Work and Access grant · Ireland
Workplace Needs Assessments and the Work and Access grant
The Work and Access grant is funding from the Department of Social Protection for people with disabilities, including neurodivergent people, to support them at work. It aims to remove or reduce workplace barriers and help employers put reasonable accommodations in place. By applying, you can use this funding to access support at no cost, helping you function more effectively at work.
The grant can fund:
1. A Workplace Needs Assessment
An Occupational Therapist assesses your needs at work and writes a report of practical, personalised recommendations. Everyone applying for the grant does this stage, and it can often take place online.
2. In-work supports
Reasonable accommodations you may need to keep working, for example noise-cancelling headphones or a standing desk. This can also fund continued OT support for skill building, assertiveness and more.
The assessment
What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?
A Workplace Needs Assessment (WNA) identifies the challenges you experience during your working day, whether they relate to your daily tasks, work environment, communication, organisation, sensory needs or executive functioning.
If you are self-employed
A consultation with you, online or in person, to identify the challenges you experience at work. Afterwards you receive practical, personalised recommendations in a written report to improve your comfort, productivity and 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. Michelle then holds a thorough consultation with you. 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 report can help you access further funding through the same grant for supports, equipment or accommodations, for example noise-cancelling headphones, a standing desk, or further OT sessions with Anchor Therapy.
Step by step
How do I apply?
Choose the path that fits your situation. Both follow the same steps; the application form and the number of consultations differ.
- 1 Confirm eligibility. Over 18, working in Ireland, private employer or self-employed, with evidence of a long-term disability (medical report).
- 2 Complete the WA1 form. Download the WA1 eligibility assessment form (PDF). Submit it to the Department of Social Protection at workandaccess@welfare.ie or drop it into your local Intreo office.
- 3 Wait for an eligibility review. A Department representative will contact you if any further information is required.
- 4 Book your Workplace Needs Assessment. Arrange your WNA with Occupational Therapist Michelle Murray.
- 5 Receive your WNA report. The report outlines the recommended supports and accommodations.
- 6 Apply for the recommended supports. Funding usually cannot be provided for items purchased before approval is granted.
- 7 Implement your supports. Put your recommended supports in place once your application has been approved.
- 1 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.
- 2 Complete the WA2 form. Download the WA2 employer application form (PDF). Submit it to the Department of Social Protection at workandaccess@welfare.ie or drop it into your local Intreo office.
- 3 Wait for an eligibility review. A Department representative will contact you if any further information is required.
- 4 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.
- 5 Receive your WNA report. The report outlines the recommended supports and accommodations.
- 6 Apply for the recommended supports. Funding usually cannot be provided for items purchased before approval is granted.
- 7 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 people experiencing mental health challenges across Ireland.
With over 16 years of Occupational Therapy experience across public and private mental health services in Ireland and Australia, Michelle has extensive experience in workplace wellbeing, neurodiversity, executive functioning, sensory processing and mental health.
She carries out comprehensive Workplace Needs Assessments to identify the practical challenges someone may experience in their role, with tailored, evidence-based recommendations. Her reports are suitable for Work and Access grant applications, helping individuals and employers access funding for reasonable accommodations, equipment and supports.
She is passionate about inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent people can thrive, bringing a neuroaffirming, compassionate and highly practical approach to every assessment.
Get in touch
Get started
To book a Workplace Needs Assessment, or if you have questions about the process, fill in our short form. It gives Michelle what she needs to help you from the start.
Michelle Murray
Occupational Therapist · Anchor Therapy
✉ info@anchortherapy.ie ☎ 086 272 5278Start with our short form
About 5 minutes. Even if you're not sure whether this is right for you, the form will help us understand your situation a little better, and Michelle will be in touch about the next steps.
Which describes you?
No sensitive medical details are needed to get started.