Improving Consistency in Reasonable Accommodations for FET
Dive into the research findings and recommendations on enhancing consistency in reasonable accommodations for Further Education and Training (FET). Explore the challenges in individualized disability supports, methodology, policy gaps, needs assessment, funding sources, and more. Discover insights to address inconsistencies effectively in FET programs.
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Presentation Transcript
Reasonable Accommodations in FET How can we improve consistency? Dara Ryder CEO (tw - @dararyder) /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
In this presentation About this Research Methodology Key Findings and Recommendations (focus on improvements here today) @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable Accommodations in FET Research in FET Research Why? Why? Good progress on UDL in FET Inconsistency in individualised disability supports highlighted in programme reviews. Research to understand state of play, gaps and areas for improvement in consistency.
Methodology/Sample Stratified Quota Sampling Strata/Quotas Set Sample Collected 75% (12) of ETBs represented by respondents working directly within a regional ETB. 20 respondents representing 13 (81%) of the 16 ETBs. 50 responses from those representing a local college/centre, with at least one response from a college/centre in 75% (12) of ETBs. 77 respondents in colleges/centres based in 14 (88%) of the 16 ETBs. @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Reasonable Accommodation Policies 75% of ETB respondents Good reach, but gaps significant identified in what policies cover "There is a policy in development for reasonable accommodations for assessment and examinations. There is a need for a policy on the provision of reasonable accommodations for overall learning." (ETB respondent) /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Needs Assessment (NA) Process 47% of ETB respondents Minority had formal NA procedure at ETB level different at college/centre level "The PLC colleges would have clearer guidelines as opposed to the rest of the FET provision given their experience delivering the Fund for Students with Disabilities." (ETB respondent) /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Funding Sources very different from centre to centre Different for different programmes . (college/centre respondent) In some cases - lack of awareness if any funding could be accessed. Funding inconsistency led to outcomes inconsistency. /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Web Communications of Disability Supports Some colleges have better information than others. Some have no information available and there is no centralised information source for (the ETB). 50% of ETB respondents What s available? 47% of ETB respondents How to access it? (college/centre respondent) /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Dedicated Staffing/Contact Point Coordinating Supports 65% of college/ centre respondents Very different approaches to staffing across colleges/centres (One of biggest challenges is a) lack of dedicated, trained support staff in centres to support learners and educators to implement RA (reasonable accommodations). (ETB respondent) /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Staff Training & Capacity Building in RA/NA 45% of all respondents Less than half offering training to relevant staff. Confusion over what s appropriate and lack of understanding of the legal obligation evident. Desire for specific training in RA and NA /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Other Significant Challenges Medical evidence burden out of step with post primary. Inaccessibility of older centres. Volume of learners vs. short course length. /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
Key Recommendations National ETB AHEAD Review disability support staffing (Funding/Staffing Frameworks) Review and update RA policy Review web communications clear, consistent, messaging Develop COPs and foster collaboration Develop guidance and on- demand training Gather and share good practice case studies Create self- review tools for policies and comms FSD expansion Reduce barriers - Medical evidence requirement
Thank You and Next Steps! Questions? /AHEADireland @aheadireland www.ahead.ie
