UCC re-affirms its commitment to students with disabilities
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UCC re-affirms its commitment to students with disabilities
30.05.2011

University College Cork (UCC) has re-affirmed its commitment to students with disabilities with the recent launch of a new programme, The Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) by the Centre for Adult Continuing Education. The programme was officially launched by Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch TD who commended the university on its success in attracting disabled and otherwise disadvantaged students.

The first of its kind in Ireland, the part-time course is aimed at those who are working, caring, volunteering or just have an interest in the area of disability.  The programme is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants while incorporating the twin aims of lifelong learning i.e. active citizenship and employability. The first year includes an introduction to sign language and inclusive media. It also looks at the social context of mental health and autism. In the second year students develop the skills required to successfully design a programme or course that maximises the inclusion of people with disabilities.  Accessibility to sport and leisure, the creative arts and culture in the context of disability also form part of this programme.  An exploration of how disability is perceived in developing countries for those who may wish to volunteer or work abroad is also explored.

Speaking at the launch of the programme Minister Lynch said: “Defining what Disability Studies is may also be informed by what it is not. It is not medicine, rehabilitation, special education, physical or occupational therapy, and professions oriented toward the cure, prevention, or treatment of disabilities. In short, Disability Studies challenges the way in which disability is constructed in society. It involves the development of the theoretical, research and educational models necessary to remove the legal, physical, political and attitudinal barriers that exclude people with disabilities from society.”  The Minister continued: “Disability Studies, therefore, has the potential to benefit people with disabilities as well as society by the participation and presence of people with disabilities in our schools, our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, and in our lives.”

UCC has a proud tradition for attracting disabled and otherwise disadvantaged students and the Centre for Adult Continuing Education in conjunction with the Disability Support Service who have played a very positive role in the provision of these learning opportunities are, once again, leading the way with this new and unique programme.

Picture L-R: Mairéad O’Sullivan, Disability Support Service, Sheila O’Driscoll, Centre for Adult Continuing Education, Noreen Power Waldron, Centre for Adult Continuing Education, Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State (with responsibility for Disability, Equality, Older People and Mental Health) Con O’Brien, Vice President for the Student Experience, UCC and Mary O’Grady, Disability Support Service, UCC.

 



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