Third-level courses for intellectually disabled
The National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) is working to identify the central issues affecting these people’s lives and ensure their full inclusion inside and outside college.
A group of 20 mature students is currently taking part in the institute’s full-time Certificate in Contemporary Living course at Trinity.
A key aim of the programme is to ensure education at third level for people with an intellectual disability leads to appropriate employment opportunities.
The class includes people with a range of disabilities, including students with Down Syndrome.
They are being taught by staff of TCD, as well as workers from a range of voluntary agencies. The students are fully included in the college’s social and cultural life.
“Providing a learning and social environment appropriate to the needs of these students is fundamental to the plan for the university,” said TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty.
The institute aims to raise awareness of the need for inclusion of people with intellectual disability through a series of seminars, conferences, consultancies and think-tanks on disability issues. A long-term aim is to develop an information centre for people with intellectual disability and their family members.
The NIID places emphasis on inclusive research, where people with an intellectual disability are fully involved in deciding on the kinds of research and the way it is carried out.
Officially opening the institute yesterday, Education Minister Mary Hanafin said its work will have a significant impact on many lives in Ireland and further afield.
“The National Institute for Intellectual Disability is a truly pioneering initiative that gives great credit to the foresight and commitment of Trinity College in promoting educational inclusion for persons with intellectual disabilities,” she said.
