A grant of €160,000 allocated to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS ) to support access for autistic students and students with an intellectual disability, has been welcomed by constituent Fine Gael senator, Micheál Carrigy.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has announced new initiatives to support autistic students and those with an intellectual disability access third level education, backed by €3 million of funding per year, ringfenced until 2025.
“My colleague Minister Simon Harris has informed me that €160,000 has been granted to Technological University of the Shannon (TUS ) to support autistic students and students with an intellectual disability to access third level education. This is really important funding to help equalise access to education for all.
“The funding is ringfenced until 2025 so it allows TUS to plan ahead and improve access. The first phase of funding is for Universal Design which will be allocated to higher education institutions in 2022 to advance universal design and inclusive practices in higher education, to enhance opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and autistic students in higher education.
“This includes improving campus accessibility such as supporting autism friendly campuses e.g., wayfinding apps, signage, and small-scale capital works such as autism-friendly spaces like sensory rooms or quiet zones.
“This measure will complement existing student success measures in higher education for all students and learners. While benefiting all students, it will be of particular benefit to students with disabilities, including students with autism. It will also enable the development of future capacity in HEIs for creating more opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
“I am pleased to say a further call for proposals will be issued later this year as part of the National Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education,” Senator Carrigy concluded.
