23rd July 2021 Now in its fifth year, NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is encouraging any current or incoming 3rd level student who is blind or vision impaired to apply for the Gerard Byrne Bursary to help with the financial costs of college life.
The NCBI Gerard Byrne Bursary honours the contribution of Gerard Byrne, who was a lifelong advocate for education. Ā The bursary consists of two annual grants for undergraduate students who are blind or vision impaired studying on a full-time basis at a recognised educational institution in the Republic of Ireland. The value of each scholarship is set at ā¬1,500 per year and continues for the duration of the undergraduate programme chosen by the Bursary winners.
Toni OāDwyer, NCBI Children and Young Personās Team said āEducation is central to unlocking employment opportunities but the number of 3rd level students who are blind or vision impaired is very low. NCBI is proactive in dismantling the barriers faced by these students through various initiatives such as Bookshare which provides all their books and resources in accessible formats and this bursary to assist with the costs of attending college. These students deserve to thrive in 3rd level education like their sighted peers.ā
Deadline for applications is August 6th 2021.
All details are available on the Gerald Byrne Bursary page.