If you're a learner with a disability or learning difficulty, and you think you’ll need support in college, you’ll need to register with the Disability and Learning Support Team at City of Dublin FET College, Ide Finglas North West Campus.

Just ticking a box on your application form is not enough. You need to complete all steps below.

Step 1: Fill in the Learner Support Registration Form

• You can find this form on the college website.
• You can fill it in at any time but ideally before you start on your programme.
•  If you have high support needs (for example, a physical disability or serious medical condition) the earlier you register the better . This will give the college time to put the right support in place. Its really all about your needs.

Step 2: Complete the Needs Assessment Form

• Once you're registered, the Disability & Learning Support Team will send you a Needs Assessment (NA) Form by email.
• You’ll need to:
  • Fill it in
  • Upload it to your MIT account
  • Upload your medical or educational documents (this is your proof of a disability or learning difficulty)

Step 3: Book Your Support Meeting

• In late August or early September, learners will be asked to book a meeting with the Disability & Learning Support Team.
• In this meeting, you’ll talk about the support you need.
• After the meeting, a team member will write a Recommendations for Educational Support (RES) document.
  • You’ll agree on the supports listed.
  • A copy of the RES will be sent to your course teachers  so they know how to support you in class.
  • Learning support, assistive technology, or other supports will be arranged as soon as possible.

 Support Checklist

• Have you completed the Learner Support Registration Form?
• Have you checked your email for your Needs Assessment Form?
• Have you uploaded your evidence of disability/learning difficulty?
• Have you booked your RES meeting?
  (Parents or guardians can attend the RES meeting if you’re happy with that.)

Before Classes Start

Would You Like a Campus Tour?

Some learners with disabilities might want to visit the college before the course starts.

You can:

• Tour the campus
• See your classroom spaces
• Meet your teachers and support staff
• Fill out a safety/risk assessment plan, if needed
  (Parents or guardians can attend the visit with you.)

ASD Learner Induction Workshop

If you have a diagnosis of Autism (ASD), let us know and we will organise an induction workshop before college starts in September.

These workshops will help you  prepare

• Your first few weeks in college
• Meeting some staff
• Touring quiet spaces and doors painted pink in the building (for Learner Assistance )and in particular our Multisensory room

Course Induction for All Learners

Before classes start, all learners will attend an induction sessions

You'll get:

• Info about how your course will run
• A tour of the building
• A chance to meet your class and teachers
• An overview of IT to include  Microsoft 365, Moodle academic writing, referencing, and inclusion
• Your timetable, Moodle login, and college email account

 It’s very important to attend your induction.

Getting Organised for Term One

Classes will usually begin in mid or late September.

In your first classes, you’ll learn:

• How your modules will run
• What assignments are due and when
• What equipment or books you’ll need
• Any health and safety rules

Courses usually run 4 days a week. Timetables may change slightly at first but should be final by week 3.

By week 3, you should have:

• A full timetable
• An assignment schedule with all your due dates

It’s important to attend all classes, especially at the beginning.

If things feel overwhelming, that’s okay. The Disability and Learning Support Team and Guidance Team are here to help. Staff are located in rooms where the doors are painted pink or the Learning Support Room –Room 23

First Term: Learning & Assessment

Each course is different — you could  have your own mix of:

• Lab Reports
• Learner Records
• Skill Demos
• Written Work
• Group or Solo Presentations
• Portfolios and Projects
• Practical Tasks
• Exams

You’ll get a breakdown of each module — including deadlines and grading info. It’s your responsibility to keep track of everything and submit work on time.

Learning Support

Learners who register for support can access:

• Workshops in the first few weeks
• Ongoing one-to-one support, which you can book through the online learner support system

First Term Checklist

• Do you understand your assessment types and deadlines?
• Are you using your assignment tracker or calendar?
• Are you submitting assignments on time?
• Do you need help with organizing or proofreading? Can anyone at home help?
• Are you attending support sessions?
• If you're struggling with a subject, have you spoken to your tutor or the learning support team?
• What feedback can you use?

Final Term: Finishing Strong

This is the most important part of the year. Stay focused until the very end.

Check your tracker and assignment list to make sure everything is submitted on time.

At all times we are here to help and support you to reach your full potential.

City of Dublin FET College Ide, Finglas, Northwest Campus

Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas West, Dublin 11

T 01 834 2333 / 01 834 2450
F 01 834 7242
E info@ide.cdetb.ie
W www.colaisteide.ie