Ireland rolls out assistive tech to boost employment for people with disabilities.
Ireland has launched a national rollout of AssistiV, a workplace technology designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure and sustain employment.
The initiative aims to support 1,000 jobs by 2030, with plans to reach 100 users nationwide within two years.
“Our goal is simple – to create a world where anyone who wants to work, can work, and choice is not a luxury, it’s standard”
AssistiV uses screen-based prompts to break down complex tasks into simple picture, text or audio instructions, enabling individuals with learning disabilities or autism to work independently and confidently. The technology is already in use by 38 employees across hospitality, retail and manufacturing, including 18 roles in hotels and restaurants.
Businesses interested in joining the initiative can find more information here
A helping hand in hospitality
The expansion is backed by HEINEKEN Ireland, which piloted the system in hospitality venues and is promoting its adoption across the sector.
Sharon Walsh, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Ireland, said the company had seen “firsthand the huge impact it can make – both for the employee and the employer,” adding that inclusion and belonging should be “a core part of the workplace.”
The official launch took place at Dublin’s Hyatt Centric Hotel, where sisters Emma and Kate Connolly have joined the restaurant team using AssistiV. “I love working here at the Hyatt,” Emma said. “Using AssistiV helps me remember my tasks and feel confident doing my job.”
Alan Craughwell, CEO of AssistiV Ireland, said the goal was to ensure “anyone who wants to work, can work, and choice is not a luxury, it’s standard.”
He noted that if just 1% of Irish pubs adopted the technology, it could create 600 jobs.
The initiative has drawn support from the Department of Social Protection. Minister Dara Calleary described AssistiV as “technology that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives,” adding that inclusive employment could be brought “into every community in Ireland.”
AssistiV is working with Down Syndrome Ireland, NOW Group and the National Learning Network to provide training and on-the-job support. Employers can access government grants through the Work and Access Programme to implement the technology.
The launch took place at the Hyatt Centric Hotel, in Dublin, where two sisters, Emma and Kate Connolly, are using the AssistiV technology to work in the hotel. The sisters are among 18 people working in hospitality across Ireland now using the technology, with 20 more employed in retail and manufacturing roles in companies ranging from owner-run local businesses to large multinationals. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD was also in attendance at the launch.
Emma and Kate recently joined the Hyatt Centric restaurant team, where they work alongside colleagues taking orders, waiting tables, and serving guests. They previously completed a programme delivered by HEINEKEN Ireland to train and upskill people for roles in the hospitality sector.
Emma Connolly said: “I love working here at the Hyatt. Everyone has been really kind and supportive and using AssistiV helps me remember my tasks and feel confident doing my job. It’s great to be part of a busy team and to meet new people every day.”
Top image: Sisters Emma Connolly (left) and Kate Connolly with HEINEKEN Ireland Managing Director Sharon Walsh and AssistiV CEO Alan Craughwell at the Hyatt Centric Hotel, Dublin where Emma and Kate are using AssistiV technology to work. Photo: Jason Clarke
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