Special Educational Needs in Further Education

Accommodating special educational needs in further education is a crucial aspect of our education system: it is important that our educational institutions ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities for learning and personal growth.
We will explore the journey of a student with special educational needs, starting from the application process to the organisation of ongoing supports within further education settings. We will examine the policies, procedures, and best practices that underpin this journey, and discuss how these can be effectively implemented to foster an environment where all students can thrive.

Key Areas

1. Application Process:

• Understanding the initial steps for students with special educational needs when applying for further education.
• Key considerations for colleges to ensure a fair and accessible application process.
• Importance of transparent communication and support during this stage.

2. Assessment and Identification of Needs:

• Processes for assessing the specific educational needs of students.
• Carrying out a needs assessment with the student to determine the level of support that the student may require based on the evidence of disability and information obtained from the student on the impact of their disability.
• Legal and ethical considerations in the assessment process.

3. Organising Supports:

• Types of supports available, including academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and personal assistance/notetaking.
• Best practices for implementing and maintaining these supports effectively.
• Role of continuous monitoring and feedback in adapting support to evolving needs.

4. Case Studies and Best Practices:

• Examples of successful accommodation of special educational needs in further education.
• Lessons learned and strategies for overcoming common challenges.
• Innovative approaches and emerging trends in the field.

Our overall aim is to equip you with the knowledge to enhance the educational experiences of students with special educational needs in Further Education with the hope that you will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved, as well as practical insights into creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment.

The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers.

Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Maureen Lynch, Assistant Principal in Cavan Institute and Faela Heavin, Special Educational Needs Teacher in Cavan Institute.
Maureen has worked in Further education for 30 years in Cavan Institute
For the past 15 years, Maureen has served as Assistant Principal at Cavan Institute, with a primary responsibility for overseeing special educational needs. In this role she been involved in shaping and implementing policies that ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Faela Heavin is a Special Educational Needs Teacher in Cavan Institute. Faela has over 20 years teaching experience working in the area of Special Educational Needs in both the post- primary sector and in Further Education. Faela is committed to improving the college experience for SEN Learners in Further Education.

Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.