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Factsheets - Education
        
Primary Education
Some main stream schools have made provisions for children with a disability e.g. ramps & accessible toilets.
For more information contact The Dept. of Education and Science which is responsible for making school premises accessible.
      
      
Third Level Education
There are several options to third level education and re-training. Many people want to go back to main stream education, in most cases this is possible but it may take some work.

A special fund to help third level students with a physical disability is administered by the Dept of Education.

Apply to the third level institutions before September. Contact the student counsellor or disabilities support office at the college. Not all schools and colleges are accessible so it is important to decide what course you wish to do and find a college that suits your needs.
      
Training
FÁS, CERT & TEAGASC are the main state agencies, which provide training for the unemployed and they also train people with a disability.
Further information:
FÁS, 27/33 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4. Tel (01) 684181
Website: FÁS Disability Portal.
      
NTDI
      
The National Training & Development Institute (NTDI) - www.ntdi.ie
Is Irelands largest non-government training organisation with over 40 centres throughout Ireland. No formal entry requirements needed for any NTDI courses and no fees. Additionally students receive training allowance and retain statutory benefits e.g. free travel. There is a wide range of courses available including distant learning. Courses can be tailored to suit the individual and there is also an equipment placing service.
      
For further information, contact:
      
NameAddress / PhoneServing
NTDI Head OfficeRoslyn Park, Beech Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Tel: (01) 2057200
Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny,
Wexford, Wicklow
NTDIPatrick St., Tullamore, Co Offaly
Tel: (0506) 41044
Cavan, Laois, Longford
Meath, Monaghan, Offaly,
Westmeath
NTDIDosco Industrial Estate, Cork
Tel: (021) 361283
Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick
Tipperary, Waterford
NTDIParkmore Industrial Estate, Galway
Tel: (091) 753096
Donegal, Galway, Leitrim
Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
      
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
      
This scheme is aimed at giving people education and training opportunities, which will develop their employability.

If you are over 21, unemployed and on disability allowance, the dept of education has a scheme called the VTO scheme, courses are provided free of charge. Courses last up to 2 years and include a wide range of subjects, to obtain a list of V.E.C. colleges around Ireland contact:
The Adult Education Department of your local Vocational Education Committee (VEC). CDU, Sundrive Rd, Dublin 12. Tel (01) 4535487.

If you wish to pursue a full-time or third level course, you man qualify for a back to education allowance (BTEA). This outlines a number of ways in which you can return a full-time or part time education while continuing to receive income support.

The allowance is payable for the duration of the course including all holiday periods. It is not means tested so you can work with out it effecting your payment. Any maintenance grant you may receive will not effect your payment; you will also keep any secondary benefits you already have.

Alternatively, you may continue to receive your current social welfare payment if you wish to participate in other education, training or development courses.

For more information
Local Social Welfare Office or The Dept. Information Services Tel: (01) 8748444.
Information on Social Welfare Services is available on RTE'S Teletex Aertel, Internet www.dscfa.ie

Recommended Book Accessing Third Level Education (A hand book for Students with Disabilities and learning difficulties) Contact: Ahead (01) 4752386
      
"Back to Education" Allowance
      
Employment Support Services,
The Dept. of Social, Community and Family Affairs
- www.welfare.ie.
      
If you wish to pursue a full-time or third level course, you may qualify for a back to education allowance (BTEA).

There are a number of ways in which unemployed people, lone parents and people getting certain disability payments can return to full-time education (second and third level) and receive the Back to Education Allowance paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. You may also retain secondary benefits such as Rent/Mortgage Supplement.

The allowance is payable for the duration of the course including all holiday periods. It is not means tested so you can work without it effecting your payment. Any maintenance grant you may receive will not affect your payment, you will also keep any secondary benefits you already have.
      
For more information:
Local Social Welfare Office or The Dept. Information Services Tel: (01) 8748444.
Employment Support Service (Headquarters), Back to Education Schemes, Gandon House,
Amiens Street, Dublin 1, (01) 7043759, (01) 7043912.
      
Recommended Book
      
Accessing Third Level Education
( A hand book for Students with Disabilities and learning difficulties)
Contact AHEAD (01) 4752386
        
        
Note: To send us your Education questions, please visit the Contact page. Thank you.
      
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Spinal Injuries Ireland, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Ave, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
      
Tel: +353 (0)1 2355317        Charity Registration No: CHY 11535        Email: info@spinalinjuries.ie