Assistive Technology Scheme:
Under the Assistive Technology scheme, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes. Equipment is provided under this scheme for children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school’s existing IT provision.
The criteria for the Department’s Assistive Technology scheme are set out in Department Circular 0010/2013, which is available at the following link:
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf
How to Apply
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Education Needs Officers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for assistive technology support. Further details – including the application form, which the school would need to complete – are available on the NCSE website: http://ncse.ie/for-schools
How to Appeal
The Department will consider an appeal from a school where:
- Assistive technology has not been granted, or
- Where assistive technology has been granted but the school wishes to appeal the amount of the grant, or the specific equipment provided.
In order to appeal, the school must complete the appeal form, and submit as follows:
Primary or Special Schools(and Post-Primary Schools where the application is for audiological equipment):
The Higher Executive Officer (Assistive Technology), Special Education Section, Department of Education and Skills, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
Post Primary Schools:
The Higher Executive Officer (Assistive Technology), Schools Division Financial, DES, Cornamaddy, Athlone N37 X659
Important: The original application form and/or professional reports supplied to the SENO should not be re-submitted with the appeal form. In the event that new or updated reports are available, these may be submitted to SENO in support of a new application. An appeal of the decision not to award assistive technology can only be based on the information on which the original decision was made.
