Vol. 475 No. 5
53 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the measures, if any, she has taken and intends to take to increase access to third level education for students with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5181/97]
The White Paper "Charting our Education Future" states that "Third level institutions will be encouraged to provide special arrangements for students with disabilities. These will build on existing good practice and relevant research. The Higher Education authority will pursue a supportive and monitoring role and will actively encourage the development of such special arrangements in all institutions".
The report of the committee on access and participation of students with disabilities in higher education, which was established by the Higher Education Authority, recommended that there should be full integration of persons with disability in the higher education system and that appropriate funding provisions be put in place to support this policy.
The Higher Education Authority invited proposals from the universities in relation to the recommendations of the report on access and participation of students with disabilities and £290,000 was provided last year in targeted funding for special initiatives to cater for the disabled. These initiatives include access programmes, student liaison projects, counselling services and braille and sign language services.
I have also established a special fund to assist students with physical disabilities. The annual provision in the fund exceeds £100,000. Examples of the assistance provided via this fund include the supplying of equipment including voice activated computers, braille computer printers, laptop computers, radio aids, and services such as interpreters, personal care assistants, transport and extra tuition.
