Work & Access Grant · Ireland
The Work and Access Grant
The Work and Access Grant is funding provided by the Department of Social Protection to people with disabilities, including neurodivergent people, to support them at work. The programme aims to remove or reduce workplace barriers and help employers provide reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of employees. By applying, you can use this funding to access support at no cost, helping you function more effectively in the workplace.
The grant can fund:
1. A Workplace Needs Assessment
An Occupational Therapist provides an assessment of your work needs, producing a written report of practical, personalised recommendations. Everyone applying for the grant must do this stage. This can often take place online.
2. In-work supports
Reasonable accommodations you may need to continue working — for example noise-cancelling headphones or a standing desk. This can also include funding for continued OT support to help with skill building, assertiveness and more.
The assessment
What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?
A Workplace Needs Assessment (WNA) identifies any challenges you experience during your workday, whether they relate to your daily tasks, work environment, communication, organisation, sensory needs, or executive functioning.
If you are self-employed
The assessment is a consultation with you, online or in person, to help identify the challenges you experience at work. Afterwards you receive practical, personalised recommendations in a written report you can implement to improve your comfort, productivity and overall wellbeing in self-employment.
If you are an employee
The assessment begins with a consultation with your team leader or manager, online or in person, to identify workplace challenges. Your OT then holds a thorough consultation with you to explore those challenges. You both receive a written report of practical, personalised recommendations to improve comfort, productivity and wellbeing at work.
What happens after the WNA?
The recommendations in the OT report can guide you to access further funding through the same grant for workplace supports, equipment or accommodations that help you thrive in your role. For example, noise-cancelling headphones, a standing desk, or further OT intervention with Michelle Murray.
Step by step
How do I apply?
Choose the path that fits your situation. Both routes follow the same steps — the application form and the number of consultations differ.
- Confirm eligibility. Over 18, working in Ireland, private employer or self-employed, with evidence of a long-term disability (medical report).
- Complete the WA1 form (PDF, opens in a new tab). Download the form here. Submit it to the Department of Social Protection at workandaccess@welfare.ie or drop it into your local Intreo office.
- Wait for an eligibility review. A Department representative will contact you if any further information is required.
- Book your Workplace Needs Assessment. Arrange your WNA with Occupational Therapist Michelle Murray.
- Receive your WNA report. The report outlines the recommended supports and accommodations.
- Apply for the recommended supports. Funding usually cannot be provided for items purchased before approval is granted.
- Implement your supports. Put your recommended supports in place once your application has been approved.
- Confirm eligibility. Over 18, working in Ireland, private sector. The employee has evidence of a long-term disability (medical report), and the employer has agreed to apply for the grant on the employee's behalf.
- Complete the WA2 form (PDF, opens in a new tab). Download the form here. Submit it to the Department of Social Protection at workandaccess@welfare.ie or drop it into your local Intreo office.
- Wait for an eligibility review. A Department representative will contact you if any further information is required.
- Book your Workplace Needs Assessment. Arrange your WNA with Occupational Therapist Michelle Murray. This includes two consultations: one with the team leader or manager and one with the employee.
- Receive your WNA report. The report outlines the recommended supports and accommodations.
- Apply for the recommended supports. Funding usually cannot be provided for items purchased before approval is granted.
- Implement your supports. Put your recommended supports in place once your application has been approved.
Eligibility and funding decisions rest with the Department of Social Protection. Full details are on the Work and Access page at gov.ie .
Your Occupational Therapist
Meet Michelle Murray
Michelle is the Founder and Clinical Director of Anchor Therapy, a specialist Occupational Therapy practice supporting autistic people, ADHDers, and individuals experiencing mental health challenges across Ireland.
With over 16 years of Occupational Therapy experience, Michelle has worked across public and private mental health services in Ireland and Australia, supporting young people and adults to overcome barriers to everyday life, education and employment. She has extensive experience in workplace wellbeing, neurodiversity, executive functioning, sensory processing and mental health.
Michelle carries out comprehensive Workplace Needs Assessments to identify the practical challenges an individual may experience in their role, and provides tailored, evidence-based recommendations to support success at work. Her reports are suitable for supporting applications to the Work and Access Grant, helping individuals and employers access funding for reasonable accommodations, equipment and supports.
She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent people can thrive, bringing a neuroaffirming, compassionate and highly practical approach to every assessment.
Contact MichelleGet in touch
Contact Michelle
To book a Workplace Needs Assessment or ask a question about the process, contact Michelle directly. No sensitive medical details are needed to get started.
Michelle Murray
Occupational Therapist · Anchor Therapy
info@anchortherapy.ie 086 272 5278 anchortherapy.iePrefer to send a quick message? Use the form and it will reach Michelle by email.