Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
245. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if technological support for assistive technology and Braille lesson packs to supplement learning over the summer are available for students who are blind or vision impaired; if not, if she will consider making them available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37147/21]
View answerMy Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of assistive technology, for educational purposes, to assist children with special educational needs in Primary, Post Primary and Special schools, in accordance with the criteria set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013.
In order to qualify for equipment under the 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.
Equipment such as FM Radio systems and Soundfield systems for children with a hearing impairment, Braille equipment to assist children with a visual impairment as well as personal computers and specialist software are amongst the items funded by my Department. Schools apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) for such support. SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support in the form of Assistive Technology.
Although the assistive technology is sanctioned for a particular pupil, the equipment will remain the property of the school and should normally be kept in the school. However, the pupil may, with the consent of the management authority, use the equipment at home.
Where schools, or pupils, have received sanction for equipment under the Assistive Technology scheme, and are participating in the school based summer education programme, they may, with the agreement of the school, use this equipment during the summer programme, where necessary.
Many pupils who have visual impairment also receive educational materials in the braille format, which are provided by the National Braille Production Centre. Again, where pupils use such materials, they may use these materials during the summer programme, where necessary.
