Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The Assistive Technology Scheme supplements the overall funding approach for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools can apply for this equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme.
Under the terms of this scheme, to qualify for assistive technology equipment, a student must be diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum.
Schools make application directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application and the supporting professional reports to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether assistive technology is required. Based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided. This is communicated to the school via a decision letter.
Once a school receives its decision letter confirming approval to procure the equipment, the school must complete the purchase and submit a claim form, along with relevant receipts, within a 6-month period in order to draw down the funds for assistive technology.
It is recognised that the current Assistive Technology application process is very onerous and, due to the various stages in the process, the department cannot give timelines on how long it takes to deliver these supports to the individual children concerned. However, in recognition of the need to change the Assistive Technology application and delivery process, the Special Education Section is currently finalising the review of the Assistive Technology Scheme. This will culminate in the publication of a new circular and the launch of an updated application process. It is intended to publish the new circular in quarter 1 of this year.
A key objective of the review is to streamline the application process. This will be achieved through the implementation of a new portal for schools to submit applications, as well as a review of the eligibility criteria. In addition, there will be a change to the refund process with funding now being provided to schools in advance of equipment purchases. Not only will these changes streamline the application process, but it is anticipated that it will expedite the time in which children who require assistive technology receive their equipment.
Ultimately, the department’s aim is that any child who needs assistive technology to access the curriculum will receive it under this scheme.
The type of equipment provided under the Assistive Technology Scheme is varied. It generally includes, but is not limited to:
• Audiological supports for students with hearing impairment (e.g. radio systems, Soundfield Loudspeaker systems, classroom hearing supports etc)
• Equipment for children with visual impairment (e.g. braille devices, magnifiers, text readers etc)
• Computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities (e.g. tablets, laptops, peripherals, assistive software).
Regarding the different categories the deputy was seeking, the department does not keep statistics on the specific equipment being granted to support individual disability categories.
My department is currently processing a high volume of Assistive technology applications. The number of applications has grown significantly in recent years, with approximately twice as many applications received in 2025 compared to 2018.
A breakdown of the applications received over the last 3 calendar years is as follows:
|
Year
|
2023
|
2024
|
2025
|
|
Number of Applications Received
|
7,675
|
8,055
|
8,895
|
|
Number of Applications recommended
|
5,633
|
6,238
|
7,312
|
