What do I do if I feel that I am falling behind in my studies?
The most important thing is to take action immediately. There are lots of
things we can do to help, but these need to be put in place sooner rather
than later. Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to get so far behind that
all the help in the world won't pull you up to where you need to be.
The first thing you need to do:- Make an appointment with the
Disability Officer or the Dyslexia Support Tutor. We can then pinpoint
exactly where the problem might be and can take steps to help.
- If your difficulty is strictly academic, a referral to the Learning Support
Unit for weekly tuition (normally 1 hour per week) might get you back on track.
- The Dyslexia Support Tutor will be able to help you with other problems,
such as difficulty completing assignments or trouble with organization and time
management.
What do I do if it turns out that the course I chose is not for me?
Any student can find themselves in a programme that is not for them or not
what they thought it would be. Having a learning difficulty can make this
situation worse, as you are already facing many challenges and do not need
the added stress that comes with being in the wrong program.
It's
important to remember that there is always a "settling in" period at third
level, and when you have a learning difficulty this can last a bit longer
than with other students. For this reason, it's important not to make any
quick decisions – give yourself at least a term before making any judgements
about your programme. However, if the Christmas exams have come and gone and
you feel that the programme you've chosen is definitely not for you, then
you should arrange an appointment with the Dyslexia Support Tutor or
Disability Officer to discuss your concerns. We might then refer you to the
Careers Officer, who can help you to determine the best options for your
particularly abilities.
I think that I might have dyslexia – what should I do?
If you have been having difficulties with learning that are not
related to acute or chronic stress in your life, and are not just happening
with one topic or class you might want to arrange a screening appointment
with the Dyslexia Support Tutor. Remember that if you do not have any
history of reading difficulties or problems with spelling, grammar and
writing, your difficulties are probably not dyslexia.
A screening
appointment (free of charge) involves a series of 10-12 questions that look
for positive indicators for dyslexia. If the questionnaire indicates
dyslexia, you will then complete Lucid Adult Dyslexia Screening (LADS). LADS
is completed on computer and will test you in the areas of word recognition,
word construction and working memory. LADS gives a more detailed account of
where you are experiencing difficulties. LADS screening cannot diagnose
dyslexia and can be wrong. If it seems that there are a lot of indicators
for dyslexia, we may refer you to an Educational Psychologist for a full
assessment. A full assessment can cost you between €350.00 and €600.00.
I'm an Apprentice and am completing a phase at LIT. How do I get the
accommodations I need?
You should call us (061-490112) for an appointment as soon as you start your
phase at LIT. Since apprentices do not enter through the CAO, we will not
know you are here unless you tell us. When you meet with us, you are
responsible for providing information about your learning needs. This might
include:
- A psychological assessment
- A letter from the State Examinations Board stating the accommodations you
had for your Junior and/or Leaving Certificate.
- Letter of confirmation from your secondary school explaining accommodations
you received for your Junior and/or Leaving Certificate.
- Letter confirming accommodations you received from the Access Service of an
Institution where you completed a previous phase.
You must meet with us, in person, before any accommodations can be put in
place at LIT.
IMPORTANT: Any exam accommodations put in
place for apprentices are only for written, "classroom-style" exams and
not practical exams.
Who should I contact with any concerns or questions I might have?
Contact the Disability Officer Broze O Donovan on 061-490112 Monday through
Friday. You can also email your questions or concerns to
broze.odonovan@lit.ie . If the Disability Officer is not available, you
can try the Access Officer, Linda Barry, on 061-490103 or
linda.barry@lit.ie .
Am I eligible for the Fund for Students with Disabilities?
For information regarding funding for students with disabilities please visit the
Funding for Students with Disabilities page .