A €9 million fund has been launched for higher education institutions to improve access for students with an intellectual disability.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris launched the fund earlier today.
Higher Education Institutions are being asked to provide three-year proposals on how they can improve access and enhance course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.
This funding is part of Phase 2 of PATH 4 of the National Action Plan which highlighted the improvements that are needed to increase representation in higher education for students with a disability, including students with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Announcing Phase 2 of PATH 4, Minister Simon Harris stated, “It has been an overriding objective of mine since becoming Minister to create a higher education system that is equal and accessible to all”.
“Today is a significant day. It is the first time my Department has provided a specific fund for Higher Education Institutions to provide courses for students with an intellectual disability. I want to encourage all institutions to engage with this call and I am looking forward to hearing what they are planning over the coming months to ensure greater inclusion and successful outcomes for students”.
The Minister went on to thank the institutions who are already providing accessible courses for students with intellectual disabilities.
“I had the opportunity to meet some of the students already and to hear from them on how much these courses are benefitting and changing their lives. We have much more to do to ensure all students succeed and grow each day on their educational journey”.
“This competitive funding call, with ring fenced funding of €3 million per year over the next three years, will move us further in this direction and help inform future policy considerations in respect of students with intellectual disabilities in Higher Education”.
