Useful Contacts, Resources and Websites

• National Council for Technology in Education
  The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) has special needs staff that can offer advice and information on the many types of technologies designed to support students with special education needs. The NCTE has support groups for teachers, organised via the ICT advisor in the local education centres, enabling teachers to collaborate and share their experiences and expertise.
  
  

• www.gateway2at.org
  This website is aimed at young people with disabilities who are entering or already in further education or employment. It offers guidance to young people, educators and employers on the the use and availability of assistive technology in Ireland to enable someone with a disability to access education or the workplace. Launched in September 2006.
  
  
• National Educational Psychological Services
  NEPS was established in 1999 to develop and provide an educational psychological service to primary and secondary schools.
  National Educational Psychological Service
  24-27 North Frederick Street
  Dublin 1
  Tel: 01-889 2700
  Email: neps@neps.gov.ie
  
  

• National Council for Special Education
  The National Council for Special Education has recently taken over a number of functions from the Department of Education and Science in relation to children with disabilities with special educational needs. The Council has local offices and it plays a key role in the development and delivery of services for people with special needs through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
  National Council for Special Education
  1-2 Mill Street
  Trim
  Co Meath
  Tel: 046-948 6400

• AHEAD
  AHEAD, the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, is an independent, non-profit organisation. Its aim is to promote full access to and participation in Third Level education for students with disabilities in Ireland. In addition to providing advice and information, AHEAD has produced a number of useful publications including Accessing Third Level Education in Ireland A Handbook for Students with Disabilities 2001.

• ScoilNet
  Scoilnet is the official portal for primary and post-primary schools in Ireland with information resources developed for teachers, parents and pupils and school management. It contains a pool of information, advice and curricular resources developed by teachers for teachers. The Scoilnet special needs section provides a focus for the content of particular interest to teachers of students with special needs, especially targeting those who are new to this area of education.

• Text Access
  Text Access is an AHEAD initiative in collaboration with the Consortium of National and University Libraries to deliver a centralised and comprehensive catalogue of resources for students with print disabilities at third level.

• www.dyslexic.com
  Website with wide range of information on dyslexia and related issues eg assistive technology hardware and software.

• AbiltyNet
  AbilityNet is a UK charity that has developed a wide range of resources to help people with disabilties and older people access and get the most out of their computer. The site also has a range of factsheets and skillsheets available online giving detailed information on a wide range of assistive technologies and offering a step-by-step guide to configuring your computer and software to meet your individual requirements.

• National Council of the Blind of Ireland