What is the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)?
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers with a disability who have completed an Irish Leaving Certificate. HEAR has been set up by a number of colleges and universities as a result of evidence that has shown that disability can have a negative impact on a student’s access to college.
Which Colleges Participate?
Participating colleges can be viewed by clicking this link http://accesscollege.ie/dare/participating-colleges/
What are the benefits of the DARE Programme?
Reduced Points Places: Each college has reserved a number of places for HEAR students at lower Leaving Certificate points.
Extra Support: Extra academic, personal and social supports while at college such as Assistive technology, learning support, library support, academic tuition and an educational support worker.
Who can apply?
School leavers under the age of 23, as of 1st January 2015, who have completed their Leaving Certificate exams. In order to apply applicants must meet a range of requirements and must have the ability to benefit from and succeed in Higher Education, but who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of a disability or ongoing illness.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply to DARE – what criteria are used?
Any person that has a disability can avail of the DARE Programme. DARE requires you to submit evidence of your disability as part of your application. Your evidence of disability documentation is then used by DARE to establish whether or not you meet DARE’s eligibility criteria. This is also used by DARE colleges and universities to determine the kinds of supports you might need when you get to college. Your application will not be complete until you provide evidence of your disability by 1 April 2015. For more information on eligibility criteria and providing evidence of your disability visit the DARE website http://accesscollege.ie/dare/providing-evidence-of-your-disability/
How do I apply?
Students can apply online at the CAO website from 5th November 2014. As part of the application process, and depending on individual circumstances, applicants will be asked to submit documentation relating to their disability. For more information on this please visit http://accesscollege.ie/dare/making-a-hear-application/
For further information on how to apply and to download forms, guides and resources to help you with your DARE application please visit http://accesscollege.ie/dare/forms-guides-resources/
For further information on the DARE programme please visit http://accesscollege.ie/dare/.
