Disability Office
FAQ
Who can register with the Disability Office?
What kind of supports are available for someone with dyslexia?
I'm a member of staff and I have some students with disabilities in my classes. Any advice?
Do I need to have any documentation to get supports?
I didn't tick the CAO box to say that I have a disability? Is it too late to register?
I think I have dyslexia. What should I do?
Is NUI Maynooth a 'disability-friendly' place?
Who can register with the Disability Office?
All full-time students of the University who have a disability.
What kind of supports are available for someone with dyslexia?
Learners with dyslexia often get access to learning support (advice on how to be an effective student), training in assistive technology (useful tools to make reading and writing easier) and academic tuition (additional support in your subjects).
I'm a member of staff and I have some students with disabilities in my classes. Any advice?
There are many straightforward ways in which you can support your students. You will find more detailed information in our Staff Support Area.
Do I need to have any documentation to get supports?
Yes, if you require supports other than those generally available, we may need to make a funding application on your behalf. If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you will need a report from an educational psychologist. This should be no older than 3 years. All other students need a report from a consultant or specialist detailing the type and extent of the disability. Letters from a GP are not acceptable.
I didn't tick the CAO box to say that I have a disability? Is it too late to register?
You can register with the Disability Office at any time. However, the earlier you register with us, the better able we will be to make sure that you get the support you need.
I think I have dyslexia. What should I do?
Many students, often mature students, may not have been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty. These students only realise that they may have dyslexia when faced with reading tasks and written assignments in college. If you feel that you may have dyslexia, contact the Disability Officer who can talk to you about your options.
Is NUI Maynooth a 'disability-friendly' place?
Physically, NUIM has two campuses. The North Campus is where most academic departments are based and most lectures and most teaching takes place. The majority of the buildings are modern and accessible. The large lecture theatres are fitted with T-loop systems and all multi story buildings have ramps and lifts. The South Campus has some older buildings and many administrative offices are located here. As far as possible, the university has attempted to make these buildings accessible, but some changes, such as installing lifts, are not possible. There are disability parking spaces and toilets available all over both campuses.
From a teaching perspective, most departments use Moodle, an online learning environment. In Moodle, students can access lecture notes, reading materials, quizzes, forums and chat. The university actively promotes the use of technology in teaching. This is beneficial to learners who use assistive technology to read or view material.
The Library has assistive technology available for all users and has staff available to assist learners with finding books or using the services. They have also begun converting core texts into digital format for easier access on and off campus. Through the Library website, you can access thousands of electronic journals as well as electronic versions of past exam papers.
Assistive technology software such as TextHelp and Inspiration are available on all computers throughout the campus. The Assistive Technology Centre has a full range of technology for learners registered with the Disability Office.
