Students with Learning Difference

The Fund for Students with Disabilities is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Students with Learning Difference

MTU is committed to ensuring that students with learning difference can participate on their programmes of study like all other students.

Students with learning difference include students with dyslexia; dyscalculia; dyspraxia (DCD); Asperger’s syndrome/ASD; borderline mild general learning difficulty; speech and language disorder; ADD/ADHD; acquired brain injury (ABI) or any other condition impacting on cognitive functioning.

Officer for Students with Learning Difference – Siobhan Mac Garry

A dedicated Officer is available within MTU Kerry Campus to assess student needs, co-ordinate student supports, offer mentoring support and promote the development of stronger independent learner skills for students with learning difference. The Officer for Students with Learning Difference also works across the University to ensure that students with learning difference can experience as full a university experience as possible and be facilitated to reach their true academic potential.

It is fully understood that individual students with learning difference have different needs and so each student is considered as an individual with his or her own story. The Service offers students the opportunity to have their needs individually assessed to identify any Reasonable Accommodation and/or other supports that they may require to facilitate them on their programme of studies. Any information about a student is shared with lecturers or other third parties only with the student’s specific consent.

MTU strives to offer an inclusive learning environment which caters for all learning needs and students with learning difference are encouraged to engage in all their classes and course supports. Additional learning support is available for students who are struggling with developing the skills required for third level learning. These students can be offered additional support to develop their academic skills at a pace suitable to their learning needs.

What does the Service for Students with Learning Difference offer?

• Individual needs assessment meetings usually resulting in the compilation of a confidential Individual Learning Requirement document (ILR) which holds a record of the agreed reasonable accommodations (including examination accommodations) and other supports. The ILR document is available for viewing only by lecturers involved in course delivery.
• Students are offered mentoring / guidance/ learning and study skills support appropriate to their needs.
• Students with autism/ASD can avail of regular ongoing mentoring sessions.
• Students are guided towards training in technologies to support the development of academic reading, writing and general study skills required for third level. 
• Students can be supported in their liaison with academic staff, where appropriate.
• Students are offered a printing allowance, where appropriate, to support access to class notes.
• Consultation appointments are offered to students who have concerns regarding a possible learning difference.
• Referrals can be made to external specialists/ services, where appropriate.

Please read the Student Handbook for Students with Learning Difference including Students with Dyslexia, which gives an outline of the Service available to students.

Download documents:

• Disability Services Student Privacy Statement
• Student Consent to Disclose and Share Disability Information
• Code of Practice for Students with Disabilities
• Support for Students with ASD/Asperger's Syndrome

Students are encouraged to make early contact with the Officer for Students with Learning Difference.

To request an appointment please email: supportservicesKerry@mtu.ie

Further Information: Fund for Students with Disabilities