Step Ahead Plus: New Track - Online Group Information Session

Barriers to Re-Entry

Acquired brain injury (ABI)—from strokes, trauma, or other sudden events—affects roughly 120,000 people in Ireland living with related disabilities, with around 19,000 new cases annually. Many survivors want to work or study again, yet face steep hurdles: cognitive impairments, chronic fatigue, memory issues, and the need to manage symptoms while navigating job searches or course applications.

Employment outcomes remain grim. Ireland records one of the European Union's lowest employment rates for people with disabilities at roughly 36-37%, compared with an EU average over 48%. For ABI survivors specifically, gaps between perceived work ability and actual employment are stark, often exacerbated by fears around disclosing conditions or securing reasonable accommodations.

The Step Ahead Plus programme, run by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, targets this mismatch. Relaunched in 2024 with EU co-financing via the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme 2021-2027 and Department of Social Protection support, it expanded to include distinct tracks. The 'New Track' focuses on those exploring fresh career or education directions rather than returning to prior roles.

Evidence from the service underscores its potential impact. Between 2021 and 2023, it supported 234 participants, with 53% entering employment and 21% education afterwards. Earlier studies on similar vocational rehabilitation showed three-quarters of entrants achieving productive roles when disability levels allowed.

Broader economic pressures add urgency. Ireland grapples with labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and services—areas where targeted retraining could place motivated survivors. Yet tensions persist: employers may hesitate over accommodations or perceived productivity risks, while survivors weigh disclosure against discrimination fears. Welfare rules tie benefits to work or training participation, creating financial pressure to re-engage but without always sufficient tailored support.

The programme's EU funding stream imposes strict eligibility, including age over 16 and medical stability, excluding progressive conditions. This structure reflects a policy push towards inclusive activation, but risks leaving some on the margins if criteria prove too narrow.