Employment Project

Our Employment Project is a nationwide employment project at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Funding has been awarded from the governmental incentive of WorkAbility, Inclusive Pathways to Work, which aims to improve employment outcomes for participants who are blind or vision impaired.

The Employment Project is replacing the Employment Vision Project, funding of which concluded in December 2023. Funding for the Employment Project is provided by Pobal under the WorkAbility government initiative that will run for the next five years. (View EU funds website)

Through diverse measures, the Employment Project will ensure participants are fully supported to find and maintain meaningful employment.

A person-centred approach is adapted to each individual. Professional services provided range from:

• Career guidance

• CV and cover letter techniques

• Group work that develops soft skills such as confidence building and peer support

• Assistive technology assessments and training

• Interview preparation and coaching

• Job specific mentoring

• Orientation, mobility and route training

• Counselling

• Rights and entitlements

• Employer engagement

• Sourcing work experience

For Employers

We engage with employers in promoting the value and skills of the employees. 

Employers can avail of a number of statutory supports:

• Disability Support Scheme

• Wage Subsidy Scheme

• Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant

• Employers Information and Resource Pack (PDF)

We can help with grant application support, assessments for workplace equipment, assistive technology information, access, staff training and awareness.

How does it work

If you are a potential employee or employer please contact us by emailing EmploymentProject@GuideDogs.ie or MaryCawley@GuideDogs.ie or MaryCrossin@GuideDogs.ie or call Mary Cawley, Employment Project Manager on 087 791 0129.

Places for participants are limited so please complete an expression of interest form below.