Screening and assessment of Specific Learning Disabilities in higher education institutes in the Republic of Ireland
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2015Access:
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Harkin, E., Doyle, A., & Mc Guckin, C., Screening and assessment of Specific Learning Disabilities in higher education institutes in the Republic of Ireland, Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 25, 1, 2015, 13 - 23Download Item:
Abstract:
Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) in higher education institutions
(HEIs) in the Republic of Ireland are required to have a formal psychoeducational
assessment from an educational psychologist to register with Disability
Services in HEIs, to be eligible for support through the Fund for Students
with Disabilities (FSD). Such assessments are expensive and often beyond the
financial means of students and their families. However, there is a sustained
demand from students experiencing academic difficulties for diagnostic assessment
of SpLD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability [AHEAD],
2012). This study describes the SpLD screening and assessment practices implemented
by HEIs in Ireland (n = 14), finding that (a) there are no defined parameters
for assessment of SpLD in higher education (HE), meaning that methods
and accuracy of identification of positive indicators may vary across HEIs; and
(b) the majority of HEIs screen for dyslexia only, with little or no recognition
of the need to assess for comorbidity of learning disabilities. Findings support
the requirement for a reliable and valid standardised assessment procedure for
Irish HEIs, which would provide equitable access to an initial diagnosis. Finally,
a screening model is proposed, which is currently provided by one HEI.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/mcguckichttp://people.tcd.ie/doylea6
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Author: Mc Guckin, Conor; Doyle, Alison
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Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools25
1
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jgc.2014.15Licences: