Lack of facilities keeps disabled students out

Lack of facilities and teacher interventions at PLC colleges is a major factor in the nonenrolment of students with disabilities on PLC courses. According to recent research by Mary Carter, a guidance counsellor at Colaiste Chiarain in Leixlip, Co Kildare, "suitable facilities and teacher interventions are necessary" if PLC courses want to include such students.

Carter contacted 54 PLC course administrators around the country earlier this year while conducting a survey as part of a Higher Diploma in arts (school guidance and counselling) course run jointly by NUI Maynooth and the Institute of Education in Marino, Dublin. "I found that the goodwill is there but, in many instances, buildings are old and unsuitable for alterations needed to provide access."

Although PLC colleges have accommodated students with disabilities in former years, she says, they have not made this information available in their prospectuses. "They intimated that lack of resources is a major factor in the non-enrolment of people with disabilities.

"It's important to note that a school does not have to be suitable for all disabilities but adaptations be made for needs as they arise. If a pupil has poor co-ordination, the teacher or some helper should be prepared to tape paper to the desk, provide large pencils or even guide hands. When writing is a difficulty, either a helper or a tape recorder should be used." Carter also refers to the provision of interpreters. The Department of Education and Science assured her that, with prior knowledge of needs, it is happy to make funds available for adapting buildings. "In the light of my research, I wonder is this lip service," she asks.

At least four per cent of the school-going population have disabilities. However, participation in mainstream schools at all levels is significantly lower again.

Some colleges have changed course locations to ground level to facilitate wheelchair users, she writes in her report. Many PLC colleges in Dublin city would be wheelchair accessible and have adapted toilets - but, she says, they do not make this generally known. However, she concludes that awareness is growing and "some action is being taken."