'We must design communities for everyone'
Non profit organisations in Cork are being called on to apply for funding which will help people with disabilities.
The 2024 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is now open to applications for change-making non-profit organisations who are focused on supporting people with disabilities participate in community life.
This includes social, cultural, arts and sports participation, as well as promoting disability awareness and training at a local level, and supporting pathways for young people transitioning through education. Up to six projects that applied under the 2023 application process are to be awarded up to €1.1m, and up to ten new projects will be eligible to share in funding worth a total of €2.4m.
The funding was announced on Monday by Rethink Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and projects are encouraged to apply for the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 2024 at rethinkireland.ie.
Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, commented: “The establishment of the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is to support essential community-led initiatives around Ireland, and I am deeply pleased to announce funding of €3.5 million to the sector. This latest investment is critical to accelerating progress towards equality and access for people with disabilities in our society.”
She added: “As Minister, I am committed to creating communities that work for everyone, where people with disabilities are assured of, as is their right, equal access to social, cultural, arts and sports opportunities, underpinned by stronger disability awareness. The mission is clear: equality first. To this aim, we are delighted to continue our partnership with Rethink Ireland and to support even more projects to carry out vital work in our communities.”
Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, said: “The time is now on equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. We must design communities for everyone, and we know that social innovation leads the way in delivering this. Social innovations are regularly led by people who have a strong personal connection to the issues they aim to overcome. They often act at a local level, empowering people with lived experiences and those who feel passionately about the success of their communities.”
Deridre added: “They are equitable, investing in talent regardless of background or (perceived) ability. They encourage responsible consumption and growth, and stimulate our economic development. They create jobs. I am proud that through the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, we will be working with a total of up to 36 dedicated projects by the end of the year that will build skills and remove barriers for people with disabilities across Ireland.”