Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in the department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.

My department received an application for assistive technology from the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) for the child concerned on the 17th of April 2024. A letter sanctioning the purchase of equipment was issued to the school via email on the 26th of April 2024.

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).