This listing may be outdated. Verify details at the official source before applying.

ActiveDepartment of Social Protection (Ireland) · 2026

Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS)

Quick Facts

Agency: Department of Social Protection (Ireland)
Funding: Up to €20,000 per employer
Deadline: Check Source
Status: Active
Eligibility: Private sector companies, charities, community organisations, and voluntary sector groups in Ireland that wish to carry out disability awareness training for their staff.

About This Grant

Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) is sponsored by Department of Social Protection (Ireland). Provides funding to employers in the private sector to cover up to 90% of the costs of disability awareness training for their staff, aiming to increase understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.

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Official Opportunity Details

Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.

Did you know there is a government rebate scheme called the Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) which will reimburse private sector employers 90% of the cost of disability awareness training?

The Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) is a scheme whereby private sector employers that provide disability awareness training for staff can utilise a grant which will cover almost the entire cost of training, if this training is completed through Ability Focus.

This grant rebate scheme is funded under the Department of Social Protection’s Reasonable Accommodation Fund and in order to avail of the 90% DASS grant a private sector organisation must partner with a recognised training provider. Unfortunately, the Disability Awareness Support Scheme Grant is very much underutilized here in Ireland.

Many private sector businesses simply aren’t aware that there is grant funding which covers the vast majority of your disability awareness training expenses. At Ability Focus we work closely with businesses, guiding them through the fairly simple grant application process, resulting in full Disability Awareness Support Scheme grant reimbursement for all our clients.

We have vast experience in grant submissions having assisted grant applications with many private sector organisations across the country, ranging from SME’s to large multinationals. When looking to partner with a disability awareness training provider it is important to select an organisation who has qualified Learning & Development (L&D) professionals delivering all training programmes.

This ensures programmes which are formatted in line with L&D best practice standards. As per DSP requirements, the 90% DASS grant will not be awarded to any organisation who does not have qualified L&D staff delivering disability awareness training. At Ability Focus we are also proud to say our programmes are externally endorsed by the Learning & Development Institute (L&DI) while also being CPD accredited.

This external endorsement and CPD accreditation are also key factors in ensuring a successful DASS grant submission.

With the DSP funding a grant which can cover up to 90% of the cost of training for private sector businesses, there is very little excuse for organisations not to put aside a few hours to offer staff a comprehensive Disability Awareness training programme, delivered by qualified L&D professionals, to help create a more open and genuinely inclusive environment for everyone.

At Ability focus we passionately believe that the first (and most important) step in creating a workplace which truly welcomes well over 650,000 disabled Irish people is disability awareness training. With a government grant covering 90% of the cost of training, if you’re not considering disability awareness training for your staff, then the question should be asked.. are you really inclusive?

**If you are considering Disability Awareness Training for your organisation, please get in touch with Ability Focus by calling (01) 699 1150 or email info@abilityfocus. ie and we will be happy to discuss a customised programme to suit your disability training needs. ** **Ability Focus is the leading provider of disability awareness training in Ireland.

Our training programmes are CPD accredited, IITD Endorsed and delivered by qualified trainers with over seventeen years’ experience working in disability inclusion. **

Eligibility Requirements

Private sector companies, charities, community organisations, and voluntary sector groups in Ireland that wish to carry out disability awareness training for their staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS)?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Private sector companies, charities, community organisations, and voluntary sector groups in Ireland that wish to carry out disability awareness training for their staff. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) offer?

The current listing shows up to €20,000 per employer. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

Who funds Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS)?

Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) is funded by Department of Social Protection (Ireland). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

How do I apply for Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS)?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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Deadline: Oct 1, 2026

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