Disability Support ServiceCIT

November 4th, 2010

Access Service, CIT

• CIT Access Service works with groups who are under represented in higher education such as –

Students who are socio economically disadvantaged

Mature StudentsStudents with disabilitiesEthnic Minority Groups

Disability Support Service, CIT

The aim of the Disability Support Service in CIT is to try to encourage the participation and access of students with disabilities into third level education

Person centred approach to service delivery

Policy of Equal Opportunity in Education Strict Confidentiality Policy

Range of Disabilities at CIT

The students who are registered with the Disability Support Service in CIT range from the following-

• Physical disabilities• Significant Ongoing Illnesses• Mental Health Difficulties• Specific Learning Disabilities (including Dyslexia,

Dyspraxia & Dysgraphia)• Blind/Vision Impaired Students • Deaf/Hard of hearing students • Students with Aspergers Syndrome

Accessing Higher Education

• Launched October 6th, 2009• DARE is a supplementary admissions scheme to

tackle educational disadvantage• CIT are “shadowing” DARE process at the

moment – see handout• CIT operate the same criteria and timelines as

DARE• Point reduction of approx 20-25 points in 2010

• School leavers (under 23 years as at 1st January 2011) who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of a disability.

• Apply online at www.cao.ie • Disclose a disability or specific learning difficulty

on the appropriate section of the application form & TICK THE DARE BOX!

• Complete the Supplementary Information Forms

• There are 3 separate sections to the Supplementary Information Forms which must be completed by the applicant.

• Applicants must complete a Personal Statement

• Applicants must return a Second Level Academic Reference completed by their school.

• Applicant’s must return the Evidence of Disability Form completed by the accepted Medical Consultant/Specialist.

Professionals who should confirm Disability

Vision Impairment OphthalmologistHearing Impairment Audiologist or ENT ConsultantDyslexia Appropriately Qualified PsychologistAsperger’s &ADD/ADHD Psychiatrist/PsychologistMental Health Condition PsychiatristNeurological Conditions Neurologist or consultant specific to conditionDyspraxia Occupational TherapistSignificant Ongoing Illness Consultant specific to conditionPhysical Disability Orthopaedic Consultant or consultant specific to

condition

CONSULT DARE CRITERIA AND WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORAMTION SO AS TO ENSURE IT IS UP TO DATE AT TIME OF MAKING APPLICATION

All DARE applications are assessed using criteria developed by HEI Assessment Boards (which included HEI professionals) and representatives from expert professional external organisations.

Funding Support

• There is a fund available to students with disabilities which was introduced in 1994 called the Fund for Students with Disabilities.

• Provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities.

• Applications to the Fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by the Disability Support Officer following an assessment of need.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities is funded by the Irish Government and part-funded by the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007-2013.

Process

• Register with Laura O’Rourke, Disability Support Officer

• Attend classes for a week or so• Attend ‘needs assessment’ with Disability

Officer and Disability Facilitation Administrator

• Determine supports you may need• Fill in forms – consent, funding application

etc

Supporting Documentation needed for Funding Applications• Blind/Vision Impaired Ophthalmologist Report• Deaf/Hard of Hearing Audiologist, ENT

Consultant• Physical/Mobility Disability Orthopedic consultant,

Neurologist (consultant), other consultant specific to condition.

• Medical Condition Relevant consultant in the area of condition

• Mental Health Psychiatrist• Dyslexia/SpLD Educational

Psychologist Report

Supports Available

• Sign Language Interpreters • Note taking Service• Speedtext/Stereotype • Photocopying• Additional Tutorial Support• Personal Assistants• Liaise with academic staff (with consent)• Assistive Technology• Learning Support

Assistive Technology Service

• Opening in 2010• Located in the Student

Centre Building• 16 Workstations with

Assistive Technology• Soundproof Booth• For students registered

with Disability Support ONLY

• Software installed to assist students with their studies

Assistive Technology Available

• Read & Write Gold (Texthelp)

• Inspiration

• Mind Manager

• These software packages are available on all computers in the Open Access, AT Service, Library and most departmental computers

• Shortly to be installed on departmental PC’s also

Contact Details

• Laura O’Rourke

Disability Support Officer,

Students Centre,

Access Service,

CIT Bishopstown

Cork

Tel – 021 4335107

Email – laura.orourke@cit.ie

• Ruth Murphy

Disability Facilitation Administrator

Exams Office

CIT Bishopstown

Cork

Tel – 021 4326715

Email – ruth.murphy@cit.ie