworkers, relatives, or friends.

Eligibility:

• Visual Impairment or Blindness: Must have a visual impairment or be blind and require reading assistance at work.
• Employee or Self-Employed Status: Only employees or self-employed individuals can apply.
• General Eligibility: Must meet the general eligibility requirements for the Work and Access program.
• Evidence of Condition: May need to provide evidence of the visual impairment, unless receiving a long-term disability payment.
• Workplace Needs Assessment: An assessment may be required to determine the need for a reader, except during recruitment processes.

Finding a Personal Reader:

You are responsible for finding a suitable personal reader. Consider advertising on online job boards or community notice boards.

How to apply

You can apply yourself or ask an advocate to apply on your behalf.

Step 1: Complete the application form

• Request the WA1 form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.
• If you are unsure about the support needed, you only complete the relevant section on the WA1 Form.
• Provide quotes to support your application (see Quotes in Appendix 6 of the Operational Guidelines).

Step 2: Eligibility check

• Send your completed WA1 Form by post to Work and Access Section, Central Team, Finglas Intreo Centre, PO Box 13736, Freepost FDN7696, Dublin 11
• The Work and Access Section will check your eligibility

Step 3: Assessment and approval

• An officer will contact you directly to discuss your application.
• If eligible, you will be told about the next steps and any additional sections of the application form to complete.
• Approval for eligibility does not guarantee funding.
• Final approval will be made after you meet specific requirements, set by Department officers.

If you have a visual impairment or are blind, staff in your local Intreo Centre will be pleased to help you complete the application form.

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.