How well prepared is your workplace to empower and support employees with disabilities, ensuring they thrive alongside their peers?
The Work and Access Scheme provides essential support and resources for employers and employees, specifically designed to create more inclusive and accessible workplaces for people with disabilities.
With resources for everything from workplace assessments to training programs, the Work and Access Scheme makes it easier for employers to hire diverse talent. By actively removing obstacles, employers can not only expand their talent pool but also enhance productivity and morale across their teams.
In this article, we outline how the Work and Access Scheme supports employers in building inclusive workplaces, detailing the resources available to help your business attract and retain a broad talent pool that is inclusive of employees with disabilities.
Key Supports for Employers
The Work and Access scheme, launched following the review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023, provides vital resources for individuals with disabilities as well as private-sector employers. These supports replace previous programs with a broader range of accommodations to meet today’s diverse workplace needs. For employers, this means improved opportunities to engage and retain talented individuals who may need specific accommodations to thrive in their roles.
1. Workplace Needs Assessment
Employers, employees, and self-employed individuals can apply for funding for a Workplace Needs Assessment. This assessment identifies necessary workplace adjustments to remove any barriers experienced by employees with disabilities. The assessment can be requested by those who are currently employed, returning to work, or about to begin employment. Funding of up to €2,500 is available to cover eligible assessment costs, ensuring that necessary adjustments are identified to enhance workplace accessibility.
2. Workplace Adaptations
Employers and self-employed individuals can apply for funding to make essential adaptations to workplace equipment, technology, or premises. This includes modifications that may be necessary to improve accessibility and accommodate the specific needs of employees with disabilities. In all cases, the person with a disability keeps ownership of the equipment unless it has been integrated into the equipment of the employer.
3. Disability, Equality, and Inclusion Training
Work and Access also fund Disability, Equality, and Inclusion Training for staff. This program includes three valuable training options tailored to enhance inclusivity and understanding within the workplace:
1. General disability equality and inclusion training for all employees, encouraging awareness and empathy across teams.
2. Disability-specific training to address particular needs or accommodations that may be required.
3. Inclusive recruitment and management training, specifically designed for hiring managers, to ensure that recruitment and workplace practices are accessible and equitable.
Eligibility Criteria for Employers
Employers eligible for the Work and Access program include:
– Private Sector Employers: Any private company operating in the Republic of Ireland.
– Community, Not-for-Profit, and Voluntary Organisations: Including those recognised as legal entities by the Revenue Commissioners or registered charities.
– Self-Employed Individuals: Anyone recognised by the Revenue Commissioners as self-employed, operating on their own account or through a partnership, or as a franchise.
Embracing an Inclusive Future
Through the Work and Access scheme, Irish employers are empowered to break down barriers enabling individuals and disabilities to succeed and feel valued in their roles. Taking advantage of these supports not only benefits employees but also strengthens company culture and broadens the talent pool. By investing in these resources, employers demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion – key pillars of a progressive and socially responsible workplace.
As part of this mission, IrishJobs and AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, are working together to open up the world of work to autistic people. Our partnership strives to remove barriers to employment, empowering autistic jobseekers to have the same chance as everyone else at securing meaningful work.
To learn more or begin applying for these supports, visit the official Work and Access page. Alternatively, get in touch with AsIAm for additional advice and guidance on creating more inclusive workplaces for Autistic employees.