Facilitating work life for individuals with disability: the incentive for companies

People with disabilities continue to face extensive challenges and a wide range of barriers in their place of work. However, today’s technological developments contribute significantly towards inclusion and reduce certain barriers in the field of employment. Facilitating work life for individuals with disability scheme is a grant to support people having a disability who work in the private sector. Employers and self-employed people can apply for this grant towards the cost of adapting or making the workplace more accessible for employees with disabilities. The supported projects must address the needs of employees currently employed or due to be employed by the employer.

Eligibility

To be eligible for support you must meet all the criteria established below:
a. The measure is open to employers and self-employed who carry out an economic activity;
b. The employer must already employ at least one worker, or is in the process of recruiting persons with disability who are in possession of an EU Disability Card issued by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD);
c. Employers are to ensure that all employees are duly registered with JobsPlus;
d. The applicant must not have any arrears related to VAT, Income Tax, and Social Security.
e. The applicant must not be engaged in activities specifically excluded under the de minimis Regulation

Support

The aid under this scheme will be awarded in the form of a cash grant. The aid will cover 90% (ninety percent) of incurred eligible costs up to a maximum grant of ten thousand euros (€10,000) for every project.

The Facilitating Work Life for Individuals with Disability is a de minimis measure. The total amount of de minimis aid granted to a single undertaking shall not exceed the amount of €200,000 (or €100,000 in the case of single undertakings performing road freight transport for hire or reward) over any period of three consecutive fiscal years.

Eligible costs

Equipment:  Any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of employees with disabilities (e.g. e-motion wheels, alarm systems with flashing lights).

Minor internal alterations at the place of work: Re-modelling, modifications and / or internal minor structural changes for
better access to guarantee an optimum level of functionality to accommodate people with different abilities. All internal alternations must be compliant with, and supported by an architect’s plan in line with Access for All Standards.

Assistive Technologies: Investment in assistive technology such as screen reader technologies, screen enlargement applications; assistive devices and programmes for workers to become more autonomous at the place of work.

Resurfacing: Installation of different floor material for wheelchair users or visually impaired persons to navigate easily.

Accessible formats: Accessible formats such as Braille, large prints and audio recordings for safety access and use of the place of work.

Professional Training: Training delivered by professionals or entities actively working in the disability sectors. The training can be provided to either the individual having a disability or to other employees of the applicant entity and have the specific purpose of facilitating the inclusion of the person/s with disability.

Duration

Applications must be submitted prior to incurring any costs. The Corporation will accept applications until 31st August 2023.

For more information and specific advice contact our team by filling out the form below.