Disability Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022

Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Ceisteanna (174)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

174. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views that the disability support staff should be aware of the different types of disability and the supports required for each of these disabilities; if he has plans to introduce training for disability support staff to ensure they have knowledge of a broad range of disabilities and the supports required for each of these disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52068/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Staff training is an important part of the third level education’s equity of access for underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.

AHEAD Start Training

AHEAD Start, is an online training course on supporting students with disabilities in further and higher education provided by AHEAD. It is available to professional staff, such as teachers, careers advisors or dedicated support staff working within Irish Further Education & Training and Higher Education. AHEAD receives funding from DFHERIS through the HEA and SOLAS for its activities.

Disability Advisors Working Network (DAWN)

DAWN is a network of Disability Officers in HEIs who are primarily responsible for supporting learners with disabilities in Higher Education in Ireland. It acts as a forum for the sharing of best practice, information and expertise and the development of knowledge and skills in the area of disability support services. The HEA regularly engages with DAWN and disability officers in relation to e.g. annual FSD guidelines, information sharing and other work.