The centre caters for the following groups and provides the necessary training equipment, software and materials:
The Visually Impaired Computer Society (VICS) conduct computer for beginners and ECDL training for 20 visually impaired students on Saturday morning from 10-4pm in Colaiste Ide.
Presently we have 20 students accessing our courses on Wednesday and Friday morning. We offer ECDL and FETAC certification for this course.
This has been a very successful course, using sign language as a method of communication. Presently we have 20 students completing their ECDL.
Headway the National Association for Acquired Brain Injury teaches people with brain injury a number of skills such as computing, electronics, advocacy and brain injury awareness as part of a rehabilitation programme. For further information contact our National Telephone Helpline on 1890 200 278 or visit www.headway.ie.
The Open Learning Centre has now the capability to offer student's who experience transport difficulties, educational programmes over a 2.4Ghz licence free radio link, allowing 24hour access to course material and tutorials and free use of the Internet.
Students with Agoraphobia can also avail of the Centres programmes over the radio link. Two-thirds of those suffering from Agoraphobia in Ireland are women who developed symptoms between the ages of 18 and 35. Many Agoraphobia victims become so disabled they literally will not leave their homes. Use of the Open Learning Centres radio link can provide these students with access to the outside world and help to rebuild their confidence.
St Michael's House teaches computer literacy classes on a Wednesday morning.
For those students who experience difficulty with transport, our Computer on Wheels initiative brings the technology, and tutor direct to their location. Currently the Irish Wheelchair association are availing of this service.
We have recently set up an out centre for retired ladies and gentlemen in Cabra. The Silver Surfers Club will provide students of our out centre with the ICT skills necessary to communicate with their friends and relatives using E-mail. It is hoped to emulate this project in further locations.
Colaiste Ide is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are able to access and participate fully in college life. We will try to provide the necessary support facilities and heighten disability awareness among staff and students.
The NTDI/CDVEC Disability Support Service
What is the Disability Support Service?
The DSS is a joint educational service provided by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee and the National Training and Development Institute. The purpose of this service is to support students who, for one reason or another, are having either a temporary or ongoing difficulty in accessing their continuing education.
The DSS will work closely with Guidance Counsellors, Course Coordinators and members of staff to make sure that the right information and educational support is given to people identifying educational needs.
