Third Level Education Supports

Your child is entitled to apply for these supports on the basis of his/her diagnosis; however, such support may not be required by your child – it is up to parental judgement whether such supports are sought.

 Disability Access Route to Education (D.A.R.E.):

§  Certain Higher Education Institutes in Ireland have allocated a quota of places on a reduced points basis to students entering third level education through the D.A.R.E scheme. Through this scheme, students are offered a variety of academic, personal, and social supports while studying at third level (e.g., an orientation programme, study skills and exam support, access to assistive technology, meetings with support staff, social gatherings, and mentorship).

§  To apply through D.A.R.E., the young person must submit previous reports stating the diagnosis (including this document).

To apply, go online to: www.cao.ie

Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (A.H.E.A.D.):

§  A.H.E.A.D. is a voluntary organisation working to promote improved access to third-level education for people with disabilities.

§  It has published Accessing Third-level Education in Ireland – A Guide for Students with Disabilities.

Address: Newman House, 86 Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 475-2386 Web: www.ahead.ie

Another Third-level option is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (V.T.O.S.)

Allows people aged 21 or over who have been getting certain social welfare payments, such as the Disability Allowance, for six-months to take up full-time education courses at certain Vocation Education Committee (V.E.C.) centres around the country.