AssistiV aims to help close Ireland’s significant employment gap for people with disabilities, targeting 1,000 jobs by 2030
AssistiV, an innovative technology designed to support sustainable employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that has the potential to support 1,000 jobs by 2030 is being rolled out nationally.
AssistiV plans to scale up to support jobs for 100 people nationwide within two years and reach 1,000 users by 2030, helping to close Ireland’s significant employment gap for people with disabilities.
AssistiV’s screen-based technology simplifies complex workplace tasks into easy-to-follow picture, text or audio clues, empowering individuals with learning or intellectual disabilities or autism to perform their roles independently and confidently to the correct standard.
The rollout is being supported by HEINEKEN Ireland, which has worked with AssistiV to pilot the technology in hospitality venues and to raise awareness of the potential for inclusive employment in the sector.
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.”
AssistiV is working closely with Down Syndrome Ireland, NOW Group, and the National Learning Network to support more people with learning disabilities into employment, ensuring they can access the right training, skills development and on-the-job support.
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary TD said:
“I want to commend AssistiV on their latest partnership with the Hyatt Centric and Hodson Bay Group. AssistiV represents the very best of innovation – technology that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. It demonstrates how the right tools and supports can open doors, create opportunity, and allow people to reach their full potential at work.
“As Minister for Social Protection, I am committed to supporting more people with additional needs into meaningful employment, and initiatives like AssistiV show what’s possible when technology and empathy come together. One of the great opportunities here is the ability to bring inclusive employment into every community in Ireland, and the hospitality sector gives us a powerful platform to do that.”
Alan Craughwell, CEO of AssistiV Ireland, said:
“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. Every person deserves the chance to contribute meaningfully at work. We’re proud that AssistiV has already helped almost 40 people achieve just that, and with today’s launch, we’re ready to bring those opportunities to hundreds more people across Ireland. I would like to thank HEINEKEN Ireland for its continued support of AssistiV. They have backed this initiative from the start, and we look forward to continuing to work with them. If just 1% of Irish pubs used this technology for example, we could support 600 jobs throughout the country.”
Sharon Walsh, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Ireland, said:
“At HEINEKEN Ireland, we believe inclusion and belonging should be a core part of the workplace. We’re proud to be using AssistiV technology to support employment at our brewery in Cork, and to see firsthand the huge impact it can make – both for the employee and the employer. We have been working with AssistiV since the very start to drive the take-up of this technology across the wider hospitality sector and through our Social Impact partnership we are very excited to see the next phase of growth. AssistiV is a powerful example of how collaboration and technology can remove barriers, enhance confidence, and empower people to reach their potential.”
Declan Curtis, Managing Director at Hodson Bay Group and the Hyatt Centric, said:
“We’re delighted to have Emma and Kate on our team and to work with AssistiV to make this possible. The technology has fitted seamlessly into our operations, and it’s been fantastic to see how quickly both sisters have settled in and are thriving in their new roles.”
AssistiV’s technology can be implemented with the support of Government grants available through the Work and Access Programme, which ensures that individuals and employers have the resources needed to create inclusive workplaces.
Join the Movement
AssistiV is calling on companies across Ireland to join this initiative and create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. By participating, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and supporting a more diverse workforce.
For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.assistiv.ie
Photos Jason Clarke
