UCC develops intellectual disability inclusion training for higher education sector

University College Cork (UCC) launched new training to help staff in Ireland’s higher education sector who want to include students with intellectual disabilities in their courses.

UCC’s id+ Project offers two university certificates for students with intellectual disabilities who join degree students on “co-learning modules” in a wide range of subjects including geography, engineering, nursing and law.

This inclusive “co-learning” approach, which is unique in Ireland’s higher education sector, provides both groups with fruitful opportunities to learn with and from each other. Fourteen academics are delivering co-learning modules on the id+ project while 51 students on degree programmes are acting as Peer Buddies to their classmates on the id+ project.

At a hybrid event on 15 May, UCC shared its experiences of inclusive co-learning and launch a new online microcredential for staff teaching in higher education, who want to develop their skills in inclusive education. Participants will learn about the principles and values of inclusive education, build competencies and skills for designing and delivering inclusive education, and engage with resources to support this innovative teaching approach.

“This is an opportunity for participants to ask questions and explore the concrete reality of "how to do" inclusive education in a university setting” stated Deputy President & Registrar of UCC, Professor Stephen Byrne.

“UCC’s id+ Project has been a wonderful experience for me. It has allowed me to follow my dream of studying at a university and meeting other students,” stated Claire McCarthy, a student on UCC’s Certificate in Social Citizenship.

UCC has 15 students with intellectual disabilities studying at the University on the Certificate in Social Citizenship and the Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice.