Disability Support
The ATU Sligo Access Office has a specific responsibility to support students attending the college who have a disability or additional needs due to chronic illness.
It is the responsibility of any student with a disability or additional needs to make contact with the Access Office at the beginning of each academic year so that their needs can be reviewed.
ATU Sligo cannot take responsibility for failing to support a student where the student has not identified their needs to the Access Office. Supports for students with disabilities are continuously being developed and it is important that students make themselves aware of these developments.
In registering with the Disability Support Service, the Disability Officer will agree an individual support plan tailored to the specific requirements of that student with referrals to other members of college staff only as appropriate.
Register with Disability Support Service
If you’re experiencing problems with registering, contact us at conor.cooney@nullatu.ie.
Supports Available
The Disability Support Service acts as an advocate on behalf of the students with a disability, students with Autism or an additional need in ATU Sligo.
By registering with the Disability Support Service, supports can be requested and developed in relation to academic and physical requirements within the college on the student’s behalf.
An application can be made to the Higher Education Authority for funding to facilitate the student in his / her studies, purchase and loan equipment intended to assist the student during his / her studies at ATU Sligo.
As it will take some time to develop some of the supports required by any student, students are urged to make contact with the Disability Support Service as soon as is possible following return to study at ATU Sligo.
Inclusion Support Service
The Inclusion Support Service provides supports to autistic students and ADHDers registered with ATU Sligo Disability Office.
The ISW will act as the local contact for students, as well as for staff involved in their education.
The ISW will also provide invaluable 1:1 or group sessions to support students in developing their skills in the areas of organisation, study, learning, meeting deadlines and communication skills, including any other specific need identified in the needs assessment process.
The Inclusion Support Service also facilitates screening and psychological assessment for autism and ADHD – get in touch if you are interested in being assessed.
For information on assessment for dyslexia and other specific learning differences, visit the Learning Support Service webpage.
To find out more about ATU Sligo’s Autism Friendly Campus Initiative, visit their webpage.
‘Employability support: Specialisterne Ireland
ATU Sligo have partnered with Specialisterne Ireland to provide autistic and other neurodivergent students the opportunity to access individualised support in the area of employability. Each year students in their final year are invited to participate in 1:1 online sessions with an advisor from Specialisterne.
Not in your final year but would like support to apply for a job or prepare for an interview? We can arrange support for non final-year students, upon request (subject to minimum number of participants). Contact: Shelley Brady at disability.sligo@nullatu.ie.
Occupational Therapy Service
The occupational therapy service is available to students registered with the Disability Support Service.
Occupational therapy supports students to identify difficulties they are experiencing in performing their daily activities.
The Occupational Therapy Service works with the student, supporting them to develop skills and strategies to improve their performance, independence, and well-being.
Specific procedures are in place to support students with disabilities or additional needs to perform on an equal basis as their class peers. Access The Policy Guidelines and Procedures for the Granting of Reasonable Accommodations in Examinations to Students with Disabilities.
In order to provide accurate supports and accommodations, the Disability Support Service requires medical documentation from the appropriate medical professional.
Refer to the Guide to Providing evidence of your disability for support.
The Assistive Technology Suite offers students with disabilities a quiet room to study where they have access to printers and PCs with specific software. It is located on the first floor in the Student Support Services Centre.
DARE at ATU Sligo
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. To learn all about the process and access forms and handbooks, please visit the Access College website.
All courses will accept qualified DARE applicants, the courses that applicants are likely to study will reflect that popularity of courses in general.
All DARE applicants will have to meet minimum academic entry requirements in addition to DARE eligibility. For Higher Certificate (Level 6) courses the minimum points required for entry through DARE will be 120 points. For Ordinary Degree (Level 7) courses, the minimum points required for entry through DARE will be 150 points. For Honours Degree (Level 8) courses, the minimum points required for entry through DARE will be 200. Some courses also carry mathematics requirements which will also have to be met.
DARE entry is for leaving certificate applicants only, however IT Sligo will be operating a supplementary entry route for FETAC applicants who meet the DARE eligibility criteria. These will be given bonus points for entry, these places will be in addition to the 30 DARE places available in first year at IT Sligo.
More information about specific learning difficulty such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia, is available HERE.
Disability Supports at ATU Sligo
The provision of supports to students with disabilities at ATU Sligo is separate from special consideration for entry provided through DARE, all students with disabilities should contact the Disability Support Service as early as possible to develop their individual support plan regardless of how they entered ATU Sligo.
