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Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, and Minister of State for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton TD, today announced a total of €2.86 million in funding for 22 innovative projects under the latest round of the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF).
These grants will support projects that enable people with disabilities to engage in community life, sports and recreation, arts and culture, social enterprise, and neurodiversity-based initiatives across Ireland.
Supporting Inclusion Across Ireland
The selected projects—ranging from adaptive canoeing programmes and inclusive theatre workshops, to employment skills training and assistive technology initiatives—highlight the diversity of ways in which people with disabilities can be empowered to lead full and active lives.
Speaking at the Together Academy Café in Dún Laoghaire—one of the grant recipients—Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce this new round of funding for 22 innovative and inspiring projects. These initiatives provide inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities—from sailing voyages and forest singing workshops to therapy dog programmes and fully accessible circus performances. Each project showcases the creativity, ability, and value of people with disabilities in our communities.”
Minister of State Naughton added:
“This funding will not only promote greater awareness and understanding of disability issues but will also create meaningful opportunities for participation, employment, and social connection. From assistive technologies to recreational activities, these projects will help build stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.”
About the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF)
Administered by Rethink Ireland on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the DPAF aims to break down barriers to inclusion by enabling people with disabilities to take part in every aspect of local and national life. The fund also contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Irish communities.
In September 2024, a national call for applications was launched. Following a competitive evaluation process, 22 projects were selected for funding of up to approximately €200,000 each. In addition to financial support, each recipient will receive tailored non-financial support to build their capacity and maximise their impact.
Fund Allocation by Thematic Strand
| Strand | Focus | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Strand 1 – Community, Sports, and Physical Participation | Enhancing access to community life and physical activities | €665,627 |
| Strand 2 – Arts and Cultural Engagement | Fostering participation and awareness through arts, theatre, and festivals | €896,405 |
| Strand 3 – Social Enterprise and Employment | Creating training and work experience opportunities for people with disabilities | €666,551 |
| Strand 4 – Neurodiversity Inclusion | Supporting the participation of neurodivergent individuals in community life | €632,224 |
| Total | €2,860,807 |
Sample of Funded Projects
| Project | Organisation | Region | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Change for All | Sail Training Ireland | Nationwide | €56,486 |
| PaddleAble Educate | Canoeing Ireland | Nationwide | €75,550 |
| Sightless Cinema | Sightless Cinema | Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Laois | €109,850 |
| Circus is for EVERYBODY | Galway Community Circus | Nationwide | €176,550 |
| DIY Wheelchair Repair | An Mheitheal Comhshaol Co-op | Connacht & Munster counties | €55,550 |
| Together Academy – New Training Café | The Down Syndrome Centre | Dublin | €146,770 |
| Discovery Programme | Thriving Autistic | Nationwide | €203,750 |
| DigiCoaching: Advancing Digital Access | St. John of God Community Services | Nationwide | €100,550 |
| ADHD Productivity Programme | HADD–ADHD Ireland | Nationwide | €72,374 |
For the full list of funded projects and further details, visit www.rethinkireland.ie.
Notes to Editors
- The DPAF was established to promote inclusion, accessibility, and participation in line with Ireland’s obligations under the UNCRPD.
- The Fund supports both new and existing initiatives, with a particular emphasis on removing structural and attitudinal barriers to participation.
- Rethink Ireland provides both financial and strategic support to successful projects, with a focus on long-term sustainability and measurable impact.
Looking Ahead
This latest round of DPAF funding affirms the Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive Ireland, where all people—regardless of ability—can access meaningful opportunities for engagement, employment, creativity, and community participation.
Media Enquiries:
Department of Children, Disability and Equality
www.gov.ie/disability-participation
Minister Norma Foley Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Picture by Gareth Chaney Collins Dublin
Hildegarde Naughton TD Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability Picture by Paul Faith – European Commission
