Assessment & Disability

Assessment Services

The National Learning Network Assessment Service was established in 2003 as a result of a unique partnership between National Learning Network, the Dyscovery Centre in Cardiff, and the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.The Assessment Service provides assessment and support for children (aged 5 and upwards), adolescents and adults with Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD). Staff at the centre also provide functional strategies and support for other associated Specific Processing/Learning Difficulties, such as Asperger's Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Located on the modern campus of the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown, National Learning Network Assessment Service promotes inclusive education nationally through the development of its unique screening facility together with comprehensive educational, vocational and functional activity support services for third level students and adult learners with Specific Processing/Learning Difficulties.

The Assessment Service has a broad and highly qualified multidisciplinary team who work closely together and are committed to providing a best practice service. The team includes: Psychologists, Dyslexia Tutor/Educational Support Officer, Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Support Officer.

For further details please contact Suzanne McCarthy, Educational Psychologist at:

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Block A, Blanchardstown Rd North Dublin 15
Dublin
Telephone: 018851386
Fax: 018851389
Email: assessmentservice@nln.ie

Disability Support Service

The National Learning Network/CDVEC Disability Support Service (DSS) is an exciting and innovative partnership between the National Learning Network and the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee which offers a wide range of supports to students with disabilities in eight VEC Colleges of Further Education in Dublin.

The colleges comprise Ballyfermot College of Further Education; Pearse College of Further Education; Inchicore College of Further Education; Colaiste Dhulaigh College of Further Education; Colaiste Ide College of Further Education; Plunkett College; Whitehall College of Further Education and Killester College of Further Education. The project currently has three full time staff, which includes the Disability Support Service Coordinator and two Disability Support Officers.

The daily running of the DSS can be divided into three broad categories: student support; staff support and training, and the promotion of disability/equality issues among the student body.  The DSS is a confidential service. When a student initially approaches the service the Disability Support Officer will carry out a needs identification process with them to ensure they get the support they need in areas such as transport, assistive technology, class and study support, and one to one tuition.

The DSS works in partnership with each principal and with all the college staff, including guidance counsellors, psychological services, subject teachers and exams officers. Staff initiated support involves dealing with queries regarding specific students, the support service itself, and requests for training.

The third and final strand of the services involves promoting disability and equality issues among the student body. This is achieved through dissemination of information about the service and delivery of disability awareness training sessions to class groups. The DSS also has a presence at open days, and at interview and registration days.

For further details please contact Grainne Delahunt, Co ordinator at:

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Block A, Blanchardstown Rd Noth
Dublin 15
Dublin
Telephone: 018851382
Fax: 018851389
Email: disabilitysupportservice@nln.ie

www.nln.ie