Disability and Learning Supports
Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment to all its students. In this regard, we welcome students with disabilities and learning needs. Students are invited to link with the Disability and Learning Support Team early in their application process and before the start of the course.
Early engagement with the Disability and Learning Support team is vital for students with high support needs as this support can be limited.
The Disability and Learning support team are represented at Open evenings and can be contacted by phone or email with any queries.
Disability and Learning Support Contact Details:
The following is a Guide for Students with Disability and Learning Difficulties.
Supports and reasonable accommodations are provided to assist students with disabilities and learning difficulties to participate in further education courses. Students need to register with the Disability and Learning support team in the college. Students will be required to complete a Needs Assessment & a Recommendation for Educational Support.
Supports are conditional on evidence of disability and available funding. An application to the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) will be made on behalf of the students who have provided evidence by the college. All information shared with the disability and learning support team will be treated confidentially.
Book an Appointment with one of the Disability and Learning Support team for one of the following services
1. Needs Assessment Appointment
In this meeting you can discuss your support needs and agree information that will be shared with your course team. This meeting is confidential and once off.
2. Learning Support Appointment
Book your once off or regular appointment with your learning support tutor.
3. IT Support Appointment
Book a support time with a member of staff to assist you with your IT problem.
4. Safety Plan Appointment
Book a once off appointment to complete a safety plan. This is required by students who have medical and physical conditions such as a visual impairment or diabetes.
Book a support Appointment here
Frequency Asked Questions
1. I had an SNA in School. Does this mean I will automatically have one in college?
No, school and Further Education FE have different ways of supporting students. In Further Education we have support staff (these various staff roles are not the same as SNAs). Generally, support staff are for students with physical difficulties. A lot of students that had SNA support in school do not want or require this same level of support in FE. This issue will be discussed at your RES meeting, please let us know any concerns you have. Role of Education Support Worker
2. I had resource hours in school and think I need this again in my PLC course. Is it available?
Resource classes are called Learning Support in the college and access to this service can be discussed at the RES meeting. This additional support will not be during timetabled class time. You will have to commit and agree a day/time for these sessions with your learning support tutor.
3. I had help in secondary school but have no evidence of any disability. I think I still need help in my further education course.
Register with the disability and learning support team and we will discuss your needs at your RES meeting.
4. I think I have dyslexia, but I have never had a report done. Can the Disability & Learning Support team assess me for dyslexia and do an Educational Psychological Report?
No, sorry we cannot provide that service, but you can still register for support and we will discuss your needs at your RES meeting.
5. I had a spelling and Grammar waiver in my exams. Can I avail of a spelling and grammar waiver in my college assignments?
Spelling and Grammar waivers are given for exam situations but not for assignments. You can use the spell and grammar check on your computer. You can also get assistance with proofreading at home or during your learning support sessions.
6. The only support I want in college is examination accommodations. Do I still need to register with Disability and Learning support for this?
Yes, you must register with Disability and Learning support. It is up to each student to discuss and agree the supports they require in their RES meeting. Students should provide documentary evidence of previous exam supports.
7. I am few months into my course and am struggling to keep up with my course material and assignments. Can I get help?
Register with the disability and learning support team or call into the office at any time. We will discuss your difficulties and try to come up with a plan with you.
8. I did not register in first year for support but now want to avail of support in second year. Can I still apply?
Registrations are accepted at any stage.
9. I am a parent of a student registered with the Disability & Learning Support Team and I want to be kept informed of their progress
Communication from the college will be directly with the student and not with parents. The guide for Students with Disability and Learning Difficulties explains how parent can assist students during the academic year. A guide for Students with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties.
10. My parents have registered me for support, but I do not want to engage with services in the college. What can I do?
It is up to each student to discuss supports that they wish to accept. If you do not want to engage with supports, email the support team and say you do not want any further contact.
Disability and Learning Support Contact Details:
Room 204, Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE,
Coolock Campus.