Fund for Students with Disabilities

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The Fund for Students with Disabilities is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Introduction

The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to provide funding to higher and further education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The FSD has been in place since 1994 and, since 2003 has been managed by the HEA on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS). The FSD operates in addition to the legal framework supporting the rights of students with disabilities to access further and higher education. The FSD also operates in addition to mainstream resources and services in place in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Along with the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), the FSD supports the implementation of Ireland’s National Access Plan, 2022 to 2028

Purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of the FSD is to provide resources to further and higher education institutions for the delivery of key services and supports for students with disabilities on full-time courses (and in the case of HEIs, part-time courses as well). The FSD aims to support the personal, educational and professional development of the participating student and contribute to the achievement of their full potential.

Who is eligible for support under the Fund?

To be eligible for support under the FSD, a student must meet the following conditions:

• have a verifiable disability. For FSD Evidence and Eligibility Criteria.
• Meet the Nationality and Residency Criteria
• be a participant in a full-time or part-time course and have a verified need for specific support to enable attendance on their chosen course.

For more information Fund for Students with Disabilities

Eligible expenditure

Funding can be used to provide supports and accommodations in any of the following categories:

• Assistive technology equipment and software (including student training);
• Non-Medical Helpers (e.g. personal assistants, notetakers)
• Academic/learning support
• Deaf supports (Sign Language Interpreters, SpeedText)
• Transport support

Disclosure of Need

The initial decision around disclosure about the need for support rests with the individual. Where a HEI collects personal data from a student, the HEI should provide the student with all of the information as stipulated in Article 13 of the GDPR.

Assessment of Need

The needs assessment form is the source document that determines the supports and accommodations that will be requested on the student’s behalf. Student participation in the assessment process is essential. It should be noted however that the document is the HEI’s document and the HEI is ultimately responsible for decisions on the most appropriate support plan to meet the needs of the student.

To arrange an appointment with the Disability Support Services please email:supportservicesKerry@mtu.ie