Ahead (the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) is managing a twoyear pilot training and employment programme for third-level graduates with disabilities.

The programme begins next January and is open to graduates (holders of certificates, diplomas or degrees) from all disciplines.

The course content will centre on information technology and the acquisition of foreign languages. However, it is not necessary for anyone applying to have prior knowledge of a second language. Students on the course will be trained by FAS and other mainstream training and educational agencies; where possible, the courses will be delivered on a regional basis.

A work placement in Ireland or within another EU member state will be provided, and those on the course will receive statutory training allowances and will be paid while on work placement.

For application forms contact Caroline McGrath, AHEAD, Newman House, 86 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 (tel: (01) 475 2386; email: ahead@iol.ie). University College Galway co-ordinates a two-year diploma in rural development taught through distance learning.

The objective of the course (which is being offered on an inter-university basis by the NUI colleges in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Maynooth) is to train personnel in the general and specific aspects of rural development; it is aimed at community leaders and development agents.

Many of those already enrolled on the programme have years of practical experience in the voluntary sector, and they are using the course to give academic backing to their hands-on experience. "We are dealing with mature people many of whom have been active in the subject field for years," says the course coordinator, Siobhan O'Reilly.

"Apart from being personally fulfilling, they are finding that the academic qualification strengthens their arm considerably in being effective and getting results on the ground."

For information contact Siobhan O'Reilly (tel: (091) 524411).