Secondary Schools

There are several ways in which Thrive OT can assist or benefit your secondary school. Below is a list of services we offer to school staff and / or parent associations of mainstream and specialist schools.

Supporting RACE Applications

At Thrive OT, we are able to support applications for students with certain difficulties and disabilities for reasonable accommodations in Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Remember – the closing date for applications for reasonable accommodations in the 2015 Junior Cert need to be submitted in November 2014.

Supporting DARE Applications

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary admissions scheme which offers college places on reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. DARE has been set up by a number of colleges and universities as evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on how well a student does at school and whether they go on to college.

What disabilities are eligible?

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Blind/Vision Impaired
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing
  • DCD – Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia
  • Mental Health Conditions
  • Neurological Conditions (incl. Brain Injury, Epilepsy, Speech and Language Disabilities)
  • Significant On-going Illness
  • Physical Disability
  • Specific Learning Difficulty (incl. Dyslexia & Dyscalculia)

As part of the DARE criteria, certain disabilities or needs qualify via an Occupational Therapy Assessment of needs. Thrive OT is now offering this service for students intending to apply to third-level education in 2015. DARE qualifying applications are open from  November 2014 and must be completed in full by March 2015.

It is therefore strongly recommended that assessments are booked before the end of November 2014 to ensure they are completed in time.

Accessing Department of Education Resources:
All Occupational Therapy reports are Department of Education recognised. When a child meets the criteria for certain diagnoses by an Occupational Therapist, where appropriate, they can access resources or support such as:

  • Special Needs Assistants
  • Resource hours
  • Learning support
  • Specialised equipment such as slope boards, cushions, specialised seating
  • Specialist technology e.g. use of a laptop
  • Movement breaks and sensory breaks

Training Sessions for Teachers and / or Parents Associations tailor made to your request 

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