Disability

RCSI is committed to building an inclusive learning environment so that all students and staff can reach their full potential. RCSI is further committed to the provision of 'reasonable accommodation' as a response to meet individual needs and, as far as possible, to enable full access and participation for all students and staff with a disability.

Disability: Prospective students

If you are considering studying at RCSI, we recommend you attend our Open Day, which is held annually in January. This is an excellent opportunity to talk with academic staff who deliver the various programmes, discuss the curriculum and its demands, and to meet with some of our students on the various programmes.

This advice applies to all candidates applying for RCSI programmes; an applicant with a disability is no different in this regard but may also need to consider if any additional support measures are required to allow them to successfully complete the programme and then practice in the work environment.

The Learning Access team is available to discuss issues related to study at RCSI with prospective students who have disabilities, ongoing illnesses or conditions that impact on their learning. Prospective students don't have to wait until applying for a course at RCSI, the learning access team is happy to speak with you at any time during the year. If you would like to visit RCSI to discuss how accessible the campus is for you, please contact us.

RCSI disability support service

The RCSI Learning, Access and Facilitation Services is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. To ensure your needs are met in a timely manner please email to request an in-person or an online appointment with a member of the team. This can be done by sending an email to learningsupport@rcsi.ie.

The aim of the service is to provide disability-related support(s) that will enable a student with a disability to participate and succeed in all aspects of RCSI life. Whether you need information, advice or practical assistance, the learning access team is your first point of contact. You may have questions or want to request support in relation to examinations, the library, assistive technology or other areas of RCSI life. But before we can arrange any of this you must make contact with us to disclose you disability and discuss your requirements.

Reasonable accommodation

We use the term 'reasonable accommodation' as an umbrella term for any additional disability-related supports that you may need. Our reasonable accommodation policy and procedure is central to helping you get the support you need. If you have any additional questions please contact us.

Applying for a place at RCSI

RCSI is particularly keen to welcome applications from suitably qualified students with a disability. It is RCSI policy to ensure that the admissions process is fair to all applicants and to ensure this the case the University adopts positive action measures in the admissions process to increase the participation rates of those applicants who have traditionally been under-represented in third level education. Read our detailed information about RCSI Admission policies and procedures.

VisABILITY Forum

In 2019, RCSI established a forum dedicated to supporting the rights of students and staff with disabilities. The forum has staff and student members, and is responsible for implementing a dedicated Action Plan 2023-2025. This Action Plan was launched in spring 2023.

If you are interested in learning more about the forum’s work or getting involved, please contact equality@rcsi.com.

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to adopting an inclusive mindset when considering how the college is run, how classes are delivered, and how students learn. A UDL mindset promotes the idea that all students can achieve at a high level, and this is shown through flexibility, community, and active learning. Much of UDL takes place within the classroom, but it takes an institution-wide effort to support this, and all members of staff have the chance to play a role. 

Why is it important for RCSI?

A Universal Design approach ensures that our buildings, services and teaching are accessible to all people.