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INHEF Chair 2023

Passing the Torch: Des Aston (TCD) Hands Over INHEF Chairpersonship to Dr. Órla Slattery (MIC)

In a significant moment for inclusive education in Ireland, Des Aston, is stepping down from his role as Chairperson of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum (INHEF). Mr Aston’s long-standing dedication to championing inclusive education programmes for students with intellectual disabilities has paved the way for transformative changes within the Irish higher education landscape. Advocacy through INHEF, has led to the introduction of PATH 4 Phase 2, which will involve a three-year pilot to support an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities and to inform future policy considerations in respect of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education as Des passes the baton to Dr. Órla Slattery from Mary Immaculate College Limerick, the future of inclusive education in Ireland appears brighter than ever before.

Dr. Órla Slattery

Over the past decade, educators across higher education institutions in Ireland have worked tirelessly to bridge the gaps in post-school provisions for students with intellectual disabilities. These educators have been instrumental in pioneering innovative educational programmes designed to empower students with intellectual disabilities and equip them with the skills necessary to lead more independent lives. These initiatives have not only provided a diverse academic curriculum but have also fostered essential transferable skills. Research, including work by Mr. Aston and Dr. Slattery, has underscored the tremendous impact of these programmes on students, showing increased self-esteem, confidence, social skills, and self-determination – ultimately opening doors to meaningful opportunities.

However, the path to establishing and maintaining inclusive education programmes has not been without its challenges. Course coordinators and educators have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure students receive a quality education and the full college/university experience. A significant hurdle for many has been the ‘add-on’ model of support, which often placed these programmes on the periphery of higher education rather than fully integrating them into mainstream activities.

In the absence of a dedicated platform to address systematic barriers faced by this population, individual course coordinators made admirable attempts to connect with one another. The year 2018 marked a turning point with the launch of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum (INHEF). Under Mr. Aston’s guidance, INHEF became a collaborative space where higher education providers joined forces to drive strategic development, inform policy debates, and enhance capacity within institutions to establish and deliver initiatives for students with intellectual disabilities across the Republic of Ireland.

Left to right, front row: TCD Provost Patrick Prendergast, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor; Graduate Stephen Lyons, INHEF Chair Des Aston, Anne O’Byrne (MIC), Michael Shevlin (TCD).
Left to right, Back row: Deirdre Corby (DCU), Toff Andersen (DCU), Martina Neylon (TUS), Máire Leane (UCC), Edel Lynn (TUS), Órla Slattery (MIC), Sinéad Foran (WIT), Gina Grant (DETB).

As Des hands over the role of Chairperson to Órla, the future of INHEF and inclusive education in Ireland is filled with promise. Dr. Slattery’s extensive experience and commitment to the cause make her a formidable successor. Together with a dedicated team of educators, they are set to continue the legacy of empowering students with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusive educational environments, and further dismantling barriers to higher education.

The handover of leadership symbolises the unyielding dedication of educators in Ireland to ensuring that every student, regardless of their perceived abilities, has equal access to quality higher education. Des Aston’s remarkable tenure as Chairperson of INHEF has laid a strong foundation, and his transition to a new role signifies not an end but a new beginning for inclusive education in Ireland. Under the guidance of Dr. Órla Slattery, INHEF will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of education for students with intellectual disabilities, embodying the principles of empowerment, inclusivity, and opportunity.

PATH 4

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris launched a €9 million fund for higher education institutions to improve access to higher education for students with an intellectual disability.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are being asked for three-year proposals on how they can improve access and enhance course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.

The funding falls under phase 2 of PATH 4 of the National Access Plan which highlighted the need to improve and increase representation in higher education for students with a disability including students with autism and students with intellectual disabilities.
An information session was held by the HEA on the 11th July to discuss the proposal and to answer any questions people might have.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Nicolae Buza – Graduate Maynooth University, Inclusive Learning Initiative.

Nicolae Buza – Graduate Maynooth University, Inclusive Learning Initiative.

Left: Niamh Biddulph – graduate Trinity College Dublin, Certificate in Arts Science and Inclusive Practice Right Stephen Ryan - graduate Trinity College Dublin, Certificate in Arts Science and Inclusive Practice

Left: Niamh Biddulph – graduate Trinity College Dublin, Certificate in Arts Science and Inclusive Practice Right Stephen Ryan - graduate Trinity College Dublin, Certificate in Arts Science and Inclusive Practice

See PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals here
See Easy to Read PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals here

Presentation of the Information Session

View presentation here
Download presentation here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 4

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 5

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 6

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 7

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 10

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 14

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here

PATH 4 Phase 2 Call for Proposals HEA Information Session 17

Please share these materials with any colleagues who might find them relevant.

Furthermore, the HEA and INHEF will be publishing the presentation on their respective websites.

All the questions submitted in advance and discussed during the session will be collated in an FAQ document, which will be published in early August. If you have any additional questions to be included in the FAQ document, please submit them by Friday, 28 July 2023.

An easy read version of the Call for Proposals and Student Principles will be made available in due course.

Click Here
View a recording of the information session here
PATH 4 Phase 2 Information Session FAQs

HEA Consultations

Following on from the in-person consultations with students and graduates with intellectual disabilities the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are holding online consultations on access to college for people with intellectual disabilities. Attached is information for circulation. The HEA would like to talk to people with intellectual disabilities who have NOT gone to college and parents and supporters of people with intellectual disabilities.

They have scheduled the following consultations. Please follow the link to register for the event.

People with intellectual disabilities who have not attended university/college
Date: 12th May at 10am (An additional session may be held at 11am)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIldeyhqj0tHdEW5j_lfSgU8CV3oBEaHK5m

Parents or supporters of students/graduates with intellectual disabilities
Date: May 9th at 5pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpd-GgqjstGNMkepDXvDDVcFATLBgI3Zjx

Parents or supporters of people with intellectual disabilities who have not attended university/college
Date: May 10th at 5pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvd-utrDwrHN1jM2A1_0-1lohDZTMWM7TZ

Further information is available here

Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice (CDIP)

Course Name

Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice

Course Provider

University College Cork

Qualification

FETAC Level 6, Special Purpose Award

Attendance Options

One year, 2 days per week

Location

Cork City

Awarding Body

University College Cork

Course Description

The Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice is for students who have already completed the Certificate in Contemporary Living, or the Certificate in Social Citizenship, or another equivalent programme.

The course aims to develop students’ presentation, communication and self-advocacy skills. Students will learn to:

  • Deliver training on disability-inclusive practices in education and professional settings
  • Review and respond to policies for disability inclusion
  • Audit spaces for the physical, social and cultural inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

A work placement is an important part of the course.

What Will I Be Studying?

Modules include:

  • Statutory frameworks for disability inclusion 
  • Finding and using your voice 
  • Presentation and communication skills 
  • Reviewing and auditing skills 
  • Employment and social enterprise: Internship 

How do I know if the course is for me?

  • Are you interested in the rights of people with intellectual disability (PWID)?
  • Would you like to be involved in educating people about how to include the ideas and voices of PWID?
  • Are you interested in telling policy makers your ideas about the laws and policies that affect PWID?
  • Would you like to work with others, doing research on issues affecting the lives of PWID?
  • Would you like to develop skills that might lead to work supporting professionals and people in different organisations about rights for PWID, and what that means for their work?

If you answered “YES” to these questions, then this course is for you!

Who to Contact

Dr. Mary Byrne

Project Manager

idplus@ucc.ie

086-1369813

Website

INHEF Launch

Steering Group INHEF

(Back row: left to right) Dr Deirdre Corby [DCU], Dr Carmel Toff Andersen [DCU], Ms Martina Neylon [LIT], Dr Máire Leane [UCC], Ms Edel Lynn [AIT], Dr Orla Slattery [MIC], Dr Sinéad Foran [WIT], Ms Gina Grant [Donegal ETB Board Member]

(Front row: left to right) Trinity College Provost Patrick Prendergast, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Mr Stephen Lyons [Graduate TU Dublin], Mr Des Aston [TCD], Dr Anne O’Byrne [MIC], Prof. Michael Shevlin [TCD]

Mr Ciaran Bulman, Mr Stephen Lyons, Ms Elizebeth Lyons.

(Left to right) Mr Ciaran Bulman, Mr Stephen Lyons, Ms Elizabeth Lyons.

The Inclusive National Higher Education Forum [INHEF] was launched in Trinity College Dublin on Thursday, 10th October 2019. INHEF is Ireland’s first national forum dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion amongst inclusive higher education providers by the development of post-secondary opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

A report, titled ‘Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in the Republic of Ireland – A National Response’, was co-launched by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, alongside graduating digital media student from TU Dublin, Tallaght, Mr Stephen Lyons.

The INHEF notes that people with intellectual disabilities have been largely absent from higher education in Ireland, despite increasing numbers now attending mainstream secondary schools, which they argue has led to higher levels of underemployment and unemployment among this group.

In 2014 there were 16 such courses, running in 16 colleges throughout the country. However, by 2019 that number had fallen to just 10 inclusive education initiatives, catering for 106 students in total.

The report highlights a lack of funding for resources that support people with intellectual disabilities in accessing higher education. Transition pathways to post-secondary provision for these students are often ad-hoc and making the progression to post-school educational provision relies heavily on the capacity of families.

The report calls for a national response to support people with intellectual disabilities transitioning from secondary education into further and higher education or employment.

At the launch Minister Mitchell O’Connor stated: “The ten higher education institutions offering special options for people with intellectual disabilities are enriching the lives and prospects of students and their families. I look forward to future engagement with the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum on the report and its findings. I am very pleased that there has already been constructive discussions with officials from my Department and SOLAS.”

“For far too long, people with intellectual disabilities have been excluded from the same opportunities as their peers. We now have evidence they want to avail of the educational and employment opportunities that will enable them to lead independent lives” said Mr Des Aston, Chair of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum and National and Schools Coordinator at Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He added, “Already, across Ireland, we have exemplars of how higher education can engage in enabling people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their lifelong goals.”

Mr Stephen Lyons who has recently achieved a level 8 minor award in digital media from TU Dublin, Tallaght spoke about his experience of going to college “I couldn’t get a job, all doors were closed, until I got through the door of college”. Mr Lyons spoke passionately encouraging other students with intellectual disabilities to advocate for the same opportunities as their peers. “You’re on your own journey but you have to go a bit of a distance, everybody is equal!”.

The vision of INHEF is to embed inclusive education initiatives and alternative access routes into the higher education landscape in the Republic of Ireland so that students with intellectual disabilities have meaningful post-secondary educational opportunities available to them. The INHEF are calling for partners in Government, higher and further education, and the employers’ community to help to achieve their goals.

INHEF have launched a new website which includes essential information on all 10 inclusive education initiatives that are accessible for students with intellectual disabilities across Ireland.

Contact details for INHEF are in the Contact Page of this website.

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Stephen Lyons and 19 Stories of Social Inclusion

Stephen Lyons and 19 Stories of Social Inclusion

Stephen Lyons co-launched the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum in Trinity College on the 10th October 2019. Stephen started his presentation by telling the audience that when he was born, the doctor turned to his mother and said “one day he’ll be famous”. Stephen said that this was true as he has now graduated with a degree from Tallagh Institute of Technology. He studied Creative Digital Media there with the support of Ciarán from WALK.

At the launch Stephen spoke about his experiences in college and the value of a third level education to him. His story was previously documented in ’19 Stories of Social Inclusion’, a project funded by the National Disability Authority and managed by Trinity College and Inclusion Ireland. 

The stories capture the diverse ways that people with disabilities belong and contribute to their communities. 19 stories were chosen to highlight Article 19 of the UNCRPD, the right to live independently and be included in the community – a key underpinning of social inclusion for people with disabilities. 

You can see all 19 stories of social inclusion on Inclusion Ireland’s website.

You can also read the report on the project here, ‘19 Stories of Social Inclusion – Ireland: Stories of Belonging, Contributing an Connecting’

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