Working with a disability

If you have a disability, there are supports to help you find and keep a job.

The new Work and Access employment programme aims at reducing and removing barriers disabled people may face at work. Some supports are for those already working, while others help those who are unemployed.

As a person with a disability, you have the same employment rights as other employees.

If you are looking for a job for the first time or after taking a break, think about your skills and how your disability might affect the type of work you are applying for.

Many employers have equal opportunities policies and welcome applications from qualified people with disabilities.

Understand your rights and what employers must do for you under equality legislation. It is your choice to disclose your disability to potential employers, especially if it’s not visible, like a long-term illness or a mental health issue. However, employers cannot accommodate your needs if they are unaware of them.

Supports and training

There are support schemes and training opportunities available to you if you have a disability and are looking for work.

These include help finding a job and preparation for training programmes and employment support provided by the Department of Social Protection under the Work and Access employment programme.

You can also do specific skills training and traineeships if you are unemployed and are re-entering the workforce. Training for people in employment is offered through apprenticeships and in-company training.

If you are completing a training course and need more intensive support than would normally be available, the course will be delivered by specialist training providers. Some key features of specialist training include adapted equipment, a more individual approach and longer training sessions.

EmployAbility Service

The EmployAbility Service helps you find and keep a job, offering ongoing support and job coaches through various organisations around the country.

Disability payments and work

If you get certain disability payments, such as Disability Allowance (DA) and Blind Pension (BP), you may be allowed to work and keep your payment.

Employers can apply for the Wage Subsidy Scheme whether or not an employee keeps their entitlement to DA or BP.

If you are getting an Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension and you want to return to work, you may qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit.

Employment schemes

Several employment schemes and supports encourage long-term unemployed people to return to work. Each scheme has different rules, so it is important to check the detailed information about each scheme so check the specific details and how they may affect your social welfare payment.

Other employment support

If you want to start your own business, you may be eligible for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. The scheme encourages unemployed people, lone parents and people getting Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension to take up self-employment.

If you develop a disability

If you develop a disability while in your job (through an accident or illness) discuss your options with your employer.

Depending on your disability and job type, you may need workplace adaptations or special equipment.

If returning to your previous job is not possible, explore other employment options mentioned under ‘Looking for work’ above.

If your disability changes or you need more support

If your disability progresses, discuss your needs with your employer. Potential discussions may include job adaptations, workplace changes and modified working conditions.

Options at work

Employers are obliged to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which may include:

• Partial re-deployment: continuing part of your original job with new tasks.
• Re-deployment: moving to a different role with retraining.
• Flexible working arrangements: options like part-time, flexitime, job sharing, or remote work.
• Adapting the workplace: ensuring accessibility and providing assistive technology.

Supports for employers

Various support schemes are available for employers hiring or retaining employees with disabilities. These are provided by the Department of Social Protection under the Work and Access employment programme.

People with disabilities have the same employment rights as other employees. You are protected by quality legislation which prohibits discrimination based on disability. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Equality legislation

The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 makes it illegal to discriminate based on a disability in employment, training and recruitment.

However, an employer is not obliged to hire or keep someone who cannot fully carry out their job.

Reasonable accommodation

Employers must take reasonable steps to accommodate employees with disabilities, which can include job modifications and workplace changes.

Under EU law, employers are not required to make accommodations if the cost is excessive.

You can read about reasonable accommodation on the Employers for Change website.

Health and safety

Employers must ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees, including making accommodations for those with disabilities. This includes adjustments to doors, passageways, staircases, showers, washbasins, toilets, and workstations.

This is covered under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

Public service quota

Public bodies must set aside a certain percentage of jobs for people with disabilities, as outlined in the Disability Act 2005.

From 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, at least 4.5% of employees must be people with disabilities. From 1 January 1 2025, this percentage increases to at least 6%.

If you think you have been discriminated against due to your disability, you can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission using the online complaint form.

You can also read the guide to taking an employment equality case from the Community Law and Mediation (CLM) website. CLM also offers free legal information, advice and mediation services.

For more resources and support:

• Work and Access: an Employment Programme offering support to help people with a disability get a job or stay in work.
• AHEAD: information for employees and employers, including reasonable accommodations and work placements for graduates with disabilities.
• Employers for Change: guidance on disability, inclusive recruitment, and workplace management.
• Health and Safety Authority: guide to inclusive health and safety practices for employees with disabilities.
• Eastern Vocational Enterprises (E.V.E.): 'Just Ask - a Handbook for Employers and Employees' (pdf) for mental health support.
• Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: information on equality and discrimination issues in the workplace.