Student Stories
Click on a name below to hear their story:
Analia Garcia, PhD candidate, NUI Galway
"When I decided to come to Ireland to do my degree in arts, I was a bit frightened by my new situation in a different country. Once I got in touch with the disability services at NUI Galway, I felt I was no longer alone in my adventure. I received many kinds of support from them such as a personal academic tutor, a laptop, and the additional help of a personal assistant throughout the year. I was also impressed by the computer training facilities in the library, and by the staff's willingness to help you find and access materials for your courses.
However, as an undergraduate, university is not only about study and work! There are also plenty of other interesting things to do and of which you can become part! I signed up for the dance society and I had a great time! No. I won't lie to you. There were times when I thought university was not for me but everybody, including the disability services, made me see that it certainly was! You may need to work hard, perhaps sometimes harder than other people. That makes it all the more exciting and challenging! I finished my degree and I am now completing a PhD. I hope you enjoy your undergraduate experience at NUI Galway as I did! And remember: the disability services will help you all the way in your adventure! If you really want to create a better future for yourself, don't be afraid. You can do it! I hope to see you around!
Eilis Coakley, President, Institute of Guidance Counsellors
The DARE Scheme seeks to promote equity of access to higher education among school leavers with disability/learning difficulties by removing the obstacles faced by them entering and completing higher education. The scheme proves that with appropriate academic, social and personal supports students can overcome the negative impact disability can have on educational attainment. The scheme, aptly named, ‘dares’ students to achieve through participation in higher education and lead more fulfilled and independent lives.
Louise O’Reilly, 2nd year International Relations, DCU
I'm from Malahide and attended Scoil Iosa - Malahide Community School. I found secondary school extremely testing as my disability M.E only became apparent during my fourth year. As M.E/CFS is not a very well known illness, it was difficult for people to understand.
Looking back I had attained ten honours in my junior cert and was a high achiever but once the M.E took hold my life changed and I struggled to keep up with the work load. It effects your energy drastically even for something as basic as holding a pen. At the worst stage I was completely paralysed up to my neck so school was not an option. It also affects your attention span and your short term memory which can be a bit irritating.
My principle was very understanding and allowed me do half days at school whilst other days my parents got me a tutor so I could rest at home. My family and I were still trying to understand my illness during my school days but like most things it boils down to a trial and error situation. It affected my social life, my grades and even my positive attitude towards education but thankfully I had wonderful friends and teachers to motivate me and keep me on track.
Encouragement
My parents were concerned as to how I would manage with the chronic fatigue but my teachers felt it would probably be the best thing for me and they were right! Third level education is so different from secondary school in terms of options and the support given.
Practical Supports
My disability officer set me up with my own laptop which means I can do my assignments and study at home if I'm having a bad day. It also has a fantastic programme on it called Dragon. It’s voice recognising so you don't even have to waste precious energy typing. I had a note taker for some of my bigger classes where I struggled to keep up. This type of support was not available in secondary school and now in college I feel I am not missing out. Extra tutorials are also offered in case I need a little extra help in a specific module. When it comes to assignments you can be granted extensions in case you feel you can't meet with certain deadlines. My lecturers have been so understanding in that respect so it really takes the pressure off. Overall it’s a case where you can be at the top of your game all at your own pace!
Coping with the course
With all the support I’ve received at college my fellow class mates didn't know I even had a disability until the end of last year. I'm so thankful I met such a great bunch of people in my course. They're very easy going so I go out on nights out when I can, other times we just sit in the canteen and have a good chat. When it comes to exams or assignments there’s always someone there to help you out.
Enjoying College Life
I joined a few societies such as Photography last year. My aim this year is to really get involved and possibly try debating or something spontaneously random. I went to a few events last year which were brilliant! I think one of the funniest nights of my life was the DCU fresher’s ball where we all had to dress up as superheroes!
Future Plans
I’ve a million and one aspirations from completing a Masters degree to Sky diving! Having a disability shouldn't put a limit on your goals.
Words of encouragement to Second Level Students
The best advice I could give anyone is to be positive and optimistic. Of course there are times where we all lose our confidence but the leaving certificate really isn't the bottom line for a successful future. Contact the disability officer in the college you are interested in and discover what options are open to you. More than likely you will find yourself pleasantly surprised!
Maree Farrell, Dept of Education and Science,
Visiting Teacher for Visually Impaired Students
Blind and visually impaired students experience major challenges in accessing the curriculum in second level and hence find it difficult to achieve their academic potential in the Leaving Certificate examination. The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) gives these students an opportunity to be considered for a supplementary admission place based on the impact of their disability on their academic attainment. As a Visiting Teacher, I would encourage all blind and visually impaired students to indicate their disability in the CAO form and complete the required documentation. Through this Disability Access Route to Education they will be considered for a place to pursue the course of their choice in higher education.
Mark Denieffe, Music Technology, NUI Maynooth
Throughout secondary school I had a serious problem with concentration, applying myself properly in class and with homework. Teachers and other peers sometimes classed this as "lazy", or that I wasn't "bothered", but in my transition year I was diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder. I was terribly worried that with this condition it would be very hard for me to attain a college course I actually wanted to do. Even though I was shy a few points for my course, I was accepted through the supplementary admission scheme in NUI Maynooth to my number one choice, Music Technology, a course i had previously classed as unattainable. However, the help didn't stop there. I was interviewed and allocated a number of benefits to help me during the year, such as assistive technology, and during exams, such as regular rest breaks and smaller exam halls. Without the understanding and amazing helpfulness of the Access Program, i would still be that "lazy" and frustrated student, struggling to keep up with other students.
Gerard Gallagher, UCD Student
As I have cerebral palsy I use a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter to get around, I wanted to ensure that UCD would be accessible for me. Throughout second level I also received regular learning support classes as I have dyslexia. I did not know if this would be offered at third level. To put myself at ease I decided to meet with one of the staff members of UCD Disability Support Service (DSS) before filling out the CAO. This was a great help to me as I found out loads of information about the college, and more information about the supplementary entry route. I was also reassured that all my needs would be met.
I filled out the CAO and ticked the box relating to disability. This allowed me to supply Supplementary reports from psychologists and doctors relating to my disability. I also had to fill out a personal statement on how having a disability affected my studies to date. I would encourage you to be honest when filling this out; as if you are like me you may try and down play the extent of your disability.
Having got the points I needed for my course, I was offered my place in the first round. It was then time for orientation. During this week I completed a needs assessment for the DSS so that they could determine what supports I needed and was entitled to. I received a laptop with assistive software and was allocated a time for learning support. I also availed of a full time Personal Assistant during my first year-he really helped me find my way around the huge campus!
When I came to UCD I decided to live on campus which was great as it meant I could get the full university experience by attending the different events. This has also been great for my independence. I would encourage you to get involved in the social life that college has to offer as it is great for getting to know people. In UCD there is a society, the Inclusion Participation Awareness Society which focuses on making life better for students with disabilities and reducing the stigma that surrounds us.
The one thing I can say is that college has been a brilliant experience for me, and there is any number of things to get involved with. The most important thing to say is to enjoy yourself and to remember that help is at hand when you ask for it.
Rebecca, Physiotherapy Student, TCD
I always knew I wanted to go to College and getting a place has been the biggest achievement of my life so far. By disclosing on my CAO form I became eligible for the supplementary entry route (DARE). I was just short of the points required so ticking the box on my CAO proved vital! I have just finished my first year of Physiotherapy and have had a brilliant year. The support from the Disability Service has been really helpful and has allowed me to manage my course work and still have plenty of time to be involved in college activities.
Aideen Blake, BA in Technology and
Business Management, NCI
Having been diagnosed with dyslexia from a very young age I have always been quite open about my disability. This did not change when I started at the National College of Ireland. When filling out my registration form I ticked the box. Why not? From that moment onwards I received help with my studies which have been of great benefit to me. While I still have to study like everybody else, the fact that my disability is known, lecturers are always on hand to help out anyway they can.
No one can force you to disclose your problem but I find with lecturers knowing my situation they understand and are so willing to help. I was lucky in the fact that my class size was quite small and lecturers were always happy to put on any extra classes needed no matter how many people showed up. My disability has never gotten in the way while I have been in NCI. Not only do I have good grades I have been voted in as class rep two years running and I love every minute of it.
Anne Marie Scarry, Masters in Psychology Student, UCC
For the first two years that I attended Secondary School, I did not have access to supports and my school was unsure of how best to assist me. Some things were difficult, taking notes from the blackboard, in particular. In my Junior Cert Year however, I was put in touch with a Visiting Teacher and then the school became more aware of how to assist a student with a Vision Impairment. I received copies of notes and examination supports. This significantly reduced my workload and made access to study materials much easier.
In general, I would say that I tried not to let my disability impact upon me to a huge extent. Accessing material was always more difficult for me than a non-disabled student but my teachers and friends were very supportive.
I always wanted to go to college and it was always assumed by my family and friends that I would. I was encouraged to work hard and my disability was never considered an issue that would prevent me from attending third level.
I have completed an undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology and am now completing the MPhil Masters Programme in Applied Psychology.
Practical Supports
During the course of my studies, I have received Assistive Technology, training in the use of this technology, additional tuition and I have received copies of overhead lecture notes. This support was really beneficial in assisting me to achieve an honors degree. It eased the difficulties associated with my vision impairment considerably, as all material was completely accessible and any difficulties that I did have could be addressed in the tutorial sessions. Further, the Assistive Technology meant that I could study independently. Zoomtext is now available throughout the campus.
Coping with the course
I cope quite well. I have achieved my initial goal of completing an undergraduate degree and as it was such a positive experience I decided to pursue a postgraduate qualification. In terms of the social aspects of college life, I became involved in societies and have made many friends.
Enjoying college life
I have become involved in societies and various events during my undergraduate degree. I joined the Psychology Society as I decided it would be relevant for my course. During this time I became involved in various events and conferences that the society held.
From time to time, study permitting, I have taken up employment also. During, my undergraduate degree I spent some time working in the Student Centre in UCC. As a postgraduate, I became interested in studying disability. Towards the end of this degree, I began working with the Disability Support Service as an Educational Assistant for students with disabilities. This has been a really enjoyable experience. I have learnt so much but also I have become so familiar with the work environment and have gained so much confidence as a result.
Future plans
My immediate plans are to complete my masters degree. This degree is in relation to coping with disability in third level education. After this, I would eventually like to obtain employment in the area of disability also.
Words of encouragement to other students
In my experience, studying in third level has been an extremely positive experience. Once I had the relevant supports in place, I was able to study independently with minimum support. From my studies in to the area of coping with disability in third level education, it is also evident that students cope quite well and that the University supports students in every way that they can. I think that pursuing an undergraduate degree is a great opportunity and would strongly recommend it.
Orlaith O'Brien, Resource Teacher, Ballinteer, Dublin
A Resource Teacher's Advice
Planning for the future is one of the essential components of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process once a student enters Senior Cycle. Students and parents are asked to check that they have up to date confirmation of disability in the first term of fifth year. This allows time to visit a consultant, or get a new Educational Psychological Assessment during the year. Applications for Reasonable Accommodations (RACE) in the Leaving Certificate must be made in May of 5th year and evidence of disability is needed for this. The same document is used for CAO nine or ten months later.
Students are advised to go to open days in each college so they can meet the Disability Officers and go to talks about applying through the alternative access route. It is also a good idea to find out as much as you can about each course you are considering. It is better to know in advance if a course involves field trips if you are mobility impaired, lots of specialist words such as ‘eigin values’ and ‘determinants’ if you use sign language or much reading if you have a learning disability in that area.
The most essential thing to remember when you complete the CAO form is to select the appropriate section of the application form confirming that you have a disability. You can change your course preferences up until the end of June but you cannot confirm your disability retrospectively. Don’t feel shy about stating it either, you may not like the word ‘disability’ but it is the only way to alert colleges to the fact that you have a special educational need. Any student who has had RACE, learning support, Irish exemption, or used assistive technology at second level needs to tick this box.
While you study and do your Leaving Certificate, the Colleges and Disability Services will work on all of these applications. They want bright students like you to succeed at third level, so places are offered if you are near, but not at, the points required for a course. Once in College, the Disability Service is there to support you in the same way as your Resource or Learning Support Teacher.
Michelle Hanley, History of Art and Architecture, TCD
I wouldn't be in college without the supplementary admissions route, not only am I doing what I wanted but I'm given help and someone to turn to in the sometimes complicated college system. Going to college can seem difficult but this has definitely made my college life a lot easier. It is also highly confidential and only the people I want to know are aware of how I got in. I really don't feel any way less able for the course I'm doing than anyone else!
So put down what you want on your CAO and hopefully you'll be lucky like me, it really gives you a much bigger range of options!! I've always been really strong minded and I almost didn't think it was necessary to tick the box because I was worried that I'd be signing up for extra work that I didn't feel I needed but they leave everything up to you and you only go looking for help if you want it!
Niamh Foley, Engineering, DIT
As engineering was an area that I’ve always had an interest in, high points were the order of the day. I filled in the CAO with much anticipation. How I was going to achieve my goal was another story. I was eligible to fill in the Supplementary Information Form. This form helped me get a place on an engineering course in DIT Kevin ST. From here on in I was in the realm of third level education. The whole third level experience was completely new to me. I was entirely unaware of what supports were out there for students like me. On day one I met with the Learning support officer, the help that was offered to me allowed me to work on my degree and manage my time. I had meetings with my learning support officer who helped with any assignments that I had and with organising my lecture notes.
I was introduced to Assistive technology, which allowed me to prepare assignments with more ease then before. At exam time, I was able to keep the same arrangements as I had for the Leaving cert, this was a great help to me since I have taken all my exams with the use of a laptop. This was all arranged with the Disability Office and the Exams Office all I had to do was turn up for the exams. I have since finished my engineering degree and I am now pursuing a Masters in Assistive Technology, this is an area that I have become very interested since I started to use Assistive technology in DIT.
Donal McClean, BA, NUI Maynooth
My name is Donal McClean. I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Arts Degree at National University of Ireland Maynooth and I have dyslexia which means I have a severe spelling difficulty. My academic potential is something I thought to be non-existent when in secondary school. I was not diagnosed with dyslexia till late within my 5th year of secondary school. As a result of not being assessed with dyslexia till late in my secondary education, my dyslexia was not taken into account throughout my years of study and my grades were severely affected by poor spelling and grammar, even within the most remedial of exercises. Once diagnosed with dyslexia however there was an improvement in my performance and grades and thus I was able to attend university.
I received the very bare minimum of support in secondary school when I was assessed with dyslexia. I received a spelling and grammar waiver during the Leaving Certificate. When I came to NUI Maynooth I received a needs assessment from the Disability Office to see what my needs were and I was given the support that I needed. These included technologies and computer software which has spelling corrective software to more personal methods such as one on one learning support or Student+ held during the academic year.
I will admit at the beginning there was much trial and error on my part to find out how I could properly accustom myself to this new world of learning. I remember clearly how absolutely panicked I was during my first assignment of a third level English essay. I had a meeting with the Disability Office Learning Support Tutor that day and I brought in my father’s encyclopaedia from the 1980’s and all my notes from the course. I was nearly in tears and had no clue as to what was expected of me. Eventually I was calmed down and I was given the information and advice needed for me to go off and complete not just the essay but the rest of the year on my own.
Without the caring and friendly atmosphere of the Disability Office and their staff, I would have definitely sunk rather than swim within the first months of college. From then on I had a weekly meeting within the Disability Office Learning Support tutor as a kind of check up of my progress within my studies. This eventually became once every two weeks then once a month. I now only come in to visit or when I would like information to develop strategies or skills for a new piece of academic work.
The only advice I have to give to any student considering which course and college to go is simply "Do not be afraid." This is especially true for those of you with disabilities and specific learning difficulties like dyslexia. I have successfully been able to get all the way to my final year as a dyslexic English and Sociology student. The support has also developed my confidence in my academic ability so I now have major ambitions to continue my education with a M.A. in Creative Writing after my degree has been completed. A task unthinkable without the Disability Office, but now, with them it is a real possibility.
Emma Clarke, 1st Year Dentistry, TCD
I am profoundly deaf and went to mainstream in Rathdown School in Glenageary and did quite well, probably due to the fact that you can learn and reproduce everything from your text book bibles!
I had difficulty with English - there was the subject itself and then how it came into every other subject. Learning new words and terminology is difficult when you can’t hear it!
I had the use of a radio aid and an hour a week with a Visiting Teacher (VT). It was a bit embarrassing being dragged out of class to go to your Visiting Teacher and to have to remind the teacher to "plug in" for each class. With the radio aid, the older you got the better you got with the excuses, "it was broken, it was getting fixed, a new model was on its way"...., until one day you just didn’t wear it all!
I always felt I came across a lot quieter in school; I would laugh along to jokes at the lunch table I hadn’t heard and never really told people that I was lip-reading so that didn’t make it any easier. College was to be a new start and a chance to come out of my shell.
Encouragement
In my mind I was always going to college! School were encouraging in the aspect of going on to third level, but not in the sense of doing what I wanted to do, they thought I should opt for something “easier” or “lower in points” but my family were the biggest encouragement and the reason I’ve done everything I’ve done.
Discovering the Disability Access Scheme
I didn’t know about it in school, but then found out about it during the leaving cert year when my Father phoned the Disability Office in TCD, re supports for my course. Thankfully it wasn’t too late to avail as I had ticked the box on the CAO and provided all the relevant documentation.
Before starting college I met with the Disability Service. The amount of supports on offer was overwhelming; having come from nothing in school I have to admit I was very reluctant to being “made a fuss of”. However, from what I had been told I knew college would be a different ball game and I would need support.
Practical Supports in College
I have a note taker for some lectures and wear a radio aid. I also have one-on-one tuition for subjects that have a lot of new terminology which at the moment is Physics for me.
For group work like "Problem Based Learning (PBL)" I have a real time typist (like they use in court) who types what is being said so I can read it off the laptop. I can’t lip-read and take notes at the same time, and in the PBL class it is impossible to read 10 lips at once or to figure out who is doing the talking, so support in this set up is vital, and so far the typist is proving very good. These supports are proving hugely beneficial and I would lost without them.
Coping with the course
So far so good, I’m only one week in. So hard to tell, but the supports and accessing lectures is all going well. The Disability Office staff are phenomenal and with their support I am confident I will find the balance between course work and getting involved in college activities.
Enjoying College Life
I am involved in DS3 (Deaf Support in Third Level) which is a student network for deaf and hard or hearing students in college www.tcd.ie/disability/projects/ds3. I’m also being a socialite and trying to go to all the events and meet new people, not just those in my course. I’ve signed up for Yoga and Tennis but I have to see what free time I have on my hands as my timetable is very full. I think if I stay on top of things I’ll be able to squeeze it all in!
Future Plans
Get through Dental School for the next five years and then start working, with plenty of travelling in between!
Words of Encouragement to Second Level Students
Go for it! College is so much fun! There is something here for everyone. You have a chance to do a course you will really enjoy rather than having to do Irish and English and those subjects you hated in school. Besides the academic part it’s so much fun, the social scene is unstoppable and there are heaps of clubs and societies catering for everything! Don’t be nervous, just apply! Of course you will be nervous at first, we all are but you will be on your feet in no time.