Paul McAuliffe
Question:97. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if the refusal by a school of an application for assistive technology by a student (details supplied) will be reviewed. [38940/20]
View answerWednesday, 25 November 2020
Questions (97)
Written answers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications for assistive technology. SENOs then make recommendations to my Department. Therefore, I have referred the query in relation to this application to the NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, as set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on my Department’s website. https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.
It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Grants-and-Additional-Support/Assistive-Technology-Grant/.
Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.