Have Your Say: National Review of the DARE Scheme

23-June-26

Dear Parent / Guardian / Student,

We are been asked to share the following request with you:

Have Your Say: National Review of the DARE Scheme

We invite all members of our school community to participate in an important national review of the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme.

Since 2009, DARE has played a vital role in helping students with disabilities access higher education. This current review aims to examine how the scheme is working and how it can best support students into the future. A key part of this process is hearing directly from those with lived experience.

We encourage participation from:

  • Current sixth-year students who have applied to DARE
  • Students who considered applying to DARE
  • Students with disabilities who did not engage with the scheme
  • Parents and guardians supporting students with disabilities transitioning to higher education

Your insights and experiences are invaluable in helping to shape how DARE can continue to support students effectively.

While we understand this is a busy time of year, we would greatly appreciate your involvement in the consultation process. By taking part, you can help ensure that student voices are heard and reflected in future improvements.

Thank you for helping to make a difference.

How to particpate:

Option 1 – Attend an Online Consultation Session

Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences and views on DARE and discuss how the scheme can best support students in the future.

Parents & Guardians

Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Format: Online via Zoom

Students

Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Format: Online via Zoom

Registration details for all consultation sessions are available on the Access College website:

If participants require accessibility supports, we encourage them to indicate this when registering and we will endeavour to make appropriate arrangements.

Option 2 – Complete the National DARE Review Survey

A short online survey is open to anyone who would like to contribute to the review. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and responses are anonymous.

The survey will remain open until 4:00 PM on Friday 10 July 2026.

Survey Link:

Further Information

Information on the review, consultation sessions, registration links, the public briefing document, and a preview of the survey questions can all be found on the Access College website:

Thank you for your continued support of students with disabilities and for any assistance you can provide in helping us reach students and families during this important consultation process. Your support will help ensure that the future development of DARE is informed by the experiences and perspectives of those it is intended to serve.

Kind regards,

Daniel McFarlane

Head of Access

Irish Universities Association | 48 Merrion Square, Dublin D02PK02

daniel.mcfarlane@iua.ie | +353 (0)851176302 | @IUAofficial | www.iua.ie

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