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Dublin, 15 August 2025 — Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has announced a funding allocation of more than €1 million to support digital and assistive technology projects for people with disabilities. The funding will be delivered under the next phase of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative.
🧠Supporting Diverse Needs Through Innovation
The CREATE initiative aims to improve the lives of individuals with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities. It also supports older people facing challenges with everyday tasks and those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
Grants ranging from €75,000 to €200,000 are available for eligible projects that focus on enhancing personal mobility, vision, hearing, communication, and accessibility through innovative technologies.
Examples of supported technologies include:
- Walking aids and motion sensors
- Voice assistant devices
- Interactive sensory equipment
- Talking pens and smart home systems
đź—Ł Government Commitment to Inclusion
Minister Foley emphasized the transformative impact of assistive technologies:
“These projects have had a positive impact on the lives of disabled people. I hope this further funding support will improve health, well-being, participation, and inclusion. I am committed to expanding the use of digital and assistive technology, which is something that everyone in society is likely to need during their lifetime, particularly as they age.”
🤝 Empowering Communities Through CREATE III
The CREATE initiative is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the HSE. CREATE III builds on the success of previous phases:
- CREATE I (2022): €2 million allocated to 11 projects
- CREATE II (2023): €750,000 allocated to support ongoing and 9 new projects
These projects have enhanced disability services for children and adults, supported staff training, and introduced assistive technologies in libraries, education platforms, and clinical settings. Technologies such as Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) have helped individuals with speech difficulties engage more fully in society.
Minister of State for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton TD, added:
“Access to assistive technology can transform lives, enable greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity. CREATE III will help embed assistive technology into the heart of our health and social care systems.”
🏥 Strategic Focus of CREATE III
CREATE III will concentrate on two core areas:
- Design, Demonstrate, and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
- Create Accessible Digital Education, Training, and Resource Hubs for All Projects
Dr Rosemary Gowran, HSE Clinical Lead for the NCPPD, noted:
“CREATE III brings a new focus on local systems strengthening of existing and developing services through practice, innovation, education, and training.”
đź“… Application Details
- Funding Call Opens: 15 August 2025
- Query Period: 15–25 August 2025
- Application Deadline: 12 noon, 22 September 2025
Minister-Norma-Foley-Picture-by-Gareth-Chaney-Collins
