Resources
Check out all of the resources available for people with hidden disabilities below. These resources are available through various Irish and international organisations, companies, locations and state departments. Invisible Disability Ireland would encourage anyone with a hidden disability to avail of the resources below to help improve independence, confidence, mobility, access and inclusion.
Parking Permit
This is a scheme which is now open to many disabilities including some types of invisible disabilities, depending on your condition and the eligibility criteria. To find out more information and to apply for the scheme visit www.iwa.ie
Travel
Sunflower Parking
This scheme was piloted by Waterford County Council and was met with great excitement and praise. We hope this scheme will be rolled out across Ireland in the coming months. Contact your local council/ councillor to see could this scheme be implemented in your local area.
Important Flyer
This scheme is available at Dublin Airport for passengers to use. However, it is only currently available for people with Autism. You can also book a slot in the sensory room at Dublin Airport. For more information please visit: https://www.dublinairport.com/contact-us-test/passenger-special-assistance
Please Offer me a Seat
This scheme has been launched in conjunction with Invisible Disability Ireland for people with invisible disabilities using public transport. It ensures that people with hidden disabilities have a seat in priority areas. For more info visit @www.transportforireland.ie
Free Travel Scheme
If you are under 66 and a permanent resident in Ireland, you may be entitled if you are receiving from the State: Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer's Allowance., disablement pension or are aged over 17 and under 66, and medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months e.g. (visual impairment/ epilepsy. For more info: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/free-travel-scheme/
Disabled Drivers Scheme
Provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of specially constructed or adapted vehicles by drivers and passengers with a disability who hold a primary medical certificate.
Under the scheme, you can claim:
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Remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax (VRT)
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Repayment of value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of a vehicle
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Repayment of VAT on the cost of adapting a vehicle
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Exemption from motor tax
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An exemption from toll road fees
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The fuel. For more information:
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Independent Travel Support
Assists passengers with additional needs to develop skills to use on TFI operated public transport independently.
An ITS assistant will travel with you and train you how to travel independently, until you are confident to travel alone. The ITS service is free of charge and is available to people aged eighteen and over in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. For more information, please visit: https://www.transportforireland.ie/accessibility/independent-travel-support/
Airport Assistance
Assistance information can be found on each Airport's website. For Ireland's main international airport (Dublin). Assistance is arranged via your airline, travel agent, tour operator or PRM Assist who will book assistance with the Dublin Airport dedicated provider called OCS. For more information visit: https://www.dublinairport.com/contact-us-test/passenger-special-assistance
Accessible Toilets
Disabled or accessible toilets are for everyone who has a disability irrespective of how visible their condition is. Signs like these help raise awareness that some users have invisible disabilities. To find free public toilets you can visit https://www.pee.ie/
Medical
Urgent Can't Wait Card
This card is dispensed through the organisation: Crohns and Colitis Ireland for people with IBD. You can email them:info@crohnsandcolitis.ie to request a card. For more information you can visit their website https://crohnscolitis.ie/support/no-waiting-card/
Medical Alert Card
You can apply for a card with an organisation that manages/ raises awareness of your condition or you may be given a medical alert card by your consultant/ hospital clinic for people with (e.g. epilepsy, T1 diabetes, cardiac device etc.). Alternatively you can buy one online and fill in your own medical information or input your medical alert on your phone in the Medical ID section on the health app.
Long Term Illness Scheme
Under the Long-Term Illness Scheme (LTIS) you can get some drugs, medicines and medical appliances for free. The list of conditions covered as per the HSE website include (Cystic Fibrosis, MS, Epilepsy, Hemophilia, spina bifida, cerebal palsy, diabetes insipidus/ mellitus, acute leukemia, hydrocephalus, intellectual disability, mental illness (under 16), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinsonism, PKU and thalamoide conditions). Apply online (HSE)
Drugs Payment Scheme
You can apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card if you or your family pay more than €80 a month for: approved prescribed drugs and medicines. This is not means tested. You can apply on the HSE website. You can present this card to your local or nominated pharmacy of choice.
GP Visit Card
Anyone who is a resident in Ireland can apply for a GP visit card if they meet the criteria set out by the HSE. This includes; carers, children under 8 years old, over 70 years old, meet the income threshold requirement if you are 8-69 years old. Expenses/ personal circumstances are taken into account in certain circumstances
EHIC
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The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you get healthcare abroad for free, or at a reduced cost, if you're on holiday, a short-term stay of less than 3 months or studying abroad within Europe. You can apply online, in person or via post.
Medical Card
The Republic of Ireland have medical cards which allows people with low levels of income or people with profound illness or disability have free access to healthcare services and medications. To check your eligibility please log onto the HSE website for more information
Education/ Employment
Disability Allowance
DARE Scheme
The Disability Access Route to Education is for any student sitting their leaving certificate with a disability, illness or condition which has a significantly impact on their education can apply for this scheme to reduce points for college courses , to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to progress into higher education. For more information, visit www.accesscollege.ie/dare
This is a social welfare payment from the Irish Government for people who have a permanent disability that prevents them from working in Ireland due to their condition with a weekly payment of €208. For more information visit www.gov.ie/disability allowance
Watch this space!
More to follow soon....
Sunflower Lanyard
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This is a scheme that originated from Gatwick Airport, on how to identify someone with an invisible disability when using their disability services. It has now grown and expanded to the UK and Ireland and can be used in shops, services and transport. To find out more or to get your own sunflower lanyard/ pin visit www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
Priority Pass for Persons with a Disability
JAM Card
Sociability/ General
This is a pass that can be used for Disneyland Paris during their stay in the park. This pass is issued at City Hall for anyone who presents with a disability or documentation of proof of disability that you are less able to stand in queues due to that disability/ illness or condition. To find out more visit www.disneylandparis.com
The JAM Card Scheme, short for (Just A Minute) was launched in Ireland back in 2019. This is a card for those who have a learning disability or difficulty or anyone with a communication barrier. When you present it, it lets someone know what they "Need just a moment". For more information visit www.jamcard.org
Priority Seating
People with invisible disabilities can access priority/ accessible seating via ticketmaster for concerts, matches and events. Please check their website for more information!
Supports
Chronic Illness
Hundreds of thousands of Irish people live with one or more chronic illness. There are multiple charities that assist people with supports, advice and practical information. To find a charity that supports your illness, you can look up the registered charities list or research local support groups/ networks on the internet.
Deaf/ Blind
The main two charities in Ireland for people who are deaf/ hard of hearing or blind/ visually impaired are Vision Ireland and Chime Ireland. You can browse their websites for further support.
Neurodiversity
There are multiple charities across Ireland that support neurodiverse people (autism/ ADHD/ dyslexia/ dyspraxia). However, AsIAm, ADHD Ireland, Dyslexia Association of Ireland and Neurodiversity Ireland are the 4 biggest national neurodiversity charitable organisations.
Physical Disability
There are many charities and service providers for people with physical disabilities run in conjunction with the HSE.
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Mental Health
Mental Health conditions can include conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, anyone can struggle with their mental health- particularly if you are living with a hidden disability. There are many charitiable organisations that support people with mental health conditions. There are also free services provided by the HSE by call or text to assist them. Log onto the HSE for more information.
