NATIONAL IT & SPECIAL NEEDS ADVISORY SERVICE

ADVISOR:  Ann Jackson

OUTLINE OF SERVICE
Organised by Ann Jackson, special needs teacher
Under auspices of Special Education Section of Department of Education & Science
Based in Central Remedial Clinic  ( CRC )
Funded by Department of Education & Science and supported by CRC
Permanent Full-time service since September 2000

THE SERVICE
Offers advice to educationalists on the use of ICT and other technology in the education of pupils with special needs.
Offers short specific seminars or workshops to groups of educationalists where necessary & practical.
Does not provide individual assessment for individual pupils but can offer advice where appropriate.
Cannot visit every educationalist in their own setting.

SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO
Educationalists working with pupils with special educational needs – primarily teachers but also parents, therapists,
psychologists and other personnel working with these pupils.

Educationalists may be involved with pupils
In special schools, classes, units
In receipt of learning/resource support
In mainstream schools, both primary and secondary
In training units & projects
In pre-school provision
At home
In hospital

TYPE OF ADVICE
Software for SEN ( special education needs ) pupils
Hardware & peripherals for SEN pupils
Educational strategies for using IT with SEN pupils
Self help guidance
Resources  suppliers, websites, information, support groups,etc

ADVICE CAN BE ACCESSED BY
Fax  -  01 8335496
E-mail  -   ajackson@crc.ie
Mail   Ann Jackson,  CRC, Clontarf, Dublin 3

SERVICE PROVISION
Advice to individuals or groups via phone, fax, e-mail or letter
Advice to individuals via  appointment in CRC
Advice on whole school basis where there are significant SEN provision e.g. special school    - school visit
Seminars/workshops on a regional basis through Education Centres, ICT Advisors, special interest/support groups, SEN
organisations
Seminars/training for trainers e.g. ICT Advisors, Training Staff in Colleges & Education Centres.
Modules in Universities & Colleges of Education where appropriate
Co-operation & liaison with NCTE
Links with Special Education Organisations
Contact with hardware/software developers and suppliers

LONG TERM GOALS include
Development of
Website
Advice Sheets
Training materials
Structured support/liaison network

PLEASE NOTE

The Advisor will try to source as much up-to-date and relevant
information on the various aspects of IT and SEN to help pupils. However
this is a very broad and changing field. The Advisor will not always have
"solutions" or "prescriptions".  The service tries to encourage the
development of peer support and self-help strategies. Finally it must be
remembered that this is a National service covering the whole country and
at present there is only one Advisor.

Ann Jackson