Holly Cairns
Ceist:651. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure a student (details supplied) who requires a laptop as assistive technology is provided with this essential equipment. [12770/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 March 2023
Ceisteanna (651)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013.
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. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
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.
Supporting documentation must be submitted to the NCSE by the school when making the application for assistive technology. This should include a recent comprehensive and professional assessment of the nature and extent of disability, and details of the equipment most appropriate for the needs of the pupil. The recommendation of the NCSE will be based upon accompanying professional reports from relevant professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists etc.
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 type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audio logical 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.
I regret to inform you that, based on the professional information provided to the SENO when the application was first received in December 2022, and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, they were not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of this student as the specialist hardware and/or software was not clearly specified in the report provided. The school has been advised of the position.
Question No. 652 answered with Question No. 618.