Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
226. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education when circular No. 0010/2013 (details supplied) regarding applications for assistive technology will be updated given the significant technological advances that have occurred over the past eight years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51957/21]
View answerMy Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of assistive technology for students in Primary, Post Primary and Special schools as set out in Circular 0010/2013, details of which are published on my Department’s website, and can be accessed at: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf .
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.
Equipment is provided under this scheme for children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools existing provisions.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions, or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, that have a general application outside of school, which are normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and which are provided for through the HSE Aids and Appliances scheme are not provided for under this scheme.
It is anticipated that work in relation to reviewing the assistive technology scheme will commence in 2022.
