The assistive technology grant provides funding to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment for educational purposes.
Equipment is provided for children with more complex disabilities who need essential specialist equipment which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school’s existing IT supply.
The criteria for the scheme are set out in the below department circular 0010/2013:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Education Needs Officers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications.
Further details (including the application form that needs to be filled in by the school) are available on the NCSE website.
The department will consider an appeal from a school if:
- assistive technology has not been granted
- assistive technology has been granted but the school wishes to appeal the amount of the grant, or the specific equipment provided
In order to appeal, the school must complete the appeal form , and submit as follows:
Primary or Special Schools and Post-Primary Schools where the application is for audiological equipment:
The Higher Executive Officer (Assistive Technology) Primary Schools
Address:
Special Education Section, Department of Education, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
, N37 X659
Post Primary Schools:
The Higher Executive Officer (Assistive Technology)
Address:
Schools Division Financial, DES, Cornamaddy, Athlone
, N37 X659
Important: The original application form or professional reports supplied to the SENO should not be re-submitted with the appeal form. In the event that new or updated reports are available, these may be submitted to SENO in support of a new application. An appeal of the decision not to award assistive technology can only be based on the information supplied when the original decision was made.
Where an application for grant aid under the assistive technology scheme is successful, schools may purchase the equipment as set out in the relevant letter of sanction. To claim the refund due, please use the relevant form (see below) and submit by POST only to the Special Needs and Tuition Grants section of the Department of Education.
Primary or Special Schools
- email: special_education@education.gov.ie
- phone: (090)6484187
- address: Assistive Technology Unit, Special Education Section, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37 X659
Post primary Schools
- email: sdfinfo@education.gov.ie
- phone: (090) 648 3750, (090) 648 3768
- address: Post Primary Assistive Technology, Schools Division Financial, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37 X659