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As the term suggests, the first-time application form is completed by the college when the (eligible) student has presented for the first time after enrolment seeking additional support by reason of his/her disability. Most first-time applications are completed when the applicant is in first year however a first-time application can be submitted during any year of study on an approved course (as long as the application is submitted before the closing date in that year). Note that appropriate Evidence of Disability documentation must be submitted with a first-time application form.

Needs assessment

Prior to the submission of a first-time application form, the college disability liaison personnel should complete an assessment of the applicant’s needs. The needs assessment process is an important opportunity for the student and the relevant member of staff in the college to discuss interventions and pool their relevant expertise - the student’s knowledge of the day-to-day impact of the disability on his/her learning, and the staff member’s knowledge of the physical environment and the demands of the chosen course. Once the assessment of need is completed by the college, they should have all the information they need to complete a first-time application to the fund on behalf of the student.

An initial closing date for first-time applications is implemented in October of every year. Where possible, applications should be made by the college on or before this closing date in order to ensure timely allocation of funding. Applications will be considered after this date up to February of the following year. This is implemented mainly to cater for students who acquire a disability during the year due to illness or an accident or following first-time diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty.

Decisions on applications

The funding agency receives hundreds of first-time applications in October of every year, and the number continues to grow. Assessment of applications may take up to two months. Following assessment, the college is advised of the outcome of the application and, if successful, details of the funding approved for the various categories of equipment, supports and services applied for. These details are not advised separately to students.