New €3m Rethink Ireland Disability Participation and Awareness Fund Launched
A new €3m Disability Participation and Awareness Fund has been announced by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which aims to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Rethink Ireland is making an open call for applications to innovative non-profit organisations working to support people with disabilities in communities across Ireland including charities, community groups and social enterprises.
The one-year fund will support up to 20 innovative projects, working across four areas: building skills and removing barriers to participation for people with Down Syndrome; providing valuable employment experience to people with disabilities; supporting the participation of people with disabilities in artistic, cultural, and community life; and fostering community participation and inclusion for people with disabilities, including sports and outdoor reaction, promotion of accessibility and accessible shared spaces.
Applications for the 2023 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund will be open until 31 March. Organisations can apply on Rethink Ireland’s website, www.rethinkireland.ie.
To date, Rethink Ireland has invested more than €7 million euro in innovative projects and organisations working directly with people with disabilities to make a positive impact on their lives.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, TD commented: “I am delighted to announce the opening of our €3m Disability Participation and Awareness Fund in partnership with Rethink Ireland. The fund provides an important opportunity for us to support and enable non-profit organisations around the country with innovative solutions to issues facing people with disabilities in communities that will, crucially, improve their lives.”
Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland said: “Disability participation and awareness is an equality issue. The change that is urgently needed to enhance the lives of people living with a disability must be led in partnership and collaboration with our communities. We are pleased to partner with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on bringing this much-needed Fund to life.”
Pictured at the launch of the €3m Disability Participation and Awareness Fund are [l-r] Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland and Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.