Fact Sheet: Accessing Personal Assistance in Higher Education for students with disabilities.

Written by AHEAD

1. I am going to college next October and I need a Personal Assistant (PA) in order to participate fully in my course. How can I get funding for a PA?

Students with a disability who need a PA for the hours that they are in college can apply to the Special Fund for Students with Disabilities. The Department of Education and Science, with assistance from the European Social Fund operates a scheme towards the provision of services and the purchase of equipment for students with disabilities attending courses in third level institutions. The scheme applies to students who have serious sensory, physical and/or communicative disabilities. The range of provision under the scheme includes the allocation of funding for Personal Assistants in order to allow students with disabilities to enter, partake in and complete their course of study.

2. How do I apply to the Special Fund for Students with Disabilities?

In order to apply for funding under the Special Fund, students must be registered with a University, Institute of Technology or a Post Leaving Certificate centre. The student works with the Disability Officer in the University, Access Officer in the IT or the Principal in the case of a PLC, in making an application to the Special Fund. Applications must be made by October of the year of entry to a third level institution and the funding under the scheme is not generally available until Christmas of that year.

3. If I secure funding under the Special Fund who pays my PA?

The exact way in which PAs who are employed by students under the Special Fund are paid can differ. Money allocated to a student under the Special Fund is given to the college. The college then decides in consultation with the student what the best means of payment to a PA would be. Some colleges pay the PA directly, others give the money to the student who pays the PA. In some cases the money is given to a service provider such as the Irish Wheelchair Association or Independent Living and Community Services. These agencies pay the PA on behalf of the student.

4. I live in County Dublin and I am going to study in UCD. I need 24 hour assistance from a PA. How can I secure funding?

Within the Eastern Regional Health Authority area, the Irish Wheelchair Association have been given the contract for the provision of Personal Assistant services. If students need 24 hour assistance they should contact the IWA who then assess the application. The student will be visited by a member of the Assistive Living Services office to have an informal discussion of their needs.

5. I am currently living in Galway but I want to go to do a course in UCC. I will need 24 hour Personal Assistance in order to live away from home. How do I secure funding for a PA?

For Personal Assistance during college you can apply to the Special Fund for Students with Disabilities (discussed above). Students living outside the ERHA area who need a PA outside of college hours have to secure funding from their local health board. The point of contact within the health board is the Physical and Sensory Officer. So the next step is to contact the Western Health Board, explain the situation to the Physical and Sensory officer and then apply for funding.

6. Where can I source a list of PA's?

There are three main organisations that deal with the provision of a PA service. These are the Centre for Independent Living, of which there are 26 throughout Ireland, the Irish Wheelchair Association based in Clontarf and Independent Living and Community Services based in Sandymount. All of these organisations can provide you with a list of PAs and they also provide training for both Leaders (name given to the person with a disability) and PAs.

7. I am planning to go to college next year and I know that I will need a Personal Assistant in order to live away from home. How soon should I start organising employing a PA?

The best advice is to plan well in advance, especially if you need 24 hour assistance. Employing a PA means that you must accept the responsibilities that come with being an employer. The dual roles of student and employer are a challenge and you should consider whether employing a PA would suit you. But the single most important message is to fill out applications and secure funding as soon as you can.

8. How well trained will my PA be?

PAs receive basic training in lifting handling and first aid through courses run by the Irish Wheelchair Association, Independent Living and Community Services and Centres for Independent Living. Both Leader and PA training provided by ILCS is accredited by the National University of Ireland. However, most people who have employed PAs agree that the best training is on the job training. Again it is a case that an employer/employee relationship has to be built up between the two. So while there is basic training available it is up to you to train the PA as to the way that you like things done.

9. I am applying for accommodation on campus. Will I be allocated a room for my PA and if so who will pay for this?

The Special Fund for Students with Disabilities will cover the cost of the room on campus for a PA. However, you will have to cover the cost of your own room on the campus as the Special Fund does not cover this.

10. I don't need a PA but I feel that I will need a note-taker while I am in college. What should I do?

The services of a note-taker are separate from those of a PA. Note taking is classed as an educational support and funding for it is available through the Special Fund.

Created on Tue Feb 28 05:47:41 -0500 2006
Last Edited on Tue Feb 28 05:47:42 -0500 2006