Accessing Services In 3rd Level With A Disability.

I’ve been asked by a mother to talk about what happens when you go to 3rd level (PLC (Post Leaving certificate Course), college or university) if you have a disability and how to access services.

I’m sure there are many others out there who wish to know this answer not just for themselves but also for their children.

The CAO (Central Applications Office Ireland) opens in early Novemeber each year. Along with applications to the HEAR, Higher Education Access Route and the DARE, Disability Access Route to Education.

The HEAR scheme offers places on a reduced points basis and extra college support to school leavers, and mature applicants, from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. The DARE, scheme is for school leavers, and mature applicants, with disabilities living in Ireland.

You can apply for both these schemes depending on your circumstances so do check them out long before the CAO application process opens.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 3rd Level & Disabilities.

What am I entitled to? How can I apply for help? Who do I approach in the college or university concerned? (see list below) It will very much depend on what is written on your educational psychological report/assessment. You can contact the Disability Officer in the college/university/PLC for support once you have been offered a place there.

Another question posed was, what happens when your adult child needs your help to access services and the college or university won’t talk to you as they are an adult? A very good question I feel given the new GDPR requirements.

Your adult child can give you permission to speak on their behalf. The cao/college/university/PLC will of course need this confirmed before they can speak to you. You can ask if they require this in written form or will they accept your adult child communicating this over the phone.

Legislation covering all disabilities including hidden disabilities.

There are multiple pieces of legislation covering disability and education. These include: The Education Act 1998, EPSEN Act 2004 and Disability Act 2005 (and any previous acts) have laid out provisions for children and adults with disabilities to access education.
It is important to know your rights and entitlement under these acts and know where to access help and what responsibilities schools, colleges and universities have to you and your child when accessing education.
You will need an Education Psychology Assessment completed by an Educational Psychologist to gain access to services in 3rd level. In some cases you will also need a medical report as well, depending upon your needs.
When applying to 3rd level you apply through the CAO as normal. But on the form there is a section called the DARE scheme, as mentioned above. You will fill this out if you have a disability (Details for the DARE scheme can be found here). You may also be able to apply for the HEAR scheme as I said depending on your circumstances.
Don’t forget you can ask the Disability Officer or Access Officer in the college/university/PLC of your choice questions prior to your application. The scheme opens in November along with the CAO, and HEAR scheme, applications can be made online.
The Colleges and Universities will accept assessments completed for the Leaving Certificate at the start of the 5th year. There is no need to apply for a new assessment unless your disability has changed in any way.

So what happens when you get into the college/university place of your choice?

It’s up to you to contact the Disability Officer, not the other way around. This is very important to remember! I would make contact once you receive confirmation of your place in 3rd level. Or as soon as possible so you don’t have to wait too long for supports to be put in place. This can take time to put in place.

They will then look through your education psychology report and apply for resources you need for study and access to the grounds.

They will usually meet with you prior to your application for services, explain what will happen next and then get back to you quickly enough with a response to your application for services.

Don’t allow them to put you on the long finger. They are busy but you need these services in place before you start the year. If they don’t contact you after the time period they have indicated, ring them to remind them.

Although from my experience as a mother the services provided at college and university are very good and prompt at responding.

The types of supports which can be available in third level colleges are:

(NB ** What you’re entitled to will depend on what is written in the summary at the back of your report/assessment. So make sure that the educational psychologist has covered everything you need in it.)

For Lectures – copies of lecture notes, note-taking tuition, note-taker, photocopying facilities, recording of lectures.
With Course Materials – assistive technology including Text-reading software etc, books on cd/audio; extra tuition, reading strategies, memory techniques, etc.
For Examinations – use of assistive technology, submission of work online; using a computer or recorder to submit answers during exams; extra time, disregard spelling, exam preparation and exam techniques.
A Personal Assistant – this will depend on your disability.

So what happens if I get a diagnosis after I enter 3rd level?

After you have been assessed you will need to contact the Disability Officer as soon as possible.

They will need a copy of the report(s) so they can apply for help and access supports you need.

Once you have given them the report they will usually meet with you and discuss what is needed before making the application for help on your behalf.

They will then contact you when arrangements have been put in place. Please don’t be fobbed off or accept a lengthy waiting period to access these services.

Note: Always check in with the disability office each year prior to attending, that services will continue and are still in place. You can do this in May at the end of your academic year or over the summer.

Make an appointment as soon as possible if you need anything changed or updated also.

What can I do if my adult child has difficulty communicating with the disability officer?

I would suggest you get your child to write a letter giving you, as their parent or guardian, permission to speak to the college/university on their behalf.

Give a copy to their Department Head for your child’s file and also send a copy to the disability office with a request for a meeting that you and your child can attend together to get access to the services they need.

I would also send a copy of this to your child’s Department Head so you can gain their assistance if needed.

But always remember the disability officer is there to advocate on your or your child’s behalf.

Applying to PLC (Post Leaving certificate) courses

This is a little different as applications are made directly to the college involved.

When you have secured your place you can then apply to the PLC college directly for accommodations and supports needed.

Remember it’s up to you to tell the PLC college you have a disability and to get access to these supports.

They will then make an application on your behalf before you start.

You will need to give a copy of your assessment /report to the college to gain these supports. But you will be entitled to the same supports and help you would receive at any third level institute.

It’s important to remember that hidden disabilities are covered under legislation just as any other disability.

So that includes Dyslexia; ASD-Aspergers; ADD; ADHD; Dyspraxia; Dyscalculia and Disgraphia.

This is a wonderful group on Twitter every Thursday night at 8 pm #ablehour which gives support for PWD and their carers.

If you have any questions I’m usually there and happy to answer questions for you or your family. If I don’t know the answer someone else in the group may do so or I’ll go find it out for you.

Work With Me.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.