Minister Foley announces funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD has announced funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people.

These for digital and assistive technology projects support people with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities. This includes older people who experience difficulties carrying out everyday functions that were once routine, as well as people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

Grants of €75,000–€200,000 are available for each digital and assistive technology project under the next phase of the HSE’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative. Applications for funding can be made from today.

Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to announce over €1 million in funding for new digital and assistive technology projects under the CREATE initiative. These projects can involve the use of walking devices, voice assistant technology, interactive sensory equipment, motion sensors, talking pens and smart home devices. They have had a positive impact on the lives of disabled people. These new projects will be focused on using assistive technology for personal mobility, vision, hearing, communication and accessibility.

I hope this further funding support will improve the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of disabled people taking part in the projects. 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.”

The CREATE initiative is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Minister of State for Disability Hildegarde Naughton said:
“I am proud to announce the launch of our call for applications for funding that will support innovative assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. Access to assistive technology can transform lives, enable greater independence, inclusion and opportunity. Our priority with this initiative is about empowering individuals to fully participate in every aspect of society. CREATE III will help embed assistive technology into the heart of our health and social care systems so that everyone has the tools and support they need to participate fully in society. Acknowledging this Government’s commitment to the UNCRPD, we will continue to pursue opportunities to enhance the lived experience of people with disabilities through enhanced access to assistive technology.”

Dr Rosemary Gowran, HSE Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for People with Disability, added:
“Ireland is working to enhance and advance assistive technology service sustainability nationally. CREATE III brings a new focus on local systems strengthening of existing and developing services through practice, innovation, education, and training.”

There have been two existing phases of CREATE. CREATE I received funding of €2 million for 11 projects in 2022. CREATE II received funding of €750,000 in 2023 to support ongoing projects and to advance 9 new projects.

These projects have enhanced disability services and supports for children and adults using disability services, as well as providing support for the staff delivering the services. Assistive Technology has been provided in libraries and education and training platforms. Alternative and Augmentative Communication technology was provided to help people who struggle with speech. Assistive technology clinics were delivered by multidisciplinary teams.

CREATE III is the third iteration of the CREATE initiative and has two main areas of focus

1. Design, Demonstrate and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training and Resource Hubs for all Projects

• Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
• Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025

Please find the application form below.

CREATE III is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE). This new phase will advance Ireland’s leadership in assistive technology by supporting co-produced, sustainable service delivery systems and developing accessible education and training resources.

This investment is aligned with the WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Two Key Focus Areas of CREATE III:

🔹 1. Design, Demonstrate, and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
Projects will develop and deliver assistive products and services in:

• Personal Mobility
• Vision
• Hearing
• Communication
• Accessibility

All projects must incorporate sustainability approaches such as:

• Receiving
• Reviewing
• Repairing
• Reusing
• Refurbishing
• Recycling

🔹 2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training, and Resource Hubs for All
Projects will develop universally designed digital platforms to support education, training, and resources, using the Seven Universal Design Principles:

1. Equitable Use
2. Flexibility in Use
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
4. Perceptible Information
5. Tolerance for Error
6. Low Physical Effort
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Funding Details:

• Grants available: €75,000–€200,000
• Managed by: National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD), HSE
• Applications must show:
  • A strong record in assistive technology services
  • A person- and family-centred approach
  • Commitment to collaboration
  • Plans to pilot or scale up innovations
  • Clear evaluation methods

Important Dates:

• Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
• Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025

Questions?
📧 Email: ncp.disability@hse.ie
(Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)