Release of Reasonable Accommodations in FET Research
AHEAD, in collaboration with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), are delighted to release the results of a SOLAS-funded scoping survey on the provision of Reasonable Accommodations in FET.
The primary objective of this research was to gain insight from the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and colleges/centres in their regions on current policies, practices, and challenges regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations for learners with disabilities. The outcomes of the research are intended to support greater consistency and quality in the provision of reasonable accommodations, supporting the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy goal of providing consistent learner support, (SOLAS, 2020a).
Outcomes will be fed as recommendations to ETBs and relevant state agencies, and inform a proposed body of work by AHEAD, with support from ETBI, to develop resources and training for the sector.
The report identifies a general culture of inclusion in FET, and notable pockets of good practice in disability support, but also finds significant structural gaps and barriers to the provision of quality, consistent support in the areas of:
- Reasonable Accommodation Policies
- System Funding of Supports
- Communication/Visibility of Available Support Services
- Staffing and Staff Training Concerning Disability Supports
- Criteria for Access to Supports
(May 2024)
