Educational Support

Access to education is a fundamental right, and children with Erb’s palsy are entitled to the supports they need to participate fully and thrive throughout their educational journey. The type and level of support provided will depend on the individual needs of each child and may change over time.

Support planning typically involves collaboration between the child’s family, the school, and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Ultimately, responsibility for the provision of appropriate educational resources rests with the Department of Education.

In the first instance, any concerns or support needs should be discussed with the child’s class teacher or, where appropriate, the school principal. Once the child’s needs have been identified, the school can engage with the relevant guidance and supports available through the Department of Education and the NCSE, taking account of the nature and extent of the child’s physical needs.

Below is an overview of key resources and supports available in Ireland for children with physical disabilities, including Erb’s palsy, across all stages of education.

EARLY learning and care

Children with Erb’s palsy may be supported in early learning and preschool settings through:

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)
Designed to support children with disabilities to participate fully in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. AIM provides tailored supports, which may include additional assistance in preschool settings.
Assessment of Need
An Assessment of Need can be applied for through the HSE and may help identify specific supports required during early development and education.

PRIMARY AND POST‑PRIMARY EDUCATION

Supports available within primary and post‑primary schools may include:

Special Education Teachers (SETs)
Schools allocate additional teaching support through SETs to assist pupils who require extra support within mainstream classes.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
SNAs may be assigned where a child has care needs related to mobility, safety, or personal care during the school day.
Assistive Technology Scheme
Funding may be available for equipment or technology that supports access to learning, writing, or classroom participation.

Further and higher education

Young people and adults with Erb’s palsy may be eligible for a range of supports, including:

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
A reduced‑points admissions scheme for students with disabilities, including physical disabilities.
Student Grants and Financial Supports
Additional financial supports may be available through SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
On‑Campus Disability Supports
Colleges and universities often provide dedicated disability services, which may include note‑taking supports, assistive technology, and reasonable exam accommodations.

Accessing educational supports

Information and guidance on educational supports can be obtained from:

National Council for Special Education (NCSE)
Advice on Special Education Teachers, Special Needs Assistants, and school‑based supports.
Department of Education
Information on assistive technology, transport schemes, and educational policy.
Citizens Information
Independent guidance on grants, entitlements, and support services.

Erb’s Palsy Ireland is here to provide information, reassurance, and signposting. Together, we can support children and young people with Erb’s palsy to access education and achieve their full potential.