Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
464. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will take steps to introduce access to immediate assistive technology, similar to the proposal by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46490/21]
View answerMy Department operates an Assistive Technology scheme, details of which are set out in Circular 0010/2013 published on my Department’s website that can be accessed at: education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf.
Under the Assistive Technology scheme funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes. Equipment is provided under this scheme for children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school’s existing IT provision.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for assistive technology support.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions. Professional reports (from psychologists or occupational therapists, for example) must be submitted by the school along with the application. These reports must have a recent and comprehensive professional assessment of the nature and extent of disability, and outline that the equipment is essential for the pupil to access the curriculum.
Equipment is provided where medical and/or other professional reports outline that the degree of communicative disability is such that this equipment is essential to allow the pupil to access education and set out how the equipment will provide for this.
SENOs will review the application and professional reports, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department’s officials will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making such recommendations, as set out in Circular 0010/2013.
The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Aids and Appliances Scheme.
