Sorca Clarke
Ceist:449. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will review the decision to refuse an application for assistive technology for a pupil (details supplied). [26472/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2022
Ceisteanna (449)
Freagraí scríofa
Under 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.
It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the Board of Management of each school, as schools are best placed to determine the most appropriate solution to adopt in terms of supporting the learning needs of their students based on school's own context and circumstances, and in accordance with their Digital Learning Plan.
Where children with more complex disabilities 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, schools may make an application for such equipment to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) under the terms of this scheme.
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
The qualifying criteria is set out in Circular 0010/2013, and the NCSE recommendation will be based upon accompanying professional reports. If the school have concerns regarding the result of the pupil’s most recent assessment, they should raise these concerns with the psychologist who conducted the assessment. Subsequently, if new or additional information become available, which provides further clarification regarding the requirement for assistive technology for the pupil, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, it will be open to the school to submit an Assistive Technology application for consideration to the NCSE.
I can confirm that my Department have received an appeal to the decision to refuse an application for assistive technology under Circular 10/2013 for this student, this appeal is currently being reviewed and a decision will be issued to the school principal shortly.