Post-School Options for students with an intellectual disability

PATH 4 is a key driver in delivering the following objectives, under the Inclusivity goal in the National Access Plan 2022-2028:

• To embed a whole-of-institution approach to student success and universal design.
• To improve opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in higher education.  More info…

If you have a disability, a specific learning difficulty or a mental health difficulty, you should register with the Disability or Access Service in your college

Many Colleges and Universities operate the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme for students with a disability or special educational needs. DARE offers access to reduced points places at third level where the student, because of a disability, has experienced additional educational challenges in post-primary school.

More info about Disability or Access services.

PATH 4 is not supported through SUSI grant at present.

SUSI is the main grant for further and higher education grants. SUSI offers support to eligible students in approved, full-time courses at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels and in some cases, to students studying outside Ireland. More information.

SUSI has an access officer who can provide assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities making an application and can act as a direct point of contact for an applicant with a disability. You can contact them by emailing AccessOfficer@susi.ie

Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD): Gives grants to the college to pay for services and equipment that can help you. The level of supports and services provided will depend on your needs, the funding a college receives from the FSD Fund and the availability of suitable staff to provide supports.
The help you may be able to get includes:

• Assistive technology e.g. use of a laptop
• A sign language interpreter
• A personal assistant or notetaker
• Transportation
• Learning support either 1:1 or in small groups
• Exam accommodations, such as a reader, a scribe, more time or assistive technology

Disability Allowance: is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability. You can get DA from 16 years of age. You can get Disability Allowance even if you are in school. DA is a means-tested payment. The application form is available on Citizen’s Information which includes a section to be completed by your doctor regarding your condition. For more information on the eligibility criteria for Disability Allowance and how to apply, visit the website here.

Other Financial Supports outlined here

Creative Pathways for All – You Belong – Level 6: IADT is launching a new Level 6 course exclusively for mature students (over 18yrs) with intellectual disabilities with an interest in film, animation, photography and design.

The Creative Pathways for All – Learning to Learn is an exciting 18-month college course that will run over two days per week from 10am-2pm.   More info…

There are no fees for this course. 

Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice – Level 5: is a two year programme for students with intellectual disabilities. Students develop a broad range of knowledge and transferable skills, including preparing to work in diverse employment settings, through a structured pathway to employment through work placements, employment skills workshops and internships

This course has been accredited at Level 5 by the University Council of Trinity College Dublin. This means that students will receive a formal Level 5 award when they graduate. More information

Certificate in Contemporary Living: A two year, full time Trinity College Certificate programme. This Certificate is the first full time course for adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. It is a specially designed third level programme aimed at supporting students as they make transitions towards independence, lifelong learning and employment. More

Certificate in Independent Living – Pathways Together Programme – Level 4: A two-year full-time certificate course for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). The programme will be delivered on the University’s Blanchardstown and Tallaght Campus. Participants will study a range of modules under five themes: STEAM, Life Skills, Personal Development, Preparation for Work, and Advocacy and Citizenship. More information

Watch introductory video

Higher education courses nationally here. Also, the INHEF have a list of courses here.

Check with your local College of Further Education on supports and services available to young people with additional needs.

Check out Qualifax for courses.  You can filter by course level, or course type eg. National Learning Network.

National Learning Network Tallaght – provide a range of free courses to people who have had an accident, illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs. Their courses are tailored to each student’s needs, to help them to build their confidence while getting practical job-seeking skills to help them get a job or go on to further training.  examples of courses incude:

Vocational Multi Skills: The aim of this programme is to provide students with disabilities and/or who have extra support needs, with the opportunity to develop the practical and personal skills necessary to obtain and retain employment in manufacturing, retail or service industries as general  operatives/assistants. Certification: QQI Level 4 General Learning (4M20120)

Vocational Skills: This an introductory skills programme focusing on literacy/ numeracy supports, skills sampling, art/drama, communications and outdoor pursuits. The programme provides students with the basic tools for further study and supports students to further education. Certification: QQI Level 3 Employability Skills (3M0935).

More info….

WALK’s Real Life Training programme supports school leavers with intellectual disabilities to build their capacities and to develop their skills and passions so that they will be equipped to live self-determined lives in the community of their choice.

National Learning Network delivers personalised education, training, and development opportunities for people with disabilities or people requiring additional supports.  NLN is especially attuned to the needs of those who find traditional post-school study routes challenging, including individuals who may struggle in larger class settings or require additional support, such as those living with autism.

NLN courses.

Roslyn College is currently based across a number of campuses in Dublin. They provide a range of free courses to people who have experienced a setback, have had an accident, a mental health issue, an illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs.

College East campus provides specialist supports to people with disabilities, mental health challenges, autism, or those who need additional flexibility to progress to further education and employment.

Festine Lente have The Equestrian Training Programme is 2-year full time vocational training programme which enables the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competence in a broad range of equine skills which will enable the student to work in a variety of equine sectors.  

Successful graduates will be awarded a QQI Level 4 Major Award in Horsemanship.

This is a four year training programme where a person will have the opportunity to develop skills and confidence in personal, social and life skill areas, as well as take part in work experience placements. On completing the programme, people may move on to employment and/ or further training. They will also have gained accreditation through FETAC/QQI

We aim to empower people with the necessary skills to live full and satisfying lives as equal citizens of their local communities. Sunbeam House Services has a number of training locations providing training in various pursuits aimed at developing the individual.

New Directions is the HSE’s approach to supporting adults with disabilities who use day services in Ireland. New Directions sets out twelve supports that should be available to people with disabilities using ‘day services’. It proposes that ‘day services’ should take the form of individualised outcome-focused supports to allow you to live a life of your choosing in accordance with your own wishes, needs and aspirations.  More info…

Check out the easy read guide to New Directions

These high support services focus primarily on providing a health care service to meet the specific needs of individuals.

This day programme is essentially a support and therapeutic service to meet the needs of people through individual plans. It provides a range of skills and activities such as independent living skills, personal  development, education classes, social/recreational activities and health related and therapy supports.

These programmes and supports specifically target inclusion and active participation in mainstream community programmes and activities. This includes educational opportunities, sport and recreation involvement, social events, local partnership projects and advocacy initiatives. A range of supports that promote and facilitate inclusion are provided to individuals and groups, such as accessing services, liaison, planning, co-ordinating and supporting attendance and active participation.

This paid employment in the open labour market has ongoing supports with minimum wage and full employee status applying. Participants may engage in the supported employment programme/employability 23 or in locally based service provider supported employment initiatives for those who do not meet the entry criteria for the Department of Social Protection “Employability” service.

This includes teaching/educational inputs provided by ETBs into some HSE day services. This may cover topics such as numeracy, literacy, communications, personal development, cookery etc.

New Directions Service Provider of Adult Disability Day Services CH06 (Wicklow/ Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown)

CH07 Directory of Day Services (South Dublin, Kildare, West Wicklow)

RehabCare Dun Laoghaire Resource Centre provides social care services for people over 18 years of age with intellectual disability. Service users may also present with other support needs due to, for example, mental health issues or Acquired Brain Injury. This is a person-centred community based service that focuses on developing coping skills, social skills and independent living skills. You will be supported to engage in meaningful activities in the resource centre and in the community in a way that enhances your quality of life. Ph: 01 202440

RehabCare Dun Laoghaire Outreach Service provides social care services for people over 18 years of age with mild intellectual disability, who may also present with other support needs. The Service is delivered primarily in the community with some independent living skill facilitation. They strive to provide a level of support that enables you to engage in your own lives as independently as possible. Key worker support is available at regular times each week. The focus is on supporting people to develop coping skills, social connections and achieve Person centred outcomes that enhance their quality of life.

They provide services and supports to adults with intellectual disabilities.  They are committed to New Directions, the national strategy for people with an intellectual disability.  Everyone they support has a Person Directed Plan which outlines his or her life goals in work, education, socialisation, relationships, living circumstances and other life skills. Their services are based throughout the Dublin South East region and include the services formerly known as Carmona, City Gate, Saint Augustine’s and STEP.

School Leavers should apply via HSE Day Opportunities Officer for CHO6 – disabilitydayservices.cho6@hse.ie

They have locations throughout the catchment area, from Grand Canal in Dublin 4, to Montemor in Ravenswell in Bray, with other centres in Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Ballybrack, Glenageary, Stillorgan and Sandyford.  People attend the location which best suits their needs.  They also partner with community groups and facilities such as the Lexicon in Dun Laoghaire, Mountown Community Centre in Monkstown.  In addition, we have a number of joint programmes with the ETB and Trinity College, Dublin.

More info….

St. Michael’s House provides a range of day services to meet the needs of adults with an intellectual disability and their families. Like all agencies and organisations funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide day services to adults with disabilities, St. Michael’s House must provide those service in line with New Directions. This also incorporates Person Centred Planning ( PCP ) .

Service users are supported to participate in community-based educational, training, employment, social and recreational activities.

• Education & Training Centres
• Short term Training Centre
• Local Centres
• Hubs
• Abhainn Adult Autism Specific Disorder (ASD) Services

Greenacres promotes lifelong learning. The activities in our craft studios support the abilities of each of the participants and promote confidence building and self reliance through self directed learning. Being creative with clay or with fabric and wool or other craft material is a therapeutic activity which supports skills such as problem solving, managing resistance and building resilience. It also gives opportunities to celebrate success and personal achievement.

Another important aspect of doing craft activities is that of being engaged in a meaningful acitivity with the end result being a product which is not only beautiful but will be of use to someone. The craft participants take great pride when some of their craft products are sought at markets or in some craft shops.

Other activities in the day centre include music classes, gardening and some cookery classes. We also visit exhibitions and some participants have joined the local library. The day centre is usually a hub of activity where there is serious learning as well as plenty of laughter and fun.

The day centre is open to day attendants who live locally and who wish to come and engage in some of the activities that are offered. We also welcome volunteers who wish to offer some of their time, enthusiasm and skills to the craft participants in the day centre.

More info….

Ph: (1) 21 096 77

New Horizons is a resource centre for school leavers with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities

Greenacres promotes lifelong learning. The activities in our craft studios support the abilities of each of the participants and promote confidence building and self reliance through self directed learning. Being creative with clay or with fabric and wool or other craft material is a therapeutic activity which supports skills such as problem solving, managing resistance and building resilience. It also gives opportunities to celebrate success and personal achievement.

Another important aspect of doing craft activities is that of being engaged in a meaningful acitivity with the end result being a product which is not only beautiful but will be of use to someone. The craft participants take great pride when some of their craft products are sought at markets or in some craft shops.

Other activities in the day centre include music classes, gardening and some cookery classes. We also visit exhibitions and some participants have joined the local library. The day centre is usually a hub of activity where there is serious learning as well as plenty of laughter and fun.

The day centre is open to day attendants who live locally and who wish to come and engage in some of the activities that are offered. We also welcome volunteers who wish to offer some of their time, enthusiasm and skills to the craft participants in the day centre.

More info….

Ph: (1) 21 096 77

This is a high support service developing individual skills, promoting new experiences and positive social engagement and a positive and active role in their local community in line with the HSE’s New Directions model.

The Ability Hub is committed to delivering high quality services and supports to those with intellectual disabilities, including autistic people. Through personalised care, skill-building and community engagement, we strive to foster independence, self-confidence and meaningful connections. More info….

EVE is a department within the HSE. We seek to provide person-centred services that support social inclusion amongst adults living with mental health challenges, autistic adults, and adults with an intellectual disability. We do this through our network of community-based Clubhouses, HUBs, and Vocational Training services in locations across HSE Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow. More info….

e.g. EVE Forfas Hub, Tallaght, Dublin 24 supports adults with a learning disability to live their lives based on their own personal goals. More info….

The Estuary Centre HUB, Swords supports people with intellectual disabilities to live their lives based on their own personal goals. More info….

Find Adult Services in your area here.

This website bring together links to some of the employment opportunities offered to students with disabilities.

List of Ability Programmes

The aim of the Ability programme is to bring young people with disabilities who are not work-ready closer to the labour market. The programme will promote employment prospects and meaningful social roles for young people with disabilities and in particular, young people who are distant from the labour market using a range of person-centred supports. The focus of the programme will be on projects aimed at young people with disabilities (aged 15 – 29) designed to assist in their transition from school to further education and employment.

Employability Skills Course

NLN delivers courses that lead to a QQI Level 3 Major Award in Employability Skills in every centre in the country. The courses are designed to give students an opportunity to explore personal, social and vocational skills and include a high level of integration into the local community.

Contact your local NLN centre to discover a course suited your needs. 

Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) is a work placement programme which aims to promote access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities and build the capacity of employers to integrate disability into the mainstream workplace. More information:

WAM Video

The WorkAbility programme supports the transition of young people with disabilities into the workplace. Through a partnership model with schools, employers and community, the programme increases participants’ job readiness, facilitate sustainable employment outcomes and develop more inclusive workplaces. email: supportedemployment@smh.ie 

Universal Design Universal Design and inclusion are key to achieving the right to education and training as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the first legally binding instrument to contain a reference to the concept of quality inclusive education and training. This clearly articulates the importance of Universal Design as the preferred approach to an inclusive society.  More info… 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, including Students with Disabilities. UDL aims to improve the educational experience of all students by introducing more flexible methods of teaching, assessment and service provision to cater for the diversity of learners in our classrooms. This approach is underpinned by research in the field of neuroscience and is designed to improve the learning experience and outcomes for all students. More info…

Keep an eye out for the Altitude Charter.  Greater diversity in the student population, and a national and international policy emphasis on the right to an inclusive education for every learner, have drawn attention to the need for a more inclusive model of education across all sectors, and more inclusive educational environments. There is a growing momentum towards an inclusive, and more unified tertiary education sector. More info.

This Strategy sets out a whole-of-Government approach to disability. Each Pillar has a brief statement of facts, an ambition statement, and a range of key commitments with priority actions identified for delivery during 2025-2026.  Find out more about the Key Commitments.

STIAL website hosts a wide range of resources for students with disabilities, their parents and schools to support them in identifying post-school aspirations, choices and pathways to Further/Higher education and Training and to the world of work.

Inclusion Ireland work towards the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by supporting people to have their voices heard and advocating for rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In their resource hub you will find information about your rights and access to services, supports and benefits – to help you speak up for yourself or a person you support.  More info…

NCSE has published three information pamphlets on the main post-school education and training options for people with disabilities.   These pamphlets give students and their families an overview of the extensive range of post-school options and supports available and how to get the relevant details and guidance to inform individual choice.

The information pamphlets cover

• Further Education and Training
• Higher Education
• Rehabilitative Training and Adult Day Services

The Hea have produced an easy reading guide to Higher Education.

Inclusive National Higher Education Forum is a national interest group comprised of representatives of higher education providers who offer programmes of inclusive education to learners with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. It also has a useful list of college courses for people with intellectual disabilities on offer in Irish higher education providers.