MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IRELAND
INVITATION TO TENDER ? EXTERNAL RESEARCH CONSULTANCY
_MDI WOULD LIKE TO ENGAGE A CONSULTANT TO UNDERTAKE AN INITIAL PIECE
OF RESEARCH TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING THE SUPPORTS REQUIRED TO ENSURE
MORE SUCCESSFUL AND SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS FROM SECOND-LEVEL TO THIRD
LEVEL EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS LIVING WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN
IRELAND._
ABOUT MDI
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a voluntary organisation that
provides support to people with neuromuscular conditions and their
families. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland envisages an Ireland that enables
people with neuromuscular conditions to fully participate in society
and reach their full potential.
OUR MISSION: Our mission is to support people with Muscular Dystrophy.
We do this, using a member-centred approach, by:
* Providing information and support to people with neuromuscular
conditions and their families through a range of support services.
* Advocating for services and entitlements for members, educating
and informing society about the conditions.
* Supporting researchers and clinicians to carry out quality
research into neuromuscular conditions.
ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY: muscular dystrophy is a collective name for
a range of neuromuscular conditions. It is characterised as a
progressive weakening, wasting and loss of muscle mass over time. It
can present at birth, childhood or manifest later in life.
BACKGROUND
MDI has long been concerned about the need for a comprehensive
transitional programme for students with a physical disability,
specifically muscular dystrophy to ensure that each individual student
reaches their potential as they move from compulsory education along
their educational pathway.
One of the goals of education is to assist students achieve successful
post-school transition on a career path of their choice. We know that
currently there is an underrepresentation of students with muscular
dystrophy in third level education and a lack of information on their
representation within further education and training. We are also
mindful of the potential of education to address the current
unacceptably high levels of poverty and unemployment experienced by
people with disabilities. MDI wishes to look at the process of
transitional planning so that that students with muscular dystrophy
are supported and prepared for third level education. We also
recognise the need to address critical barriers to participation in
third level education such as access to Personal Assistance Services,
transport, accessible accommodation and criteria for the SUSI grant
scheme.
In keeping with our vision of an Ireland that enables people with
neuromuscular conditions to fully participate in society and reach
their full potential, we see a need for a differentiated transitional
programme as students face one of the biggest transitional points as
young adults. A significant number of research papers focuses on the
specific transition support needs for people with a disability and the
different models of delivery.
THE QUESTION OR THE ISSUE AT HAND
The lack of adequate preparation and supports for transition from
second level by students who have a physical disability and
specifically muscular dystrophy has long been a concern within MDI.
MDI has initiated programmes to support change, however all our data
would suggest that this issue continues and is impacting on choices
and success of transitioning. WHAT ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES AND
INTERVENTIONS CAN MDI FOCUS ON TO HELP BREAK THE CURVE?
THE ACTION
Plot the current position :
* What are MDI?s service users facing (currently)
* What have MDI service users faced and overcome in recent years
* What are they and their families asking for from the education
system?
* What are the models of practice that are showing return nationally
and internationally
* Where does the work that MDI is doing in this space sit against
those models of best practice?
MDI is looking for a paper that will map:
* The challenges facing MDI service users who are or will be
transitioning out of second-level education.
* The impact that could be delivered if we doubled down and
developed models of best practice.
TENDER BRIEF
MDI would like to engage a consultant to undertake an initial piece of
research to assist in identifying the supports required to ensure more
successful and seamless transitions from second-level to third level
education for students with muscular dystrophy in Ireland.
THE RESEARCH WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
* Conduct literature review on transitions for students with
disabilities and specifically muscular dystrophy ? on how to promote
successful outcomes
* Establish reliable data on the numbers of students transitioning
from second-level education to further education.
* Identify the factors that improve a young person?s chance of
successfully transitioning and the barriers that impede it.
* Evaluate existing programmes nationally that support
transitioning.
* Investigate if educational institutes are informed and equipped to
cater for the needs of individuals with muscular dystrophy?
* Student classroom fatigue
* Accommodate changes in students? condition
* Mentors
* Transition planning
* Training for staff in further education
* Lived experience ? interview individuals who are attending or
have completed third level education.
ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
* Duration of the desk-based study consultancy engagement: **Apply on
the website** weeks, commencing December **Apply on the website**,
until the body of work is complete and the report has been signed off.
* External consultancy services tender must be returned by email to
**Apply on the website** not later than 2pm, **Apply on the
website**th October **Apply on the website**. Late submissions will
not be accepted.
* Tenderers must have a valid Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN) to
be awarded a contract if a successful tender is submitted and
evaluation process concluded. The Contractor must remain in possession
of a valid TCAN for the duration of the contract.
* The research will be the intellectual property of MDI.
* For any queries, please contact **Apply on the website**.
THE APPLICATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
* Consultant(s) profile and relevant experience
* Overall approach to the work
* Proposed methodology for the work to be undertaken
* Detailed costings
* Details of two referees
* Timeframe for completion of tasks.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
