Working for Work : Chapter 6 : Training & Education

Training for People with Disabilities

FÁS training courses are available for people with Disabilities. In addition, there are 53 Specialist Training Providers contracted by FÁS to provide training courses exclusively for people with disabilities as some people with disabilities may require additional supports to meet their training needs e.g. longer duration of training, adaptation of the training approach and facilities.

On a FÁS course, delivered by either a Specialist Training Provider or a FÁS Training Centre, please note the following: -

• If you are in receipt of Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension, FÁS will pay a training allowance equivalent to your social welfare payment for the duration of your attendance on the course. In addition, FÁS will pay you a training bonus.
• If you are in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, you must obtain an exemption from the Rules of Behaviour from the Department of Social Protection before you can engage in FÁS training. Provided you have obtained this exemption, you will retain your social welfare payments in addition to receiving the FÁS training allowance. However, you will not receive the FÁS training bonus.
• Participants on FÁS training courses continue to receive any secondary benefits they were in receipt of before taking up the FÁS training course. Also, the Department of Social Protection will restore your social welfare payment, if, for any reason you are unable to continue your training.

For further information contact your local FÁS Employment Services Office or the Disability Support Unit, FÁS, 27 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4. Telephone (01) 607 0500. Alternatively, you can visit the FÁS website at www.fas.ie.

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top