Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
227. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the process for applications for assistive technology under circular No. 0010/2013 (details supplied); the average wait time from start of application to the time a student receives the assistive technology applied for; and the number of successful applications as a percentage of all applications for the past five years. [51958/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
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.
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.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, 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 will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
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.
Details of the percentage of successful applicants for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 will be forwarded to the Deputy. Details for the years 2019 and 2020 will be collated and forwarded to the Deputy as they are not readily available.
As the Assistive Technology application is made directly to the Local Special Education Needs Organiser in the NCSE, and, it is the responsibilty of each individual school to purchase the equipment after the grant is sanctioned, my Department does not hold a record of the the average wait time from start of application to the time a student receives the assistive technology applied for.
