TALK BACK:TODAY MARKS the beginning of this year's CAO application season, for those considering college in 2010.

Over the next three weeks, I will deal with four specific groups of applicants that need to go online and register their applications with the CAO immediately.

Major changes have been introduced by the CAO this year to facilitate applicants with a diagnosed disability, those from socio-disadvantaged backgrounds, those considering applying for either undergraduate or postgraduate medical places and, finally, mature applicants considering applying to UCC or DCU.

If you fall within any of these groups you should go online at cao.ie immediately to begin the registration process.

What is the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)?

DARE is a third-level admissions scheme for school-leavers with disabilities who, due to the impact of that disability, may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course.

Why was DARE set up?

Disability can impact on educational attainment at school and can affect the progression of some second-level students to third level.

Reduced points?

Applicants eligible for DARE may gain entry to college courses on less than the full CAO points. All DARE students must, however, meet college matriculation and specific course entry requirements where they apply.

Which colleges run DARE?

The seven universities, DIT, AIT, NCI and Mater Dei Institute

How many places are there for DARE students each year?

On average, 5 per cent of places (approximately 1,000) are set aside by each college each year.

What disabilities are eligible?

Asperger’s Syndrome or autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), blind or vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired, dyslexia and a range of other disabilities.

How can I apply to DARE?

School leavers must:

– Apply online at cao.ie as part of the CAO application process by February 1st, 2010

– Disclose a disability or specific learning difficulty on the appropriate section of the application form. Applicants will then be directed to a separate online Supplementary Information Form, which will request additional information about their disability or specific learning difficulty

– Applicants must indicate their wish to be considered for DARE

– Applicants must submit supporting documentation by April 1st, 2010.

What supporting documents are required?

The Supplementary Information Form must be completed by the applicant, the applicant’s school and the medical consultant or specialist verifying the disability.

In Section A, applicants must complete a personal statement which outlines, from their perspective, the academic impact of the disability or specific learning difficulty.

In Section B, applicants must return a second level academic reference from their school.

In Section C, applicants must return the Evidence of Disability Form, completed by the accepted medical consultant or specialist. This form provides verification of the applicant’s disability and helps to determine appropriate supports at third level.

All applicants must complete this form with the exception of the following:

– Applicants with specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia), who must provide a full psycho-educational assessment completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist. The report must be less than three years old, that is, dated after February 1st, 2007.

– All other applicants, who have an existing report completed by the accepted medical consultant or specialist. This report must be completed within the appropriate timeframe and must contain the same detail as the Evidence of Disability Form.

• Brian Mooney is a guidance counsellor at Oatlands College, Stillorgan, Co Dublin