Find out how to register with the Disability service, access support and talk about any reasonable accommodations you may require. Securing the necessary academic and pastoral supports are critical tasks that should be prioritized where possible, if you are entering your first year of college. Transitioning from secondary to third level education environments can be as exciting as it is daunting for many students, who may need support as they enter college. As you transition on an educational and social level, so may your needs.

See Video below

The Disability Support Service team at TUS Midwest are your main point of contact for any disability related queries throughout your studies. The team is responsible for recommending and coordinating your support or adjustments.

Under the Equal Status Act third level institutions have a duty to make reasonable accommodations where disabled students may be placed at a disadvantage in comparison with non-disabled students. Reasonable accommodations enable you to access and participate in learning, assessment, university facilities and services

Some examples of reasonable accommodations available include:

• Exam supports (e.g. extra time, reader , scribe, use of a computer, etc)
• Access to specialist equipment and assistive technology software  (e.g. text to speech to assist with research and proofreading, mind mapping to assist with planning and organising your work; recording software to assist with note taking.
• Access to handouts and notes in advance of lectures.

Additional Supports 

Educational Support worker referral- (include description of role)

Disability learning advisor Support referral- (Include description of role)

Assistive Technology referral- 

Learning support tuition referral –

Counselling referral –

If you haven’t done so already we would encourage you to contact our TUS | Disability Support Service team in order to talk about the support available to you and ensure any reasonable accommodations are made in time for your arrival at TUS Midwest. Contact details-Disability@tus.ie

The Disability Support Service team is responsible for recommending and coordinating your support or reasonable accommodations. Reasonable Accommodations are tailored on an individual basis so your involvement in this process is essential.

If you decide not to contact the team prior to starting your course you are still welcome to contact us at any point throughout your studies.

It can take time to arrange and implement any support you may require so we would encourage you to contact us in good time prior to your arrival so that we can ensure you have everything in place at the earliest possible opportunity.

To register with the Disability support service , please follow the link to our online Mindaclient syetem to register- Disability Support

*Click on the ‘apply’ button and then you will need to register a new account using your student email by clicking on the yellow REGISTER NOW button. The password will not be the same as the one you are using now for your student login as this is a separate system.

Types of Disability supported:

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Blind/Vision Impaired.
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) – Dyspraxia /Dysgraphia.
• Mental Health Difficulty.
• Neurological Conditions (including Epilepsy & Brain Injury)
• Physical Disability.
• Significant Ongoing Illness.
• Specific Learning Difficulty (including Dyslexia & Dyscalculia).
• Speech and Language Communication Disorder.

It might be useful to think about:

• how you would like to describe your autism and anything you think would be useful to share with your tutors
• any support you have received in the past, what has worked well and what hasn’t worked for you
• how you plan to travel to university
• your experience of teaching sessions, what helps you to gain an understanding of a new topic or task
• how you have found note taking and researching for assignments
• how you have found assessments in the past, e.g. exams, essays, presentations, etc.
• how you feel about group work, placement and practical tasks

Meet the Disability Support Service Team 

Disability Officer: Broze O Donovan

Broze O’Donovan has been Disability Officer in TUS Midwest since 2009. She is originally a primary school teacher, having completed her Education degree in Canada before moving to London to start her career. Broze holds additional qualifications in Special Educational Needs. Her interest in this area led her to her current role. Broze is especially interested in the impact of invisible disabilities on student progression. In her free time, Broze is normally found chasing after her two small children. She also enjoys following elite level gymnastics, swimming, and catching up with friends and family in Canada.

Email: Broze.ODonovan@tus.ie

Contact Number: +353 61 293112

Disability Learning advisor : Claire Doherty

Claire has been working with TUS Midwest since 2016 in the Student Support Services Department and as an assistant lecturer on various degree programmes. Claire completed her undergraduate degree with Limerick Institute of Technology in 2010 graduating with first class honors in Social and Community Development. Claire was recently awarded a Masters of Art by research in the area of Social Science. Previously Claire worked as an Early Years Educator and has also worked in the area of Disability, supporting children and young adults. Claire has a keen interest in the continuous development of inclusive learning strategies for neuro divergent learners.

Email: claire.doherty@tus.ie

Educational Support worker: Geraldine Hayes 

Geraldine Hayes is Education Support Worker (ESW), with the Disability Service, TUS, Moylish Campus. Geraldine began her career with TUS, Student Support Services in 2005. Having completed her BA in English and Philosophy as a mature student in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Geraldine completed a H.Dip in Adult Education also in MIC. Geraldine works with individual students, registered with the Disability Service, with Specific Learning Difficulties, guiding them towards a smooth transition into 3rd level Education and offering continued support and advocacy thought-out their TUS journey. Supports offered include, Time-Management, Organisational Skills, Academic Writing and the skills to meet day to day challenges in college, providing students with the opportunity to fulfil their academic potential.

Geraldine Hayes (Moylish & Clare street campuses)

Email: Geraldine.Hayes@tus.ie 

Educational Support Worker: Sinead O Neill (Tipperary campuses)

Email: Sinead.ONeill@tus.ie