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Updates and Events

  • Take a tour of the Calm Zone!

    01 Sep 2022
    Take a tour of the Calm Zone!

    Learn more about the Calm Zone with this video tour. 

     

     

     

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  • Launch of Digital Badge in Autism Awareness for Staff

    11 Nov 2021
    Launch of Digital Badge in Autism Awareness for Staff

    We were delighted to launch the Digital Badge in Autism Awareness for University Staff as part of ViT&L Week in November 2021 (and would like to thank CIRTL and the National Forum for their support).

    Also huge congratulations to the 29 UCC staff that received their digital badge as part of our first cohort!

    You can find out more about this Digital Badge here.

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  • UCC AFUI receives special mention by judges at the 2021 Education Awards

    31 May 2021
    UCC AFUI receives special mention by judges at the 2021 Education Awards

    UCC won a number of awards at the 2021 Education Awards, including 'Best Campus'.

    We were delighted that the judges highlighted the UCC Autism Friendly University Initiative as a particularily impressive element of the submission.

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  • UCC Calm Zone featured in 2021 Venice Architectural Biennale

    01 Jul 2021
    UCC Calm Zone featured in 2021 Venice Architectural Biennale

    The Calm Zone, designed as part of the Autism Friendly University Initiative (AFUI), featured in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale in a show titled “Autistic Imaginaries of Architectural Space'', which showcased architecture through the lens of autism. The Calm Zone has been recognised as an example of architecture that has incorporated the principles of autism-friendly design as outlined in the ASPECTSS Design Index. 

    The Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious international architecture exhibitions and the inclusion of the Calm Zone represents a huge achievement for all involved in its design and development.  

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  • World Autism Day 2021

    02 Apr 2021
    World Autism Day 2021

    World Autism Day is the 2nd of April, and to mark the occasion we have spoken to some autistic UCC students about their experiences getting involved with student life, and they share the advice they have for others who want to get more involved.

    We also have a chat with Dr Cat Hughes, an autistic researcher who was diagnosed with autism during her PhD and she shares her experiences as an autistic person in both higher education and employment, as well as how and why she celebrates World Autism Day.

     

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  • Launch of Autism&Uni Toolkit in UCC

    03 Dec 2020
    Launch of Autism&Uni Toolkit in UCC

    “This is honestly BRILLIANT! It’s going to make such a difference to students starting in UCC. It’s going to make so many people’s lives easier and reduce their nerves/anxiety.”

    (Feedback from student reviewer of the UCC version of the Autism&Uni toolkit)

    This toolkit is a remarkable addition to the supports offered to students – topics are clear and well-defined. There is information and advice that will benefit students, from adapting to life in UCC as a first year to moving on to employment after graduating. Although is designed for students with autism, we at the Students’ Union feel it will be beneficial to all students and will be promoting this excellent resource to all!”

    Naoise Crowley, SU President

    The newly launched Autism&Uni Toolkit – an online resource for autistic students in UCC which supports them to navigate the university environment – has received ringing endorsement from students.

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  • Update on the Autism Friendly University Initiative [Dec 2020]

    01 Dec 2020
     Update on the Autism Friendly University Initiative [Dec 2020]

     

    Key Updates   

    Calm Zone

    The Old Bar Refurbishment has been completed - and is now an autism friendly and accessible 'Calm Zone'.

    Autism&Uni Toolkit 

    We have adapted the Autism&Uni Toolkit for UCC students.

    Staff Awareness

    A proposed Digital Badge is being developed to improve staff awareness and understanding of what is it like to be autistic person in university.
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  • Quercus Academic Lecture - Dr Marc Fabri "Supporting Autistic Students in Higher Education: Small Changes, Big Impact"

    13 Jan 2020
    Quercus Academic Lecture - Dr Marc Fabri

     

    Event Type: Quercus Academic Lecture
    Date: Tuesday, 21st January 2020 
    Time: 6pm
    Location: AL G30, Áras na Laoi, UCC 
    Target Audience: All welcome
    Admission: Free
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  • Staff in Student Centre participate in 'autism-friendliness' training workshop

    28 May 2019
    Staff in Student Centre participate in 'autism-friendliness' training workshop

    Staff in the Student Centre availed of an 'autism-friendly' training workshop which explored what autism is and, more importantly, the challenges an autistic student may face when visiting the Student Centre.

     

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  • 'Creating Autism' Exhibition and Talk

    11 Apr 2019
    'Creating Autism' Exhibition and Talk

     

    Event Type: Exhibition
    Date: Thursday, 11th April 2019
    Time: 7pm - 8pm
    Location: Café Oasis, Áras na Mac Léinn, UCC (the downstairs café in the Student Centre)
    Target Audience: All welcome
    Admission: Free
    Additional Information: Tea and coffee will be available - all welcome! 

     


     

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  • Panel Discussion: What does it mean to be 'autism-friendly'?

    10 Apr 2019
    Panel Discussion: What does it mean to be 'autism-friendly'?

     

    Event Type: Panel Discussion
    Date: Wednesday, 10th April 2019
    Time: 2pm - 3pm
    Location: CACSSS Seminar Room (G27). O'Rahilly Building (AKA 'The ORB')
    Target Audience: All welcome
    Admission: Free

     

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  • 2nd April is World Autism Day (and April is Autism Awareness Month)

    02 Apr 2019
    2nd April is World Autism Day (and April is Autism Awareness Month)

    UCC students Ally, Rhona, Siobhán, Paul and Fionnán talk about their college experience and the supports they received through the Disability Support Service.

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  • 'Creating an Autism Friendly University' - Presentation at the AHEAD Conference 2019

    20 Mar 2019
    'Creating an Autism Friendly University' - Presentation at the AHEAD Conference 2019

    Dr Máire Leane and Kirsten Hurley delivered a presentation on 'Creating an Autism Friendly University' at the 2019 AHEAD Conference in the Croke Park Conference Centre in Dublin. AHEAD is the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability. The theme of the conference was 'Journey to Oz - Travelling Together Towards Inclusive Education'.

     

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  • Autism and Higher Education - Staff Training

    28 Feb 2019
    Autism and Higher Education - Staff Training

    On the 28th of February, twenty-five members of staff completed a full day's training in the Glucksman to understand what it is like to be an autistic student in higher education and explore possible ways to support these students.

     

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  • Update on the Autism Friendly University Initiative [January 2019]

    31 Jan 2019
     Update on the Autism Friendly University Initiative [January 2019]

     

    Main Updates   
    Project Coordinator Appointed Kirsten Hurley appointed as project coordinator in mid-October '18.
    Old Bar Refurbishment (Autism-Friendly Space) Butler & Cammoranesi architects have been commissioned for this project and building is due to commence in May '19 with the aim to open for Sept '19.
    Training & Awareness Raising Autism awareness training will be offered to staff and further events will be held in April (Autism Awareness Month).
    Sensory, Space & Digital Audits The sensory environment, navigation of physical spaces and engagement with digital interfaces can all pose challenges for students on the spectrum so audits will be carried out to highlight these challenges.
    Student Feedback & Focus Groups Focus groups were held to explore the needs of students & 'autism-friendly' eating spaces were identified as a significant need.
    Establishment of Working Groups Working groups involving staff from all across the University are being convened to further the 'autism-friendly agenda'.

     

     

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  • Student’s Union Launch Autism Friendly University Project

    05 Jul 2018
    Student’s Union Launch Autism Friendly University Project

    The UCC Student’s Union today announced the launch a new Autism Friendly University Project. The aim of the project is to make UCC a more autism-friendly environment to ensure that all students succeed to the very best of their abilities. 

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Autism Friendly University Initiative

Tionscnamh Ollscoile a Thacaíonn le hUathachas

Disability Support Service, The Hub,

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