Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie.

The journey into higher education is not always easy. This is particularly the case for applicants who have to deal with disabilities, socio-economic disadvantage and other cultural stereotypes which can act as a barrier to progression onto higher education.

The Irish Universities Association has partnered with RTÉ to create 'My Uni Life', a five-part series which follows the lives of seven students at various stages of their university journey. Whether it’s overcoming the challenges of having a disability, the stereotypes associated with socially disadvantaged backgrounds or having the courage to go to university at a later stage in life, these students represent just seven out of more than 5,000 students each year whose desire to succeed at third level education is facilitated and supported by the Access and Disability programmes run by Irish Universities.

SUPPORT
Access Officers in all higher education institutes (HEIs) work with students who are eligible for Access schemes before entry by supporting them with the application process and orientation into college life. Access schemes seek to level the playing field in higher education and once students have started their courses, a wide variety of supports are provided to enable full participation and success in third level. Students who meet the eligibility criteria for HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) and the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) schemes can apply for them as part of their CAO application.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for HEAR is based on socio-economic criteria while DARE is aimed at school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their education. Further information can on both schemes can be found on www.accesscollege.ie. Mature students and students applying on the basis of Further Education and Training (FET) results have different admission routes and you will find more information on these routes from the college and university websites. AHEAD is another great source of information and support for people with disabilities who are applying to college or looking for employment. Check them out on www.ahead.ie.

TUNE IN

‘My Uni Life’, which begins on RTÉ on today (Friday) at 7.30pm, tells the life stories of a diverse range of students and looks at the positives, negatives, challenges and frustrations on the ground, reflecting the reality of life for those from under-represented groups. Each student comes from a different background, access university through a variety of routes, but with the determination that is key to the personal difficulties they have to overcome. Tune in to become informed and inspired.