Reasonable Accommodations

FPTS recognises that learners may have specific requirements for successful participation in our programmes, and we have a range of Reasonable Accommodations to address this.

Reasonable Accommodations refers to the provision of additional supports, facilities, resources or amendments to assessment tasks and activities, to enable a learner with a disability or specific learning need have a comparable opportunity to demonstrate attainment of learning outcomes as any other learner.

In accordance with the Equal Status Acts, 2000 to 2004, FPTS will provide reasonable accommodation to meet the needs of a learner who has a disability, or any other learners covered by equality legislation. QQI advise that “Reasonable accommodations are concerned with adapting the assessment approach, not with diluting the standard of learning to be attained, interfering with or amending the intended learning outcomes. Assessments which involve reasonable accommodations should be consistent with those which do not”.

Any learner with a disability which has the potential to impact their learning or assessment experience is requested to advise the FPTS Network Management Team and recommend the nature of any support that they may require. Requests for Reasonable Accommodation must be accompanied by documentary evidence from a medical or relevant professional.

Every effort will be made by the trainer to allow the learner to demonstrate the required level of knowledge, skill, and competence without significantly impacting on the standard or the validity of the assessment. FPTS can only provide these supports within the constraints of our ability to do so.

Examples of potential reasonable accommodations include:

  • extended assessment time

  • a scribe

  • audio visual recording

  • computer with assistive technologies (e.g. large text, spoken text),

  • dyslexia support (e.g. spelling waiver)

​In circumstances where specific guidance is required, FPTS will consult with organisations such as AHEAD who work to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities.

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Steps to apply for Reasonable Accommodation(s).

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  1. Application. The learner advises FPTS during programme registration of any need that they may have for reasonable accommodation. FPTS may require evidence of need.

  2. Screening. The FPTS Training Team will log the request ensuring that confidentiality and compliance with GDPR is observed at all times. They will then screen the application to review the evidence of need and the capacity of FPTS to provide the supports.

  3. Screening decision. The outcome of the screening will be a decision to grant, request further information, or deny the request. The learner will be provided with a written screening response from the FPTS Training Team.

  4. Response. Depending on the screening response, the learner may accept the accommodations as offered, may provide additional information if required, or they may accept the screening decision to deny the requested accommodation. Assuming the accommodation is granted, the FPTS Training Teams will take all necessary steps to put the support in place.

  5. Appeal. If the learner does not agree with the screening decision, they have the right to appeal. The learner should advise the FPTS Training Team of their decision to appeal. The Training Team will prepare a report for consideration by the Academic Council. The Council will consider all the evidence provided. The learner has the right to make direct representations to the Council. The decision of the Council will be final and will be advised to the learner in writing through the Training Team.