Disability Access - DARE
Video: How to Apply to Dare
What is the DARE Scheme?
DARE (Disability Access Route to Educaiton) is an alternative third-level education admissions scheme. It offers places on a reduced points basis to school leavers under 23 years, with a disability that has had a negative impact on their education at second level.
The scheme is available for entry to 24 participating colleges and universities as follows:
| Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) | click here |
| Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) | click here |
| TU Dublin - City Campus | click here |
| Dublin City University (DCU) | click here |
| Dundalk Institute of Technology | click here |
| Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, Technology (IADT) | click here |
| Galway Mayo Institute of Technology | click here |
| TU Dublin - Blanchardstown | click here |
| TU Dublin - Tallaght | click here |
| Institute of Technology Carlow | click here |
| Institute of Technology Sligo | click here |
| Institute of Technology Tralee | click here |
| Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) | click here |
| Marino Institute of Education | click here |
| Mary Immaculate College Limerick | click here |
| Maynooth University | click here |
| National College of Ireland (NCI) | click here |
| NUI Galway | click here |
| Pontifical University Maynooth | click here |
| Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) | click here |
| St. Angela's College Sligo | click here |
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | click here |
| University College Cork (UCC) | click here |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | click here |
| University of Limerick (UL) | click here |
Who is DARE for?
DARE is for school leavers under the age of 23 with a disability, who have been educationally impacted as a result of that disability. Applicants to DARE can present with an Irish Leaving Certificate, A-Levels and/or other EU qualifications.
Requirements for DARE
Evidence of Disability: A full Psychological Assessment Report of any age that clearly states that the applicant presents with a Specific Learning Difficulty (other acceptable terminology includes: Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Specific Learning Disability/Disorder).
PLUS
Evidence of Educational Impact: Educational Impact Statement signed off by the applicant’s school. The Educational Impact Statement is used to determine if you meet DARE criteria for educational impact of your disability. The Educational Impact Statement also helps to determine appropriate supports at third level.
How do I apply for DARE?
To apply to DARE you must agree to the DARE Terms and Conditions. Applicants applying to DARE must:
- Be under the age of 23 as of 1 January of the year of application.
- Apply to the CAO by 17:15 on 1 February.
- No later than 17:15 on 1 March, disclose your disability and/ or specific learning difficulty in your CAO application and fully and correctly complete Section A of the Supplementary Information Form (SIF). To apply to DARE, you must answer YES to Question 1 (‘Do you wish to be considered for DARE?’) on Section A of the fully completed SIF by 17:15 on 1 March).
- Download Section B Educational Impact Statement (EIS) and have your school complete the form. Return the EIS to CAO to arrive by 17:15 on 1 April.
- Download Section C Evidence of Disability, and have it completed by the appropriate medical professional (only if you do not already have a report verifying your disability which meets the DARE criteria). Return it to CAO to arrive by 17:15 on 1 April.
- Applicants with a specific learning difficulty are asked to provide a full psychological assessment of any age completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist instead of the Section C Evidence of Disability form. This report must be accompanied by attainment scores from tests administered by your school and/ or an appropriately qualified psychologist.
Click here for more detailed information on DARE and information on language exemptions.
Note: Eligible students can apply for both HEAR and DARE. Those eligible for both schemes will be prioritised under new criteria now in place.
DARE Application Timetable
Note: The following table offers a general guideline to the DARE application process; the dates listed are taken from the general CAO and DARE application timetables and may change from year to year. See the CAO's Important Dates for the most up-to-date deadlines.
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From November |
CAO applications open from November. Intending applicants are advised to: 1. Review the current DARE Handbook - it is a good idea to do this with your parent(s)/guardian(s). 2. Make your CAO application at www.cao.ie. 3. Fill in the online Supplementary Information Form (SIF) at www.cao.ie. 4. Complete your Educational Impact Statement - this is done with your school. 5. Gather your Evidence of Disability documents. |
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By 1 February |
Apply to the CAO by 17.15 at www.cao.ie CAO applications open 5 November at 12.00. |
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By 1 March |
You must indicate your wish to be considered for DARE by ticking YES to Question 1 and complete Section A (Questions 1-5) of the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) on www.cao.ie. |
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By 1 April |
Return your fully completed, signed and stamped documents to The CAO, Tower House, Eglington Street, Galway, by 17.15: 1. Educational Impact Statement (Section B)
Faxed/ emailed documents are not accepted. |
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April–June |
Assessment of DARE applications takes place. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of June. |
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Late June |
DARE review and appeals process opens. |
| End June /Early July |
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of review and appeals. |
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August |
Leaving Certificate Exam Results Eligible DARE applicants compete for reduced points places CAO Offers are made to eligible DARE applicants Course offers are made and should be accepted through the CAO |
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Late August /Early September |
Attend College Orientation and register with Disability Support Services |