Scope of fund for students with disabilities to be extended

The operation of a €10m fund for college students with disabilities is to be reformed to ensure more people benefit and with fewer delays.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) helped nearly 10,500 students last year, almost treble the number assisted in 2008, according to a report for the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Although funding has increased slightly over the last three years to €10.4m, it remains less than the €10.6m provided in 2013 when less than 8,000 students benefited.

The HEA is to lead the implementation of 14 recommendations arising from the review, including an extension of the fund to part-time students. It administers the fund on behalf of the Department of Education, with third-level and further education colleges helping students to access funding and organising appropriate supports on campus.