Rehabilitation and training services for people with disabilities

Information

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has overall responsibility for the provision of vocational training and employment services for people with disabilities. Responsibility for the delivery of these services rests with FÁS. Vocational training and employment services are provided on an integrated basis in FÁS training centres or by service providers contracted by FÁS. In addition to a job placement scheme, FÁS provides a range of employment supports specifically for people with disabilities.  For example, the Wage Subsidy Scheme, workplace/equipment adaptation grants, the supported employment scheme, job interview interpreter grants and personal reader grants. FÁS also provides a scheme of grant aid to employers that provide disability awareness training for their staff.

The Department of Health and Children has responsibility for rehabilitative training (training that is not linked to the labour force) and sheltered work. Responsibility for the delivery of these services rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Rehabilitative training and sheltered work is provided largely in:

• Accredited training centres that are run by the HSE or by service providers contracted by the HSE and
• Designated sheltered workshops.

Rehabilitative training focuses on the development of an individual's life skills, social skills and basic work skills with the objective of enhancing the trainee's quality of life and general work capacity.

The HSE has appointed Directors of Disability Services who are responsible, among other things, for the delivery of rehabilitative training services. The Health Service Executive (HSE) have teams of guidance counsellors who offer information, advice and guidance on HSE training and sheltered work services.

Sheltered workshops

Sheltered work gives people with disabilities the opportunity to take part in daily work in a sheltered setting where they receive personal support services. Trainees may produce goods that have a commercial value.

Rules

If you have a disability, you will be assessed by your Local Health Office to establish what level of rehabilitative training is appropriate for you.

Rates

Rehabilitation Training Allowance

Trainees in foundation training and sheltered workshops retain their social welfare payments, usually Disability Allowance, and also receive a training allowance of €31.80 a week.

How to apply

Contact the Disability Services section in your Local Health Office for more information on rehabilitative training and sheltered work in your area. Further information on FÁS employment services can be obtained from any FÁS Employment Services Office.