Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
165. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline supports in place for students with disabilities to access further education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25276/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraActive inclusion has always been a central tenet of the work of ETBs and FET providers, with an extensive reach into and across local communities. SOLAS’ publication FET in Numbers 2020: Learners with Disabilities records 11,376 learners (7.5% of all learners) enrolled in FET programmes who reported having at least one type of disability.
Fostering inclusion is one of the three core pillars of Future FET: Transforming Learning the national Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020-2024. It identifies addressing the needs of people with disabilities as a primary focus and commits to more consistent support for this group across FET. The FET sector is currently undertaking various works in relation to the Universal Design for Learning, and in this respect, SOLAS published 'UDL for FET Practitioners: Guidance for Implementing UDL in Irish Further Education and Training' guidelines last year.
There is a broad range of supports provided through the ETBs to support the participation of all learners, including those with disabilities. FET offers a full suite of programmes and these are made available to all participants, regardless of disability. Currently, a number of programmes are offered through Adult Literacy, Community Education and Specialist Training programmes to all participants, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The Fund for Student Disabilities (FSD) provides disability support in higher education and FET. SOLAS now manages the FET element of the FSD with supports including academic/learning support; assistive technology equipment & software; hearing impaired supports; examination supports; non-medical supports and transport supports for learners with a disability.
SOLAS is also currently overseeing an independent evaluation of Specialist Training Provision programme, which provides training for persons with a disability with higher support needs. The FET Strategy commits to implementing the recommendations arising from the evaluation over the lifetime of the strategy, with scope to increase accommodation of people with disabilities in mainstream FET rather than separate dedicated provision.
Building on its 2017 research into barriers to FET for the long-term unemployed and other vulnerable groups, SOLAS intends to commission further research and examine barriers to participation in FET, with particular reference to persons with a disability.
All of the foregoing initiatives and the broader operation of the FET system, including engagement with relevant stakeholders, provide SOLAS and the ETB system with in-depth knowledge and deep appreciation of the access requirements of learners with disabilities, which in turn will assist greatly with the future planning and delivery of such services in this priority area.
