Written answer
Departmental Policies
AAC devices are currently excluded from the Education Department’s Assistive Technology Scheme because they are considered general-use equipment normally provided by the HSE. A review is nearing completion, aiming to simplify applications and shift eligibility to children’s educational needs; the Department says it will continue working with other agencies.
116. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she will review the assistive technology scheme under Circular 0010/2013, which excludes communication devices that have a general application outside school, so that pupils who need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to access the curriculum are no longer referred between her Department and the HSE; and whether she will agree a joint protocol with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a single pathway for these pupils. [74773/26]
Comment on this
Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my department to supplement the overall funding approach for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools can apply for this equipment under the terms of the Assistive Technology Scheme.
As per the terms of the current scheme, communication devices and medical or therapy-related equipment which are not specific educational interventions, or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, are not eligible for support. This includes those devices that have a general application outside the school setting that would normally be provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to children with disabilities. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices fall into this category and so they would not be provided under my department's Assistive Technology Scheme.
I can assure the deputy that officials in my department are finalising a review of the Assistive Technology Scheme which will culminate in the publication of a new circular and the launch of an updated application process. A key objective of the review is to streamline the application process. This will be achieved through the implementation of a new portal for schools to submit applications, as well as a review of the eligibility criteria. In aiming to shift the scheme from a diagnosis-based approach to a needs-based approach, schools will be granted greater autonomy in determining whether a child requires assistive technology to access the curriculum.
Ultimately, any child who needs assistive technology to access the curriculum will receive it under this scheme. Promoting the use of assistive technologies is part of the current Programme for Government and the review of current assistive technology scheme in the department has been a key Ministerial priority. My department will continue to work with all departments and agencies to ensure that this is the case.