A new national institute which aims to include people with learning disabilities in third-level education was opened at Trinity College Dublin yesterday.
The National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) will conduct research into learning disabilities; provide practical education and support for students; and hold seminars, conferences and consultancies on disability issues. The institute offers a certificate in contemporary living, which is Ireland's first full-time university course for people with learning disabilities.
The NIID was officially opened by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin yesterday, who said that inclusive research involving students and their families would give added value to research already being conducted. Inclusive research involves students highlighting areas that they think are important for them and the results being written up in language that they can understand.
"I am particularly struck by the emphasis placed on inclusive research, based on involving people with an intellectual disability and their families in identifying and conducting research on their own needs," said Ms Hanafin.
Twenty mature students take the certificate as a full-time course for 3½ days each week. Student Helen Donnelly said it has taught her how to handle her money and helped her gain the independence to travel into the city from Greystones.
NIID director Dr Patricia O'Brien said that there has been a movement to get disabled students included in the third-level system. "It's to do with voice. There is a groundswell from families that this is their right."
Public and private funding for the institute has been received from the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority, Special Olympics Ireland, the Atlantic Philanthropies and the Ireland Funds.