Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
414. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures and supports that have been put in place for third-level students with dyslexia and other conditions that secured them supports at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43284/20]
View answerThe National Access Plan (NAP) has set targets to increase participation in higher education by People with disabilities. Specific targets have been set to increase participation in higher education by students with physical or sensory disabilities. A Progress Review of the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education and the Priorities to 2021 was published in December 2018. The review has shown that there has been significant increases in participation rates since work began on implementing the NAP. The most considerable progress toward realising the targets of the NAP has been achieved amongst the disabilities target group. The target of 8% that was set for the lifetime of the Plan has been exceeded by the Progress Review stage with a new target of 12% set for 2021. Overall participation rate has increased to 10.5%, and targets have equally been surpassed in respect of the three categories of disability. There has been an 88% increase in participation by students with physical or mobility disabilities, while participation rates by deaf students or those hard of hearing has increased by 48%. Participation by students that are blind or that have a vision impairment has increased by 53%.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is the principal funding source for students with disabilities in further and higher education.
The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to provide funding to higher and further education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The FSD aims to support the personal, educational and professional development of the participating student and contribute to the achievement of their full potential. Eligible students can receive assistance from the FSD from further education level 5 up to doctoral level 10, and it can be applied for during any year of study.
The FSD operates as a funding allocation to higher education institutions and PLC colleges. The actual level of support to be provided to individual students is decided by each HEI who carry out a needs assessment to determine the types of supports and accommodations needed.
Funding can be used to provide supports and accommodations for assistive technology, equipment and software, non-medical helpers, academic or learning support, deaf supports and transport.
€7,658,000 was allocated to the FSD for Higher Education in 2020 and the fund supports circa 12,500 students per annum.
