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PATH 4 Phase 2 – Course Provision for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris (TD) announced in February 2024 the roll-out of higher education courses for students with intellectual disabilities. This significant initiative, spearheaded by Harris’ department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), will be delivered across 10 higher education colleges nationwide, offering unprecedented opportunities for learners with intellectual disabilities across communities.

PATH 4 Phase 2 will operate on a three-year pilot basis and is intended to:

  • Enhance course provision for students with intellectual disabilities across HEIs currently participating in the PATH programme, including students with intellectual disabilities from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and other National Access Plan priority groups.
  • To support future evidence-informed policy considerations in respect of the successful participation of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education including:
    an understanding on how engagement in higher education can support real outcomes, including employment, for students with intellectual disabilities.
    establishing an evidence base for a full and holistic cost of provision for students with intellectual disabilities encompassing fees, cost of provision for institution, day-to-day expenses, transport, student supports, mental health, preparation for interviews, etc.

Following a competitive Call for Proposals and a rigorous assessment process by an independent assessment panel of external experts, 10 proposals were recommended for funding.

On the 9 February 2024, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announced the successful programmes, which are due to commence in academic year 2024/2025.

Below is the list of higher education institutions who will receive funding under PATH 4 Phase 2:

Higher Education Institutions

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
Institute of Art, Design & Technology Dún Laoghaire (IADT)
Mary Immaculate College (MIC)
Munster Technological University (MTU)
South East Technological University (SETU)
Technological University (TU) Dublin
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
University College Cork (UCC)
University of Galway

Launch Event PATH 4 Phase 2

Below are videos from the recent PATH 4 launch in the Gibson Hotel.

Please see below two video links to the event.

Funded 4-year PhD programme in the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin

The School of Education in Trinity College Dublin is offering an opportunity for a funded 4-year structured PhD programme (full time).

Under the supervision of Dr Donatella Camedda, there is a position for a structured PhD student,  funded for 4 years to work on the Inclusion of students with Intellectual Disabilities. The funding is provided by the Trinity Research Doctorate Award and it will cover €25K stipend per year + tuition fees. Full details of the award are on the Trinity School of Education Website: here.

Learning Without Limits: Celebrating the Work of TCIPD

The Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Rethink Ireland are holding an event on Friday 27th October 2023 – 9:30 – 13:30 at the Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, 182 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, DO2 F6N2.
This event aims to commemorate and reflect upon the remarkable progress made in inclusive education for individuals with intellectual disabilities over the past two decades within Trinity College Dublin.

Over the past 20 years, Trinity College has been a leader in the field of inclusive education. Developing from an initial pilot course in 2004, the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities has evolved to become a national and international best practice leader, creating a model of education that allows students to fulfil their potential through their academic, work placement and college life experience.

Following registration and an opportunity to connect over teas and coffees, there will be a welcoming address and speeches from special guests, before a launch into three thematic conversation salons hosted by TCPID students and graduates on the subjects of the academic experience, the college life experience, and the pathways to opportunity following college.

Then after reconvening participants will share the learnings from the morning, and reflect on the actions needed to grow the opportunities for inclusive higher education across the country and to address the barriers that exist for the young people now and in the future.

Register for the event on  Eventbrite here.

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