Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2017
157. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a leeway given to persons that apply for student grant applications that have disabilities when applying for education grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20958/17]
View answerApplications for the means tested student grant scheme are made to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) and consideration of applications is applied equally to all applicants.
Students experiencing difficulties in completing their application forms, due to issues relating to a disability, can contact SUSI for assistance as follows:
Phone: 076-1087874, E-mail: support@susi.ie, Twitter: @susihelpdesk, Facebook: Facebook.com/susisupport
In recognition that people with disabilities may have experienced a negative impact on their education, a number of measures are in place to promote access to higher education for students with disabilities.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) allocates funding to approved colleges of further and higher education for the delivery of key services, reasonable accommodations and supports for learners with disabilities on full-time approved courses. The institutions are responsible for the management and allocation of the Fund at local level throughout the year.
Other support measures include the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme, and a network of Disability Officers working within each higher education institution.
