The Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, T.D., announced €2.5 million in funding under the first year of a new annual Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF).
The purpose of DPAF 2021 is to provide funding for Local Authorities across Ireland to support the participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to help remove barriers to community involvement, and to support the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities.
A total of €2.5m will be made available in 2021 to Local Authorities to carry out projects in their local area. Grants under the Fund will be to a maximum of €80,000.
This funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and short to medium term projects. Projects and initiatives should promote the rights of people with disabilities by removing barriers to the participation of people with disabilities in their local communities, raising awareness of the UNCRPD, and increasing accessibility.
Local authorities can use this fund directly, or in partnership with local organisations, in order to carry out actions that will:
- Remove barriers to, and improve the accessibility of community life or community activities, for people with disabilities
- provide funding to networks and clubs at local level to expand the involvement and participation of people with disabilities in their activities
- promote awareness, understanding, and implementation of the UNCRPD
- support disability capacity building within local authorities
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the first Disability Participation and Awareness Fund and excited to see what initiatives can be progressed in this first year of the Fund. As Ireland continues its journey to full realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, action is required at every level of society. This Fund will help us reach people in their communities, improving their opportunities to participate more fully in local and everyday life. ” said Minister Rabbitte.
“I encourage local authorities across the country to consider what activities, projects and initiatives can be advanced through the Fund and to bring forward proposals and applications. Equally, I would encourage community organisations to explore what can be achieved in partnership with their local authorities. It is my intention that we will build on and learn from this initial year of funding for future calls”
