These are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Supports at Maynooth for students with a disability.
For more information on the Disability Office, you can access the Supporting Students with Disabilities web pages.
Many students, often mature students, may not have been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty. These students only realise that they may have dyslexia when faced with reading tasks and written assignments in college. If you feel that you may have dyslexia, contact one of our Disability Advisors who can talk to you about your options.
To register with the Disability Office you must complete an online registration form and submit evidence of your disability. In many cases our Disability Advisors can determine the support and accommodations you will require following a review of your supporting documentation (verification of disability and the online registration form). In some cases, however, a one-to-one meeting with a Disability Advisor will be arranged so we can better understand your needs. We call this meeting your needs assessment. Together we will talk about your needs, what worked for you in secondary school and how we can help you at third level.
Don't give up! Give the Disability Office a call! Talk to your Disability Advisor about the difficulties you are having and you will find someone who will listen to you with understanding and help you to find ways of dealing with your situation. For example, if you have missed time due to hospitalisation, you may be able to access academic tuition on a one-to-one basis to help you catch up on the academic content of your course.
If you are worried about exams, you will be able to find out about Exam Accommodations that will help you to relax and concentrate to the best of your ability when doing exams. Your Disability Advisor can help you to communicate with your academic department about your difficulties and to develop a learning plan that will help you to achieve your academic potential. There are many ways that the Disability Office can help so give them a call and discuss your situation even before you feel ill, so that preventative measures can be taken.
The University currently offers a range of accommodations at examination time, including:
If you need examination supports, make sure you arrange these with your Disability Advisor by the end of October.
In this case there are two options. You may be able to sit the repeat exams in August and the Disability Office can help you to prepare for these through academic tuition or learning support. If you have missed all exams due to illness you should contact the Fees and Grants Office and they will discuss your options with you. You should also contact the Academic Advisory Office who would assist you with relevant advice.
Yes. Your Disability Advisor will listen to your fears and concerns and help you to work out ways to minimise the impact of anxiety during exams. Your Disability Advisor may also suggest ways to deal with anxiety such as referring you to the Counselling Service or to Learning Support if assistance with study skills or time management would help.
You may benefit from particular Exam Accommodations such as taking the exam in a smaller venue or having a rest break or extra time, to give you an opportunity to relax and manage your symptoms. Many students with your condition find these kinds of accommodations very helpful and successfully pass their exams. Each student is different, so discuss your needs with your Disability Advisor.
No need to worry any more. Your Disability Advisor will discuss your individual needs with you and can organise exam accommodations to suit your situation. You will be able to take you exams in a smaller venue where it will be more convenient and less stressful for you to take essential food or bathroom or rest breaks. The time taken for these breaks will be added on to the end of your exam time.