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Access UCC is an inclusive and collaborative unit that brings together multiple departments dedicated to increasing access to higher education for all students, including those with disabilities, mature students, and those who face other barriers to entry. Comprising of the Disability Support, Plus Programme, and Mature Student Office, Access UCC provides a comprehensive range of services and support to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
Disability Support provides a confidential, professional and accessible service for students with disabilities or those requiring adjustments for other reasons. We have a team of Advisers who are available to help you ensure equal opportunity, access and attainment for students within University College Cork.
Darrelle supports students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and students who have processing disorders.
Gavin is the advisor for students with autism/ autistic students/ students with aspergers.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Lisa is the advisor for students who have a significant Ongoing Illness or Neurological Conditions.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Kathryn is the advisor for students with Mental Health Conditions.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Michelle is the advisor for students who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Also support some students with a physical disability.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Madeline is the advisor for students with physical difficulties/disabilities, Dyspraxia DCD.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Niamh is a Disability Advisor for Disability Support.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Deirdre manages schools outreach for DS office and Assistive Technology.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Dr. Brian Butler is the Universal Design for Learning Advisor to Disability Support
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Thomas is the Assistive Technology Technician for Disability Support
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Emma is a Senior Executive Assistant and manages the Calm Zone.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Senior Executive Assistant for Disability Support.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Elaine is a Senior Executive Assistant for Disability Support
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
SEA Finance for Disability Support.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Abbie is an Occupational Therapist for Disability Supoort.
Email: dssot@ucc.ie
Bernadette is a Learning Support Co-Ordinator for Disability Support
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Employability Project Manager
The Employability Programme is to help Disability Support registered students to be better equipped to make a successful transition from college to the workplace. The students will also be able to focus on their career planning and development. The programme is being run by the Disability Support department in conjunction with partner employers.
Norma Gene works as part of the Employability Project.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
Elodie works as part of the Employability Project.
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie
PLUS Programme
The PLUS Programme provides a vast range of academic, financial and social support, enabling HEAR Scheme students to participate fully in student life and reach their full potential.
Working with secondary schools, the UCC PLUS Programme also seeks to target students and provide motivational and educational assistance to them throughout their secondary schooling to enhance their ability to compete for third-level places. Currently, several schools and colleges of further education are linked to the Programme for this purpose.
Paul is a UCC PLUS Pre-entry (schools) Outreach Admin SEA for Primary school / Prof Fluffy and Secondary school Homework Clubs.
Email: paul.geeleher@ucc.ie
Financial Support
The Financial Support department supports students in managing their finances and bridging any financial gaps they may face. With a friendly and confidential approach, the department offers a range of resources, including a Student Assistance Fund and a Student Budgetary Advisor, to help students find the information they need to make informed decisions about their finances.
Deirdre is a Student Financial Assistance Officer (SFSA) who oversees The Student Assistance Fund, Financial-Aid part-time fund, the NAT Bursary and Laptop Loans service for all students.
Peter provides administrative support to the Mature and QQI Student Support Officers. General Mature Student and QQI queries can be sent to him by emailing either:
The SOAR Project target groups include students from underrepresented socio-economic groups and communities; students with disabilities; mature students; members of the Irish Traveller community; students entering on the basis of a further education award; and part-time flexible learners.
Sheila has worked in the area of widening participation for over ten years. As Project Co-Ordinator of the UCC PLUS+ Schools Outreach Programme, she co-ordinated and developed outreach activities with second level DEIS schools in Cork, Kerry and Waterford, engaged in local inter-agency initiatives and collaborated with Access personnel nationally on the ongoing development and delivery of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) Scheme. Prior to working in higher education Sheila worked as a Health Development Worker with the Traveller Visibility Group Cork and as a residential Care Assistant in both family support and emergency homeless services. A graduate of University College Cork, Sheila holds a Bachelor in Social Science (2001), Master in Social Science (Youth & Community Work) (2003) and a Diploma in Management Practice (2020).
Inclusive UCC Project
The Inclusive UCC Project aims to spearhead the digital accessibility movement throughout the University.
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