Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
173. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if school leavers with Down's Syndrome will have access to full training services from September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55265/12]
View answerI am informed by FAS that all their mainstream training options are available for all people with Disabilities. In addition, FÁS contracts with Specialist Training Providers countrywide to deliver training programmes for people with disabilities who do not avail of the mainstream options. A range of specialist courses is available at two levels of training, Introductory Skills Training (IST) and Skills Specific Training (SST), at 49 locations across the country. The specialist training provision includes in-centre, employer based and blended learning approaches to accommodate learners training needs.
These training courses lead to certification from levels 3 – 5 in awards recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications. Entry to specialist training is open to all persons with disabilities over 16 years of age. Specialist training offers additional supports to learners which include individualised training and progression plans, literacy and numeracy support, longer training duration, adapted equipment, transport arrangements, enhanced programme content and enhanced trainer/learner ratio.
