Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
What is the Disability Access Route to Education?
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary access scheme for school leavers with disabilities. DARE exists because there is clear evidence which shows that disability can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and progression to higher education.
Who is it for?
As participants in DARE, the college welcomes and encourages applications from school leavers with disabilities and/or special requirements through this scheme.
How do I apply?
Applicants who wish to be considered for the DARE scheme must:
- Online: Apply online at www.cao.ie as part of the CAO application process by 1st February.
- Disability Status: Disclose a disability or specific learning difficulty on the appropriate section of the application form by March 1st.
- Supplementary Information Form: Applicants will then be directed to the separate online Supplementary Information Form which will ask them to provide additional information about their disability or specific learning difficulty (Sections A-C) see www.accesscollege.ie for more information.
- Applicants must indicate their wish to be considered for DARE (final Section on Supplementary Admissions Routes).
- Supporting Documentation: Applicants must submit supporting documentation by 1st April, to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway.
- Matriculation Requirements: Applicants must meet the matriculation requirements (minimum entry requirements) for entry and any other requirements of the specific programme – see prospectus for more information.
- Points Concession: Applicants with a disability seeking entry to the Bachelor of Religious Education programmes (MD201, MD301, MD401 - restricted), may be admitted with a CAO points score of up to 40 points less than the lowest ordinary entrant to that respective Bachelor of Religious Education programme. However, the floor on cut-off points is 330 points (e.g. if the points for an ordinary entrant is 365, a supplementary admissions applicant may only receive a points concession of 35 points).
- MD500 Course Applications: Applicants seeking entry to the BA programme MD500, will only be admitted with a CAO points score that is the same as the lowest ordinary entrant on the BA programme.
Applications for DARE must be made online at www.cao.ie
Further information about the schemes is available below
DARE Application Advice Video
Please ensure to apply online by 1st February
What DARE Post Entry Supports are available?
Students who secure places in MDI through DARE are offered a variety of supports while studying at third level for example:
- An orientation programme to introduce students to university/college
- Study skills, extra tuition if required and exam support
- Access to assistive technology and training
-
One-to-one meetings with support staff, social gatherings and mentoring
However any student who has, or suspects they may have a disability can contact the Student Supports Officer to discuss their requirements, irrespective of whether they enter MDI through the DARE scheme.
Further Information
Further details on the HEAR and DARE schemes can be obtained from www.accesscollege.ie or by contacting
Carmel Carroll, Student Supports Officer on
(01) 808 6584 or by emailing carmel.carroll@materdei.dcu.ie
