The Department of Education and Science has provision for the funding of the assistive technology needs of pupils with disabilities, and there are three different schemes for each level of the education system.
Primary Level
The scheme for the primary sector is administered from the Department's office in Athlone and normally provides grants of £1,500 (Euro1904.61). Application should be made through the school Inspector, who is normally involved in the decision process. The decision-making process will also be helped if there is an assistive technology assessment report of available (see Further Information). Medical reports, or any other such evidence that will demonstrate a need, will also be helpful.
Enquiries should be addressed to:
| Special Education Section, |
| Department of Education and Science, |
| Cornamaddy, |
| Athlone, |
| Co. Westmeath. |
| Ph: (0902) 74621 |
Specialised computer desks are not covered by this scheme as they are classified as furniture, for which 90% funding is available. Separate application for this must be made to the Department offices in Tullamore:
| Primary Building Section, |
| Department of Education and Science, |
| Clonminch Rd., |
| Tullamore, |
| Co. Offaly. |
| Ph: (023) 21363 |
Secondary Level
The scheme for the secondary sector is administered from the Department's office in Dublin and normally provides grants of £3,000 (Euro 3809.21), although more is available, if demonstrated to be necessary. This scheme is funded under the conditions of Circular MII/95 and an application form can be had from:
| Special Education, |
| Post Primary, |
| Department of Education and Science, |
| Administration Section 2, |
| Floor 3, Hawkins House, |
| Dublin 2. |
| Ph: (01) 8734700 |
This scheme normally requires an assessment report and is determined by a Department Iinspector who is an AT expert.
In the case of pupils with hearing or visual impairments, the Department Visiting Teachers will have a role and can be contacted through the Department of Education and Science.
The following is a list of Frequently-Asked-Questions, in relation to assistive technology funding schemes for primary and secondary levels:
| Q. | Who's responsibility is it to make an application for equipment? |
| A. | It is the school's responsibility. |
| Q. | Who owns the equipment? |
| A. | The equipment is owned by the school and the Board of Management is responsible for it. Equipment for blind pupils remains the property of the Department. |
| Q. | Can the pupil take the equipment home? |
| A. | This is at the discretion of the school. |
| Q. | If it breaks down, who pays for the repairs? |
| A. | The school. |
| Q. | Can other pupils use the equipment? |
| A. | Normally, no, but they may in certain circumstances. |
| Q. | Can the pupil take the equipment to another school when they leave? |
| A. | No. The equipment remains the property of the school, with the exception of equipment for visually impaired pupilst. |
| Q. | What happens to the equipment when the pupil leaves the school? |
| A. | t may be allocated to another pupil with a disability within the school. |
| Q. | How does the funding work? |
| A. | At primary level, the Department provides £1,500 to the school for the purchase of equipment. Subsequent requests for more are considered. At second level, the school purchases the equipment following the Department's approval of the application. The school is then reimbursed by the Department on production of receipted invoices. |
| Q. | Do the schemes provide funding for assessment, training or maintenance? |
| A. | No. |
| Q. | Is there provision for the specialist training of school staff in the schemes? |
| A. | No, but this may be available from other Department sources. |
| Q. | What happens if the pupil needs an upgrade or extra provision? |
| A. | Contact the relevant Inspector or Department office. |
Third Level
The Department of Education and Science, with assistance from the European Social Fund, operates a scheme for the provision of assistive technology (and other support services) to third-level students who have serious sensory, physical and/or communicative disabilities. This is aimed at enabling them to access, and fully participate in, their course of study. Where possible, a professional assessment of the nature and extent of the disability, and the equipment most appropriate for the needs of the student, must accompany all applications. These applications can be made through the Disability Officer, Student Services, or the Registrar's Office of the respective institution, in September/October of each year. Most of the third-level institutions have active and supportive disability or access officers, and these will be willing to discuss particular issues with prospective students when they are considering their third-level options. These can offer advice regarding the provision most suited to individual needs and circumstances, and the details of assessment needs..
