1. ICT Resources & Supports:
National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE)
&
Department of Education and Science (DES)

2. Issues for the SEN/LS teacher
Matching technology with students
Training in ICT and SEN
Choosing hardware/assistive technology
Getting funding for ICT & purchasing
Choosing software tools
Choosing or creating appropriate digital content
Using software/ICT in the classroom
Getting support/helping yourself
NCTE is a source of support in most of these areas, as follows:

3. NCTE/DES Technology Support
Grants for ICT use in special needs, issued by DES (without application) to the school
DES funds for individual special needs students (application-based)
Laptops for visiting teachers
Providing special needs advice e.g., through booklets, NCTE website, etc.

4. Grants for Individual Students with Special Needs
Primary
Application-based procedure for individual students with specific assistive technology needs
Schools apply to the Special Educational Needs Organiser with assigned responsibility for the school. See NCSE website for SENO contact details .

5. Grants for Individual Students with Special Needs
Post-Primary
Application-based procedure for individual students with specific assistive technology needs. Schools apply to the SENO with assigned responsibility for the school.
The eligibility criteria, application form and procedure under the terms of Memo 14/05, all available on   - choose “Children with Special Needs”, then view file Circular M14/05.

6. NCTE Software Support Software evaluation activity
involves special needs teachers/titles
see NCTE website/ Software Central (
Guide to software evaluation published
Funds software library in education centres
Contact local ICT advisor for access
Some peripherals/assistive technology for special needs also available in these libraries
Talks/demos arranged in education centres

7. NCTE SEN/ICT Training
Training starts with basic training: introductory phases 1 and 2.
ICT and special needs courses:
The Basics
Learning Support
Mild General Learning Disabilities
Moderate, Severe/Profound General Learning Disabilities and Multiple Disabilities
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Visual impairment
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Courses in various technology skills, e.g., the Internet, and in using ICT in the curriculum
Support groups through education centres

8. Using ICT in the classroom:
Supporting projects looking at
use of specific technologies/software
different uses of ICT with students with special needs, e.g., Laptops Initiative
See NCTE website and SIP website for project information ( (
Working with NCCA on development of curricular guidelines & exemplars for ICT
Working with DES and others to provide digital information and content

9. NCTE: Internet content and support
Scoilnet: Irish education portal
Curriculum resources and weblinks (not only on ICT)
Special needs section
NCTE website: Info and advice on ICT
Special needs technology section
Developing digital content
Promoting internet safety

10. Other NCTE SEN activities
Working with European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education
See case studies on
See also
Identifying support issues - regional and local support (feeding into policy and practice)
Co-ordinating service delivery to schools with regional ICT advisors

11. General Support Sources
Support groups via education centres
Other schools / teachers
NCTE special needs staff
ICT Advisors
Participants in innovative projects
Publications, talks, conferences
Referrals to other services, e.g., special needs and ICT advice service - DES

12. ICT Advisor Network
ICT Advisors located in full-time education centres - work with NCTE to provide advice, support and training to schools
West Cork

13. NCTE Contacts (for SEN)
Address: National Centre for Technology in Education, DCU, Dublin 9
Ph:
Fax:
Web: