Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
What is DARE?
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary admissions scheme for school leavers with disabilities. DARE was established by a number of Higher Education Institutions as clear evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and on progression to higher education.
School leavers who meet the eligibility criteria complete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in Dublin Institute of Technology. All applicants must meet the Irish Leaving Certificate matriculation* / minimum entry and subject requirements.
Who should apply for DARE?
DARE is for school leavers (under 23 years of age as at 1st January 2012) who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of a disability. Mature students have different admission routes and you can get further information on these routes by clicking here!
How to apply to DARE?
School leavers who wish to be considered for DARE must apply as part of their CAO application ( www.cao.ie ) by 1st February 2012. Applicants must indicate that they have a disability / specific learning disability and are then directed to the separate online application form. This form asks applicants to provide additional information about their disability or specific learning difficulty and to provide evidence of disability. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for DARE. Supporting documents must be sent to the CAO by 1st April 2012.
DARE-eligible students must still meet the indicated minimum entry requirements for their chosen programmes. Students who do not meet the minimum entry requirements will not receive an offer of a place.
More information on DARE is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or Dublin Institute of Technology’s Disability Office. Information can be found by clicking here! (DIT's Disability Office), or here! (Access College), or here! (CAO).
DARE Closing Date
By 1st February 2012: Complete all elements of DARE application as part of the CAO application process.
By 1st April 2012: Supporting documents submitted to the CAO.
*Currently under review
