Has your son/daughter availed of DARE when applying for 3rd level places?

Dear Post Primary School,

I hope you are well as another school year draws to a close.

I am writing to ask for your assistance in supporting the ongoing national review of the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). As many of you will know, DARE has played an important role in supporting access to higher education for students with disabilities since 2009. The current review is examining how the scheme is operating and how it can best support future generations of students.

A key part of the review is hearing directly from those who have experience of the scheme, particularly students, parents and guardians. While we recognise that schools are exceptionally busy at this time of year, we would be very grateful for any assistance you can provide in sharing the consultation opportunities outlined below.

In particular, we would appreciate if this information could be circulated to current sixth-year students and their parents or guardians through any available communication channels, including VSware updates, parent text messaging systems, school apps, student Teams channels, newsletters, guidance counselling communications, or other established school communication mechanisms.

We are especially keen to hear from:

Their experiences and perspectives are central to ensuring that the review captures the realities of applying to higher education and accessing disability supports.

Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences and views on DARE and discuss how the scheme can best support students in the future.

Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Format: Online via Zoom

Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Format: Online via Zoom

Registration details for all consultation sessions are available on the Access College website:

If participants require accessibility supports, we encourage them to indicate this when registering and we will endeavour to make appropriate arrangements.

A short online survey is open to anyone who would like to contribute to the review. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and responses are anonymous.

The survey will remain open until 4:00 PM on Friday 10 July 2026.

Information on the review, consultation sessions, registration links, the public briefing document, and a preview of the survey questions can all be found on the Access College website:

Thank you for your continued support of students with disabilities and for any assistance you can provide in helping us reach students and families during this important consultation process. Your support will help ensure that the future development of DARE is informed by the experiences and perspectives of those it is intended to serve.

Kind regards,