Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022
147. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the process for a school to secure a system (details supplied) for a classroom; if she will consider including such systems as a specification standard for all new classrooms approved by her Department in view of the benefit of the system to all pupils and not just children with hearing impairments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8710/22]
View answerUnder the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
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
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a student 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 student 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.
All Applications for special equipment must be submitted by school management authorities as follows:
1. In respect of children with Visual or Hearing Impairment, applications for equipment should be made to the Visiting Teacher Service for Children with Sensory Impairment. Contact details for the Visiting Teacher Service are available at
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4226e8-review-of-role-organisation-and-management-of-visiting-teachers-for-/
2. The Visiting Teacher Service will assess the application and give advice to the SENO in relation to equipment commonly used e.g. technology, large print, tapes, braillers, audiology equipment etc. The SENO will take account of the Visiting Teacher’s recommendations when considering applications for equipment for such pupils and make a recommendation to the DES for equipment.
All other applications for support should be made to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. Application forms are available at www.ncse.ie.
Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.
