Every year on 3 December, the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a UN observance dedicated to promoting understanding, dignity, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

But in Ireland, the employment reality tells a stark story.

Just 32% of people with disabilities are in work – one of the lowest rates in Europe and far below the EU average of 51%. Despite progress, barriers to employment remain significant, and the impact is social, economic, and deeply personal.

At Turas Nua, we see these challenges every day, and we also see the potential, ambition, and talent that often goes overlooked. That is why our Employability services, Job Coaches, Coordinators, and training partners work to break down barriers and build pathways into meaningful work

Why This Day Matters for Ireland

The UN’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is centred on equality, participation, and the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The message is clear: Inclusion requires action.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters has echoed this call, emphasising that Ireland must accelerate inclusive practices across workplaces, public services, and community settings. And employment is one of the most critical areas where change must happen.

The Disability Employment Gap: A National Challenge

Ireland’s disability employment gap persists because of structural barriers, lack of workplace adjustments, limited employer confidence, and outdated assumptions about ability.

Common obstacles include:

• Underestimation of people’s capabilities
• Lack of accessible recruitment practices
• Limited awareness of grants and supports
• Insufficient disability and inclusion training
• Fear of “getting it wrong”

But these challenges are solvable and employers are not alone in trying to address them.

How Turas Nua Supports People With Disabilities Into Employment

As Ireland’s Social Recruitment and Training Partner, Turas Nua provides personalised, practical support that helps people with disabilities move into work with confidence.

Our teams provide:

• One-to-one career coaching
• Supported job search
• CV and interview preparation
• Adjustment planning with employers
• In-work support to sustain employment
• Employer guidance to ensure inclusive hiring

We partner with employers who want to access overlooked talent, diversify their workforce, and embrace skills-based recruitment, opening roles to candidates who bring lived experience, resilience, creativity, and commitment.

Inclusion Requires Action: Training, Awareness & Workplace Change

Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident. Employers can start by accessing FRS Training’s DEI programme, which builds understanding, reduces stigma, and provides practical tools for supporting staff with disabilities.



Businesses can also use government grants and supports — including wage subsidies and reasonable accommodation funding — to remove barriers to inclusive hiring.

Small changes in recruitment, such as clearer job descriptions, flexible interviews, and a skills-based approach, make a meaningful difference. Turas Nua is here to help employers take these steps with confidence.

A More Inclusive Future Is Possible

Inclusion sits at the heart of employment. Work provides independence, identity, social connection, and opportunity.

At Turas Nua, we believe every person deserves the chance to contribute, belong, and thrive. And every inclusive employer plays a role in closing Ireland’s disability employment gap

If you are an employer looking to build a more inclusive workforce — or if you want help applying inclusive hiring practices — our Employer Services Team is here to support you.

Contact us today to learn how Turas Nua can support your organisation.