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 now receive 90% grant funding towards certified Disability Equality and Inclusion training. With the scheme updated in May 2026, the process has become even clearer for employers looking to create more inclusive workplaces and equip their teams with the knowledge and confidence to support disabled employees and customers. The scheme has now even been opened up to Commercial Semi States in Ireland.
At a recent staff lunch one of the Ability Focus team said the question for clients should no longer be: “Why should we invest in disability awareness training or neurodiversity awareness training?” Instead, the real question should be:
“Why wouldn’t we, when 90% of the cost is covered?”
Creating an inclusive workplace is about much more than compliance. It’s about building a culture where every employee can contribute, every customer feels valued and managers have the confidence to support people fairly and effectively. Organisations that invest in disability inclusion are better positioned to attract and retain talented employees, strengthen employee engagement, improve customer experience and demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality and inclusion.
Disability Awareness Training and Neurodiversity Awareness Training
At Ability Focus we deliver practical, engaging and evidence-based training that helps organisations turn good intentions into meaningful action. Our programmes are designed to give participants real-world knowledge and practical skills that can be applied immediately.
Our most popular programmes eligible under the Work and Access training grant include:
- Disability Awareness & Equality Training
- Neurodiversity Awareness Training
- Leading Disability Inclusive Teams Training
- Neurodiversity Training for Managers
- Reasonable Accommodation Training
Together, these programmes help organisations better understand disability and neurodiversity, develop inclusive communication practices, build confident managers and create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
One of the biggest barriers organisations often mention is apprehension around the application process itself. The great news is that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Ability Focus we support organisations throughout the entire Work and Access application process. Our Operations Manager, Katie has extensive experience helping employers understand the scheme, identify the most appropriate training programmes and complete the documentation required. From your initial enquiry through to submitting your application, we are here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Work and Access Scheme
The Work and Access scheme represents one of the most significant opportunities currently available to Irish employers to invest in disability inclusion while substantially reducing disability awareness training and neurodiversity awareness training costs. It allows organisations to build internal capability, support managers, strengthen inclusive workplace practices and invest in long-term cultural change, all while benefiting from substantial government funding.
If your organisation has been waiting for the right time to deliver disability awareness or neurodiversity training, this is it.
To learn more about the Work and Access scheme, visit the Department of Social Protection’s information page:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/work-and-access/
If you would like to discuss the most suitable programme for your organisation or receive guidance on applying for the 90% grant, contact the Ability Focus team today. We would be delighted to help you build a more confident, inclusive and accessible workplace.