Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

693. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons waiting for a laptop, tablet or other specialist software under the assistive technology grant; how this figure compares with previous waiting lists in 2020, 2021 and 2022; if priority will be given to students sitting State examinations in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13099/23]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.

Last April, my Department announced the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and associated grant funding for all recognised primary and post-primary schools for digital technology infrastructure.This strategy will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully.

As part of this strategy an ICT Grant will be provided to schools, with €200 million committed over the period of the Strategy, €50m of which has already been provided to schools. This approach facilitates multi-annual planning by schools to allow them to plan effectively for all of their children.

Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.

The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological 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.

Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

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. 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.

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.

As applications are generally processed on a current basis by my Department as they are received from the SENO in the NCSE, , including applications from students sitting State examinations. Accordingly, my Department does not hold an Assistive Technology waiting list and also schools may purchase assistive technology directly.

The Assistive Technology Scheme is currently being reviewed by my Department to ensure that it is still working for these children and that the resources are allocated appropriately and support other Department ICT funding as efficiently as possible. The review in ongoing and is expected to complete by mid-2023.