Schools Integration Project No. 030

 

SOLAS SIP PROJECT OUTLINE

The SOLAS Project has been exploring the role of information and communication technologies in meeting the special education needs of pupils with physical and sensory impairments since 1997.

It has been especially interested in how the isolation of pupils in mainstream settings might be overcome, and how curricular differentiation, balance and relevance might be achieved through ICT-based learning.

One of the main needs identified by SOLAS was for a flexible, regionally-based system of assistive technology assessement, support and training.

SOLAS SIP is now piloting such a service in the South -West Region.

Assistive Technology (AT) can be defined as a broad range of devices, technical aids, strategies, services, and practices with the main objective of improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Assistive Technologies (AT) have the potential to overcome some of the barriers to literacy and communication created by disability and can greatly enhance educational opportunity and life quality.

The provision of independent reading, writing and communication skills is the basic function of the educational system and SOLAS SIP is examining systems of assessment, provision and support for Assistive Technologies that can help to achieve this provision.

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The SOLAS SIP project aims to:

• Investigate and report on the efficiencies of the current system of AT provision from the perspective of the pupils and schools.

• Pilot a regionally-based assessment, provision and support structure.

• Raise awareness of the potential of the technologies.

• Be proactive in identifying pupils that would benefit from provision of the technologies.

• Provide training for schools that have pupils with long-term assistive technology needs.

• Demonstrate efficiencies through the flexible regional supply, maintenance and re-use of equipment.

• Explore a relationship between a regional and central support structure.

• Liase with other education structures and service providers in developing assistive technologies as part of an integrated service.

• Transfer the burden of application for, and maintenance of, equipment from schools to a dedicated service.

• Examine possibilities for an integrated assistive technology and learning software service.

The SOLAS SIP site offers guidelines for the use of computer-based assistive technologies in Irish schools.

For further information, please contact:

Project Co-ordinator, Tom Daly
Comprehensive School
Boherbue,
Mallow,
Co. Cork,
Ireland.

Phone: + 353 (0) 29 76032
Mobile: 087 2931422

 

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