DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE

1. DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE PRESENTATION TO PROSPECTIVE MATURE STUDENTS 15 JANUARY 2009 BY ELIZABETH WALSH DISABILITY OFFICER NUIGALWAY

2. Objective of Presentation • Pre Entry • Steps to Completion of SIF Forms – Dual purpose • Post Entry Support

3. DUAL PURPOSE OF SIF FORMS 1. To enable students to provide information and evidence of their disability/significant ongoing illness or specific learning difficulty. and Alerting the Disability Support Services of supports required by the student and where possible to facilitate the provision of these supports when the student arrived in college.

4. DUAL PURPOSE OF SIF FORMS • For Leaving Cert students • This route is to facilitate access to a number of Higher Education Institutions for applicants with disabilities who, because of the impact of their disability, or specific learning difficulty, may not gain the competitive CAO points for the course of their choice

5. AHEAD Research indicates increase in Participation of Students with Disabilities 1998/9 1367 2003/4 2768 2005/6 3000 2007/8 3860

6. Steps to Supplementary Admission for Students with Disabilities You must complete the CAO application form online before 1st February 2009 (www.cao.ie ). You must disclose your disability or specific learning disability on the CAO online form. You will be directed to online Supplementary Information Form (SIF). If you do not have access to internet you may complete the hard copy Supplementary Information Form and return it to the CAO by 10th March 2009.

7. What Categories of Disability are recognised as part of CAO Supplementary Admission Route? Students who : Have physical or mobility disabilities Are blind or vision impaired Are deaf or hard of hearing Have significant ongoing illnesses Experience mental health difficulties Have specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or Asperger’s Syndrome

8. Completing the S.I.F. Forms Students must provide the following information in the Supplementary Information Forms Details of disability Supports requested and/or provided in second level education Likely supports needed in higher education Personal statement outlining the impact of your disability to date Disability related documentation from medical consultant/Educational Psychologist’s Report Second Level Academic Reference

9. What Evidence of Disability is Required? Specific Learning Difficulties - Copy of an assessment from a recognised Educational Psychologist as evidence of Disability. This assessment must be within last three years (from 1st February 2006 onwards) clearly stating that the student has a specific learning difficulty Students with Physical, Sensory, or Medical disabilities must submit verification from an appropriate Medical Consultant/ Specialist Verification from a GP will not be considered as suitable medical evidence

10. Medical Evidence Form Applications will not be considered if the following conditions are not adhered to: • A relevant Medical Consultant/Specialist who has the training and experience with the particular condition/disability must complete this form • This form must be stamped or include a business card/headed paper • All applicants must complete this form, with the exception of those with Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia), who must provide a recent Educational Psychologist’s report • Evidence from a General Practitioner/family doctor, or support organisation is not accepted as verification of disability.

11. Useful contacts for further information • CAO Website- www.cao.ie • Supplementary Admission Brochure • Visit the Disability Officer

12. Supports Post Entry • Students with disabilities should register with Support Services whether they enter via Merit or Supplementary Admission • Meet with Disability Officer/Learning Support Advisor to carry out individualised needs assessment and to agree appropriate accommodations and supports which focus on: • Educational • Technological • Personal Needs

13. What Supports are Available • Educational Needs- such as Note taking, Additional Tuition, Conversion of Texts into Alternative Formats, Learning Support from Dyslexia Advisors, ISL Interpreters, educational/library assistants, lab assistants, readers etc • Technological Needs- such as IT/AT Equipment and training in use of specialised software • Personal Needs- such as need for PA’s and Transport Support

14. Examination Supports • Alternate examination venues • Extra time allowance • Reader/Scribe • Rest breaks • Technological aids-use of PC’s • Specific Learning Difficulty awareness

15. Issues for Students in 2009 • Disclosure • Awareness of Supports • Supplementary process 2009 • Ensure you return completed SIF application forms • Closing Date • CAO Online Process • Documentation Required • 3 year rule Educational Psychologist reports • Assessment Criteria • Collaborative Process • Eligibility does not guarantee place

16. Useful contacts for further information CAO Website- www.cao.ie Supplementary Admission Brochure Contact detail – Elizabeth Walsh Disability Officer Email elizabeth.walsh@nuigalway.ie Webpage: www.nuigalway.ie/disability