TU Dublin Graduates Showcase the Impact of Inclusive Education
On Thursday, 22 October, TU Dublin participated in an important poster presentation at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science's meeting of the Directors General for Higher Education. The event formed part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A key focus of the two-day meeting was the rollout of PATH 4 Phase 2 across Ireland. This initiative has provided funding to 11 higher education institutions to develop and deliver programmes for students with intellectual disabilities.
Three graduates of TU Dublin's Certificate in Independent Living Skills, Dylan Farrell, Darragh Kearney and Laura Delaney, attended the event with lecturer and Programme Coordinator Deirdre Bonar. The graduates had the opportunity to speak directly with senior policymakers from EU Member States and EFTA countries about their experience of inclusive education at TU Dublin.
The graduates described how participating in co-learning classes and engaging fully in university life helped them develop a strong sense of belonging within the TU Dublin community. They reflected on the friendships they formed during their studies and explained how completing the programme had significantly increased their confidence, independence and self-belief.
In recognition of their valuable contribution, Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, presented the graduates with certificates and gifts. Their insights will help inform and shape future policy relating to inclusive higher education in Ireland and across the European Union.