Assessment fears for students with learning disabilities

Students with learning disabilities entering third level education may have to pay for their own psychological assessments, it was claimed today.

The Union of Students in Ireland warned students would have to dig into their own pockets because of a waiting list for state-funded assessments.

Welfare Officer Peadar Hayes said: "Students who enter third-level must not be forced to pay for a private psychological assessment because the state is not up to the job.

"There are reports of students being forced to wait up to two years for a psychological assessment by the National Educational Psychological Service.

"Such a waiting time is shocking and unacceptable. A student with learning disabilities who doesn't receive an up-to-date psychological assessment could be missing out on critical educational supports. Without supports, a student may struggle to an extent that is unnecessary."

Students with disabilities entering third level colleges and universities are asked to provide a psychological assessment carried out in the past three years.

However student leaders are concerned about delays in state-funded assessments.

Mr Hayes called on the Government to work with the National Educational Psychological Service to reduce the waiting list.

"Until schools and ministers work with the National Educational Psychological Service to eliminate the waiting list for assessments, colleges must allow students to present an assessment that was carried out five or more years ago," he said.