The Accessibility Grant (Appendix 11 of the Financial Assistance Scheme) offers financial support to businesses wishing to make adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2017. 

The Equality Act 2017, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act 2006, imposes an obligation on businesses to make adjustments to its services that allows disabled people to access services as close as reasonably possible as non-disabled people.

The support available includes:

• up to 50% towards permanent modifications required to premises
• up to 50% of plant and machinery costs
• up to 50% towards website modifications
• up to 50% towards other reasonable adjustments

The total grant available is capped at a maximum of £7,500 per applicant and will cover businesses in all sectors with physical premises. Find out more here.

Who can apply?

The business

• Must have a permanent establishment / place of business in the Island
• Must be an eligible business under the Regulations (see sections 1 and 2 of the main FAS guidelines)
• Must be up to date with all tax (including VAT) and National Insurance obligations including returns and payments

Assessment criteria

The following criteria is considered when an application is assessed:

• How the project will improve access to the premises for disabled people
• If the business has received consultancy advice regarding compliance with the Equality Act 2017
• If the business has considered a range of impairments which may include mobility, visual, hearing, limited dexterity and hidden disabilities (i.e. mental health; autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, cancer, dementia, bowel disorders)

How to apply

All applicants must provide a fully completed and signed application form which will include;

• Details of the business
• Details of assistance sought
• The Department’s standard declarations

The following should be supplied in addition to the application form:

• Short business case
• Details of the proposed project
• Number of part time, full time, permanent or temporary staff employed A copy of the latest accounts and management accounts

The Department reserves the right to request further information.

It is suggested that the applicant speak to their Business Development Manager before applying to ensure that the proposed project is within recognised accessibility standards.