A standalone diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) will not be eligible as a ‘standalone’ condition under the category of Blind/Vision Impaired. Where an applicant meets the other criteria for eligibility for Blind/Vision Impaired and presents with SPD, then that applicant will be considered under this category.
Applications to DARE under Blind/Visual Impairment with a standalone diagnosis of SPD will be considered as a Neurological Condition (if diagnosed by a Neurologist OR other relevant Consultant. In cases where an applicant is in the care of a Neurologist or another relevant Consultant, the evidence of a disability can be provided by a Registrar who is a member of their team).
| Appropriate Professional | Ophthalmologist OR Ophthalmic Surgeon |
| Type of Documentation Required | Complete the Evidence of Disability Form 2025 OR Submit an existing report completed by the appropriate professional that contains the same detail as the Evidence of Disability Form. The report must be signed and submitted on the headed paper. |
| Required Age of Report | While there is no age limit on diagnostic evidence submitted, it is advisable to submit a recent report. |
| Other Disabilities | Submit an Evidence of Disability Form for each disability/ condition to be considered. |
| Educational Impact Statement (EIS) | The Educational Impact Statement allows you and your school to provide detail of how your disability has impacted on your second level experience. The EIS is a requirement for all applicants. The Department of Education and Skills Visiting Teacher Service can also submit a Transition Report of a DARE applicant; however, this is not a substitute for the Educational Impact Statement |
| DARE Eligibility | The applicant is eligible once the appropriate professional confirms that: The Best Corrected Visual Acuity is equal to or less than 6/24 (Snellen) in one eye OR The Best Corrected Visual Acuity is equal to or less than 6/18 (Snellen) in both eyes OR The Peripheral Field of Vision is reduced by 20 Degrees or greater in both eyes OR The Central Field of Vision is limited to the extent that it interferes with normal visual acquisition of visual material, e.g. Stargardt’s Disease AND The applicant meets any combination of two educational impact indicators from Indicators 1 to 5 on the EIS. |
