2006 Press Releases
UCC hosts Summer School for Deaf and hard of hearing students
From 29 August to 1 September, UCC will be home to the second Summer
School for Deaf and hard of hearing students entering any third level
institution nationally. The Summer School is part of the national
Deaf Needs Assessment (DNA) project funded by the Higher Education
Authority (HEA) (Strategic Initiatives Scheme) to increase the numbers
of Deaf and hard of hearing students in third level education in
Ireland.
Last year the first Summer School was held in Trinity College Dublin
(TCD). According to Shirley Flanagan, UCC's Advisor to Students with
Sensory Disabilities: "UCC is delighted to host the School this year. A
variety of lectures and workshops, presented in both Irish Sign
Language and Speed Text, will provide students with ways of dealing
with the challenges of third level education in addition to providing
an opportunity to meet other students and form friendships of mutual
interest. Access to third level education for students with
disabilities has improved enormously in recent years. Indeed,
since 2001 the participation of Deaf and hard of hearing students
registered in UCC has increased by over 125%, with students
participating in various degree programmes including Engineering,
Commerce, Science and Arts."
The three day event will begin with two Deaf/hard of hearing students
from UCC and TCD relating their personal experiences. How to Work with
an ISL Interpreter and Student life, clubs and grants are just two
among the many other lectures and workshops offered to participants of
the summer school. Accommodation at the School is provided with
the cost being covered by the DNA Project.
See www.tcd.ie/disability
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