The University of Limerick is part of a supplementary application procedure in place for students from non-traditional learning backgrounds, which includes students with disabilities. This is known as DARE (Disability Access Route to Education).
The Disability Access route to Education (DARE) is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. DARE has been established by a number of higher education institutions as there is evidence to show that disability and/or specific learning difficulties can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and on progression to higher education. Applicants with a disability applying for full time undergraduate degree/diploma courses in the University of Limerick must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February, indicating on the application form that they have a disability or specific learning difficulty, which is the basis for seeking reasonable accommodations of support in either the application process or in pursuing their College career. Applicants should note that there is no late application facility for this scheme - application must be made by 1st February.
Mature students (i.e. at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the proposed year of entry) with disabilities should apply through the CAO by the 1st of February. For further information see here
DARE Admissions Procedure for students with disabilities (traditional aged students under the age of 23)
To be eligible for consideration for the supplementary admission process in the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) Scheme, students with disabilities must:
Full details of the criteria for the DARE supplementary admissions process can be accessed from www.accesscollege.ie
Students should note that in addition to satisfying the criteria for the DARE scheme they are also required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics, Irish or another language and English). They must also meet the specific course requirements outlined in the undergraduate prospectus at the UL website at www.ul.ie/courses/
Allocation of Places:
Where demand for places exceeds the number of places available, places are awarded on merit.
Further information - Disability Service
Further information about the DARE scheme is available at www.accesscollege.ie and www.cao.ie
If you wish to clarify any issues or concerns you may have, in relation to your disability, and the demands of a course or on professional practice after qualification.
Applying for a Language Waiver
Students seeking to enter the University of Limerick are required to present six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English, Mathematics and Irish or one other modern language.
Students may receive a waiver of the Irish or modern language requirement if they:-
(i) function intellectually at average or above average level and who have a specific learning difficulty of such a degree of severity that they fail to achieve expected levels of attainment in basic language skills in English, or
(ii) have a significant hearing impairment or are deaf, and are also failing to attain adequate levels in language skills in English.
The evidence of such a level of disability must be furnished by providing a copy of the Certificate of Exemption from Irish (Revision of Rule 46 "Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools" in relation to Irish - Circular Letter M10/94 - Department of Education). The Certificate should be forwarded directly to the University's Admissions Office.
CAO Forms
The CAO handbook, Course Lists and Application Form are now available to download from the CAO Website. The forms and handbooks available are as follows:
1. CAO Application Handbook
2. Changes to CAO Handbook
3. Application Form
4. CAO Handbook (Audio Version)
5. CAO Course List (Audio Version)
For Further information contact -
Disability Services, Glucksman Library
Phone: 061234847/ 061 213098
Email: caoilinn.kennedy@ul.ie
Website: www.ul.ie/disabilityservices
The C-Pen Exam Reader pen scanner is an electronic pen the uses text to speech to read aloud printed text. The C-Pen Exam Reader is an orange portable, pocket-sized device that reads text out aloud with an English human-like digital voice used instead of a human reader.
This device means students who have reading difficulties such as dyslexia can independently take exams knowing that they can read and understand the questions. Students using the pen bring their own in-ear headphones to use with the reading pen via 3.5mm headphone socket. All students are given the opportunity to train on the reading pen prior to exams.
The reading pens have been used in UL for the last four years by first years through to postgraduate students. The reading pen is also available as a reasonable accommodation in the Leaving Cert resulting in more and more students entering college and university already trained on how to use the reading pen in exams.
Below is a very short video on the exam reader pen.
