Ability Focus
Inside Ability Focus

Disability Awareness Training for Managers in 2026: Now 90% grant funded
Managers play an incredibly important role in creating inclusive workplaces. In many organisations, they are the first person an employee will approach when they need support, when they are struggling with an aspect of their role, or when they want

With 90% funding, there has never been a better time to invest in Disability Awareness Training
If your organisation has been considering disability awareness or neurodiversity training, there really has never been a better time to act. Through the Department of Social Protection’s Work and Access Scheme, eligible private sector, community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations can

Ireland’s Quiet Leadership in Workplace Disability Inclusion
Ireland is quietly leading the world in one of the most practical areas of disability inclusion in the workplace. Through the Department of Social Protection’s Work and Access Training Grant, private sector organisations, charities and not-for-profits can receive 80 to

Disability Awareness Training: A Strategic Advantage Most Organisations Underestimate
There is a persistent misconception in Ireland that disability awareness training for managers sits in the ‘culture’ category; important, but peripheral. The reality is that it’s operational. Every organisation runs on conversations: performance reviews, project allocation, reasonable accommodation, staff

Managing Neurodiversity At Work: Moving Beyond Labels
Most managers feel stuck when an employee starts talking about neurodiversity. The questions come fast. Do I need a diagnosis? Is a GP letter enough? Should I refer this to Occupational Health? These are understandable questions. Managers are often trying

Ability Focus Neurodiversity Awareness Training Achieves CPD Accreditation
Ability Focus is pleased to confirm that our two hour Neurodiversity Awareness in the Workplace programme has been formally accredited by the independent CPD Certification Service. This recognition is yet another important milestone for Ability Focus and reflects our industry

Neurodiversity Awareness Training for Managers: A Key to Inclusive, High-Performing Teams
In today’s diverse workplaces, neurodiversity awareness is no longer just a ‘nice to have’; it is a strategic asset. For managers, completing neurodiversity awareness training that is tailored specifically to leadership responsibilities can significantly enhance team performance, improve staff retention,

Where is Ireland’s Disability Pride? A Challenge to Organisations This July
July is Disability Pride Month. Yet, across Ireland, there is little sign of it. Every June, organisations proudly mark LGBTQIA+ Pride. Rainbow logos appear on social media. Public declarations of support are made. Companies host events, panels and workshops to

The Crucial Role of Disability Awareness and Neurodiversity Awareness Training in 2025
In today’s evolving work landscape fostering an inclusive environment is no longer a “nice-to-have”, it’s an imperative. Organisations of all sizes and sectors must equip their teams with the knowledge and skills to understand and support colleagues, customers and stakeholders

Disability Discrimination Dominates 2024 WRC Report: A Call for Employer Awareness and Training
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Annual Report for 2024 reveals a sharp increase in disability discrimination complaints, casting a spotlight on the persistent barriers faced by people with disabilities in Irish workplaces and service settings. In 2024, disability was the

Building an Inclusive Workplace: The Benefits of Disability Inclusion for Irish Employers
In today’s progressive business environment, fostering an inclusive workplace is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. For Irish employers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, embracing disability inclusion can unlock numerous benefits ranging from enhanced

Why Disability Awareness Training is the first, and most crucial step toward inclusion
In recent months, a number of voices on LinkedIn and other platforms have expressed the view that disability awareness training is of limited value. Instead, they argue that companies should prioritise auditing their services, reviewing internal policies, or addressing physical