How the Funding Works

Under the legislation, colleges are required to ensure that their courses are accessible to students with disabilities and to provide where necessary, ‘reasonable accommodations’ to support students in being able to undertake courses. These accommodations could take the form of for example a piece of assistive technology, the use of a sign language interpreter or learning support.

The Irish government recognises that these accommodations cost money and helps colleges to cover these costs through the Fund for Student’s with Disabilities, administered by the Higher Education Authority. Students with a verifiable disability or specific learning difficulty who are studying on full time, publicly funded courses which are rated level 5 or above on the National Qualifications Framework are eligible to access this funding. The host college is responsible for applying to this fund on the student’s behalf and putting in place the requisite supports.

To get an application form and the funding guidelines, contact the Higher Education Authority.