Educational Supports

Liaison with Academic Departmental Representatives

The Disability Support Service liaises with nominated Departmental Academic Representatives to support students with disabilities pursuing degree programmes in their departments.

A ssessment of Needs

The Disability Support Service Staff will assess the needs of each student with a disability and develop an individual educational support programme to support each student's needs focusing on the individual and not on the disability. Students are encouraged to meet with the Disability Support Officer as early as possible to identify their needs and ensure that all necessary arrangements can be made.

Orientation Programme

An orientation programme is held in September each year. Students with disabilities who gain entry through the C.A.O System and Direct Entry Students are invited to attend this important introduction to University life, where a detailed outline is given of the supports available to students with disabilities at U.C.C.

Tutorial Support Programme

The aim of this programme is to address the educational difficulties which may be experienced by certain students as a result of their disability. Postgraduate tutors are contracted to work with students on a one-to-one basis in subject specific areas under a strict code of practice. Tutors will never complete any work for a student but will instead help them to identify and implement better ways of learning. Please note that the allocation of a tutor depends on the results of the needs assessment that is carried out.

Alternative Media Format Service

The Disability Support Service provides materials in alternative formats that best suit the requirements of students with a vision impairment. Textual information such as core text books, lecture handouts and exam papers are made available in Braille, Electronic Text, Large Print and Audiotape to meet individual students' needs.

Note-takers

Note-takers are contracted, where possible for students with disabilities who encounter serious difficulties in recording lecture notes. Many lecturers now post their lecture notes on the Intranet. This system is called 'Blackboard'. To Login to 'Blackboard' type http://barra.ucc.ie/ Please note that the allocation of a note-taker depends on the results of the needs assessment that is carried out.

Electronic note-takers using VCN software or Speed Text facilitate deaf and hard of hearing students in lecture venues.

For note-taking guidelines please click here.

Irish Sign Language Interpreters

Irish sign language interpreters are provided, where possible, to facilitate deaf students at lectures and tutorials.