Ireland’s disability support landscape is set for a major boost after gov.ie confirmed more than €1 million in new backing for digital inclusion and assistive technology. The announcement, made by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, will fund nine projects designed to help people with sensory, cognitive, physical and intellectual disabilities participate more fully in everyday life.
The investment comes through the Health Service Executive (HSE) CREATE III initiative, a programme focused on practical technology solutions that support independence, communication, mobility, learning, employment and community participation. The funding also reflects wider government priorities across Health, Social Protection, Education and Children/Disability/Equality, while showing how public services can work together to improve access and inclusion.
gov.ie confirms major assistive technology funding package
According to gov.ie, the CREATE III funding round will support unmet needs across a wide age range, from infants and young children with complex needs to older adults and jobseekers with disabilities. The selected projects were chosen following an evaluation process led through the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability.
The latest initiative builds on earlier CREATE rounds, which helped expand assistive technology pathways, training and community supports. This round puts particular emphasis on long-term systems change, accessible information and peer-led innovation.
- 6 projects received €125,000 each
- 3 projects received €75,000 each
- Total funding exceeds €1 million
Projects receiving €125,000
- Disability Federation of Ireland FreedomTech with Enable Ireland
- Inclusion Ireland with Corlann and St. Michael’s House
- St John of God Community Services DigiCoach Project
- The Rehab Group DAT Works: Tech for Talent
- St John of God Community Services Dublin Southeast Positive Ageing, Living Stronger
- St. Michael’s House with the HSE National Disability Quality Improvement Team
Projects receiving €75,000
- Central Remedial Clinic early powered mobility pilot
- HSE Community Healthcare West early assistive technology clinic in Mayo
- The Anne Sullivan Centre national assistive technology library expansion for people who are deafblind
Read more: latest Ireland government funding news and Irish public service and disability policy updates.
How the CREATE III projects will help people across Ireland
The new projects target real-world barriers that often limit access to work, education, healthcare and independent living. Several focus on training and confidence-building, while others improve access to equipment, mobility supports and accessible digital information.
Among the most significant areas of impact are:
- Accessible communication: creating national standards and resources for people with intellectual disabilities
- Employment supports: helping disabled and autistic jobseekers use assistive technology during placements and transitions into work
- Early intervention: expanding powered mobility and assistive technology for infants and young children with complex needs
- Digital inclusion: offering skills training, safety workshops and peer coaching
- Sensory disability supports: broadening the assistive technology library for people who are deafblind
This approach aligns with broader public sector goals seen across the Revenue Commissioners, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), National Transport Authority (NTA), Department of the Taoiseach and other agencies seeking more inclusive service design. It also complements national priorities around Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Further and Higher Education by promoting equal participation in society.
Explore more: Ireland innovation and accessibility developments and top Irish policy stories and community impact reports.
Why this gov.ie announcement matters
This gov.ie funding announcement is about more than devices or pilot schemes. It signals a stronger commitment to embedding assistive technology into mainstream disability services, with support from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and national partners. By backing projects that span childhood, adulthood, employment and ageing, the government is investing in a more inclusive Ireland.
For families, service providers and advocacy groups, the message from gov.ie is clear: assistive technology is becoming a core part of disability support policy, not an add-on. If the projects deliver as expected, they could shape future best practice across Ireland’s public services and community care network.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
