Cookie Notice: This site uses cookies to enable users to obtain the best experience from the website. In particular, secure encrypted cookies are necessary to allow secure progression through the various elements of the online 'apply' and 'my application' services. We never use cookies to track your site usage for the purpose of marketing and advertising. Session cookies are deleted automatically when the browser is closed.

By continuing to use this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details please see our privacy statement. For more general information on cookies see http://www.aboutcookies.org/

Hide Notice
Sunday, 5 April 2020 11:58
As Gaeilge   |   Print Page
Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)

Applicants, parents and Guidance Counsellors with questions about completing the SIF/DARE form should consult the published handbooks and contact CAO if they cannot find answers to their questions. We will have staff trained in dealing with queries on completing these sections of the form.

Questions on how applicants will be assessed and how offers are to be determined should be directed to the Access and Disability Offices in Higher Education Institutions and not CAO. CAO plays no part in making decisions on admissions.

To speak to a DARE representative in the Access Office of each of the participating institutions please use the contact details listed here.

DARE pdf downloads

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
Disability Access Route to Education Handbook Download
SIF Section B - Educational Impact Statement Form * Download
SIF Section C - Evidence of Disability Form Download
Guide to providing evidence of your disability Download
Guide for GPs for Completing Section C Evidence of Disability Download
DARE SLD Attainment Summary Sheet 2020 Download
DARE 2020 Information for Psychologists in relation to applicants with a Specific Learning Difficulty Download
DARE 2020 Information for Guidance Counsellors/Teachers in relation to applicants with a SLD Download
DARE Key Dates Download
DARE School Presentation Download
DARE Information Leaflet Download
* How to download and complete the Educational Impact Statement (EIS)

For information on DARE Eligibility Criteria please see www.accesscollege.ie
DARE Information Sessions
See details at www.accesscollege.ie
DARE Application Videos
How to apply to DARE 2020

This video shows the DARE application process in full. 		 View 
How to apply to DARE 2020 (with subtitles)

This video shows the DARE application process in full with subtitles. 		 View 
DARE Application Video by Section
1. What is DARE?

   What Colleges take part in DARE?

   What disabilities/conditions are considered by DARE? 		 View 
2. Is DARE for me?

   This video explains the Educational Impact Indicators. 		 View 
3. How do I apply to DARE? Part 1

   This video explains:

  • How to apply to DARE
  • How to complete the online Supplementary Information Form (Section A) Questions 1 – 5
  • How to Carry Forward Eligibility from 2019 to 2020
 View 
4. How do I apply to DARE? Part 2

   Sections B & C Supporting Documents

   This video outlines what supporting documents are required to complete your DARE application. 		 View 
5. Summary of the DARE Application Process  View 
Word versions of the above forms can be downloaded here from accesscollege.ie

Timetable of Events for DARE application process

Please note:

1. These dates may be amended. CAO may communicate with applicants on dates that are not listed below.

2. CAO will correspond with applicants via post, e-mail, SMS text or telephone. All CAO correspondence must be read carefully and any errors or omissions notified to CAO immediately.

3. It may take some time to prepare supporting documents and applicants must allow enough time to ensure that their documents reach CAO by the deadline. Documents received after the deadline will not be accepted.

4. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all relevant correspondence is received and dealt with appropriately. If an applicant is going to be absent at any stage between February and October, they should arrange for someone to deal quickly with their correspondence. Failure to respond may have very serious consequences.

5th November (12:00) CAO online application facility opens.
The DARE Supplementary Information Form (SIF) becomes available for CAO applicants.
1st February (17:15) Closing date for CAO applications.
February CAO will send a reminder email to all applicants that have ticked the Med box in their application that Yes to Q1 in the SIF should be ticked if they want to be included in the DARE scheme.
1st March (17:15) 1. As part of your CAO application you must indicate that you have a disability.
2. Closing date for completion of Section A of the SIF.
3. If you wish to be considered for the DARE scheme you must indicate this on the fully completed SIF/DARE form by ticking “Yes” to Question 1 by 17:15 on 1st March.
March CAO will acknowledge receipt of your online DARE application by email and remind you that your application is not complete until you submit your supporting documents.
15th March (17:15) Latest date for DARE supporting documents (Section B-Educational Impact Statement & Section C-Evidence of Disability) to arrive in CAO. Both sections must be completed, signed and stamped.
Before End of May CAO Statement of Application Record sent to all applicants.
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
April-June Screening of DARE applications.
End of June Applicants notified of outcome of DARE Application; DARE Review and Appeals process opens.
2nd July (17:15) DARE application Review and Appeals deadline.
Early August DARE Review and Appeals applicants notified of eligibility.
Mid-August Current year Leaving Certificate results issued.
Mid-August
 Round 1 offers issued - applicants receive an offer by post, by e-mail and SMS text.
Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a Statement of Application Record.
TBC
 Round 1 Acceptances closing date (17:15).
TBC
 Round 2 offers issued.
Early September HEIs begin registration.