OPEN LEARNING & STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Carlow Institute is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and access for students who have a disability, specific learning difficulty or medical condition. We endeavour, wherever possible, to make it easier for students to access our courses and to participate in student life at the Institute.
Who Can Access Additional Support?
Additional support* can be available to those who
- are deaf or hard of hearing
- are blind or vision impaired
- have a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia
- have a general learning difficulty
- have a developmental co-ordination disorder, such as dyspraxia
- have ADD or ADHD
- have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s Syndrome)
- have physical or mobility difficulty
- have speech and language difficulties
- have a mental health condition
- have a neurological condition
How Can I Access Additional Support?
If you have a disability or support need, we ask you to provide this information immediately after registration. If you provide us with the relevant documentation we will apply for funding for additional support for your studies.
The additional support available may include academic/learning support in the form of:
- Assistive technology, equipment and software
- Examination accommodation (e.g. extra time allowance or reader)
- Group or individual educational support or assistance
Students who would benefit from a tour of the building or a more in-depth introduction to the college, should contact us in advance of the academic year so that all queries can be addressed.
Subsequent information outlining the disability or support need should be made available immediately after registration.
Once we have the relevant documentation, an application for additional support can commence.
* Very Important Information
The funding available for additional support for students with disabilities/ special needs comes from the SOLAS Fund for Students with Disabilities. This funding is subject to application and the eligibility of each student.
Our ability to provide you with additional supports depends upon:
- the information and supporting documentation you give us
- how soon we get this information and supporting documentation (so we can make a timely application on your behalf)
- your eligibility as determined by SOLAS
Please let us know about a disability or learning difficulty as soon as you apply to study with us. You’ll find some initial questions on the application form. We’ll contact you for information to make the application, and we’ll also let you know the decision.
Additional support funding applications require a consultant’s report for disabilities/illness or an educational psychological report for specific learning difficulties. Support availability depends on the information provided.
Reports over five years old are not accepted. Only reports from Consultants or Educational Psychologists are valid; GP or support organisation letters won’t be accepted. Late applications may delay access to support. Funding eligibility is based on nationality and residency criteria. Support approval depends on available resources.
Need More Information?
If you would like to chat about the supports available, feel free to ask at interview, open days or by contacting the student support team at
059 913 4230
