Supports developed by the Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP) for Maynooth University students are aimed at achieving equity of participation while supporting students to develop as independent learners. The support activities are designed to increase the rates of retention, attainment and progression of our students. MAP works towards the mainstreaming of much of its post-entry supports through collaboration with key University partners.
Mature/Disability and Access Student Advisory Service: The Maynooth University Access Programme provides a single dedicated point of contact for all registered mature students, access students and students with disabilities, on an individual and confidential basis. The Advisor can be the first port of call for students and can offer assistance and guidance in any area in which a student is experiencing difficulties, whether academic or personal. HEAR students access dedicated financial support including a contribution towards the cost of books and materials.
MAP Academic Advisors: Every Academic Department at Maynooth University has a designated MAP Academic Advisor responsible for addressing the support requirements of students supported by the Maynooth University Access Programme. This network provides embedded academic support for all MAP students. The MAP Academic Advisors have become a focal point, not only for supporting students, but also supporting other staff in their own Departments.
Needs Assessment for Students with Disabilities: All students registered with the Disability Office are assigned a designated Disability Advisor. A full needs assessment is offered to understand the individual impact of a student’s disability and to identify the supports and accommodations that are required to help students fulfil their academic potential.
Technology Supports: Educational technology can be useful to cope with the challenges of studying with a disability, and promotes independent learning. We offer one-to-one assistive technology assessments to determine technology and training supports most appropriate for your needs.
Technology Transition Programme: this is an innovative module that introduces MAP students to the latest educational technology, showing them how to integrate it into their learning. The Technology Transition Programme is delivered in the Assistive Technology Centre and consists of small group sessions with tutor and online support.
Student Central: is an academic support programme for students with significant learning needs. Students who typically avail of this supports include students on the Autistic Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorder or issues such as depression or severe anxiety. Student Central is tailored to meet the individual needs of the student, with the objective of improving academic outcomes and meeting the demand of his or her course. On-campus support is provided by an Assistant Psychologist who has access to the network of supports in Maynooth and a multidisciplinary team in the National Learning Network.
Examination Accommodations: Examination accommodations for students with disabilities are identified as part of the needs assessment process. These may include, for example, extra time, a smaller venue, a scribe, a reader or the use of technology.
Educational Support Workers: Educational Support Workers provide individual assistance to some students with a disability to support their participation in university. Examples include note-taking in lectures, personal assistants and Sign Language Interpreters. Educational Support Workers are provided by external agencies or recruited and trained by the Disability Office.
One-to-One Learning Support: Some students with very significant learning needs who cannot be accommodated in group learning support may be approved for individual support to help with topics such as time management, organisational skills, essay planning or revision strategies. This support is provided on a short-term basis to help students to acquire the academic skills to become more independent in their learning.
Extra Academic Tuition: Some students registered with the Disability Office may be approved for extra academic tuition where the impact of their disability has prevented the student from fully participating in their subject or module. This is approved in consultation with the academic department.
Campus Accommodation: Maynooth University Accommodation Office reserves a number of places in campus accommodation for students with disabilities. Campus accommodation is recommended where a student’s participation and retention in university, due to the impact of a disability, would be at risk without living on-campus.
School Placement Planning: The Disability Office, in collaboration with the Education Department and Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, has developed a placement planning process for students with disabilities on teacher education programmes. A range of supports and accommodations are provided to ensure that the school placement component is inclusive of the individual needs of students with disabilities.
Dyslexia Screening: The Disability Office provides a dyslexia screening service for students who are experiencing academic difficulties that may be related to a learning disability. If appropriate, students may then be referred for a full psycho-educational assessment.