In this conversation Tamara and Derval talk with me about the significance of inclusive education for people with intellectual disabilities. Tamara shares her journey with us, emphasising the need for equal access to education and employment, more inclusive workplaces, schools, and communities, and the importance of advocacy and awareness-raising efforts. Derval shares Inclusion Ireland's aspirations for inclusion, and practical steps that can be taken by to achieve this.
In this conversation Michael Shevlin talks about the challenges faced by learners with intellectual disabilities in transitioning to third-level education, and the need for more inclusive education. Michael emphasises the importance of recognising the value and potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and providing them with equal opportunities for education and employment. He highlights the need for systemic change, including co-creation, universal design for learning, and mentorship, to empower young people with disabilities. Michael also emphases the importance of involving young people in the decision-making process in education and the role of good people in making this change happen
In this conversation, Lisa Carey and Alexis Reid discuss the importance of executive functioning (EF) in education, emphasising its role in learning and daily life. They highlight the need for educators to understand and support EF, noting that many struggle with its definition and application. Key strategies include using task lists, thinking aloud, and focusing on transitions. Alexis and Lisa stress the interplay between EF and emotional regulation, advocating for a supportive, inclusive environment.
In this conversation Dara Ryder and Maureen Haran discuss the development of the ALTITUDE charter, which aims to embed UDL across Irish higher education institutions. The charter includes four pillars: teaching and learning, student support services, physical environment, and digital environment. They emphasize the importance of collective agency, collaboration, and a shared language for UDL. Resources include digital badges, a technical report, and a toolkit for implementation.
In this conversation Jenna and Nicole talk about the importance of creating inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse learners' needs, balancing advocacy and agency. They discuss the updated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines 3,0, prioritising equity, inclusivity, and student-centered learning. Jenna and Nicole then talk about the need for progress over perfection and creating spaces for learners to navigate their learning, pursue meaningful goals, and reflect on feedback. They also emphasise the importance of representing diverse perspectives and prioritising collaboration, interdependence, and emotional growth in a student-centered and teacher-centered approach.
In this conversation, Kate Murray shares her experiences as an autistic adult and highlights the complexities of navigating identity and advocacy. She argues that the traditional linear spectrum approach to autism is damaging and reinforces ableist beliefs, instead advocating for a neurodiversity perspective that values and embraces diversity. Kate also discusses the inadequate mental health provision for autistic students in schools, leading to higher rates of mental health issues among autistic young people. She invites autistic teenagers in Northern Ireland and the Republic to collaborate in a co-research project to educate schools, the public, and governments about what helps autistic students' mental health.
In this conversation Lisa Gallagher and Niamh Áine Ó'Neill talk about the research they undertook as Professional Masters in Education students on the preparedness of Newly Qualified Teachers to include students with Autism, and all students, in their mainstream classrooms. Lisa and Niamh Áine share their research findings, their learnings as they move from being the student teacher to being the teacher, and their hopes for inclusive education training in Initial Teacher Education programmes.
In this conversation Senan Dunne and Elizabeth Matthews share their views on the use of Irish Sign Language, Deaf Education, and the beauty of ISL as a language. Each bringing their own unique perspective as a deaf and a hearing person (respectively) this conversation offers an invaluable insight into some of the work being done in the field of deaf education and ISL in Ireland. A transcript, video with ISL interpretation and resources are available here.
In this conversation Carrie talks with me about her ongoing journey toward being "being ok for me to be." As part of this journey Carrie strives to create spaces where there is trust and belonging for both staff and students. Carrie promotes inclusion for all and everyone but in this conversation we focus on inclusive spaces for members of the LGBTQ community through visual and language representation. Transcript and resources for this episode are available here.
In this conversation Patricia talks with me about her experiences a blind person, her work to advocate for people with disabilities being valued for their expertise when asked share their knowledge with others and the importance of having people with disabilities at the decision-making table. Patricia also talks to us about accessibility and the role of guide dogs in giving blind people more independence. Transcript and resources for this episode are available here.
In this conversation Lisa talks with me about the importance of an inclusive curriculum for every student. She shares her experiences as a teacher accidentally finding Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) before talking about her current role as Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) Team Leader for Level 1 Learning Programmes (L1LPs) and L2LPs. Transcript and resources for this episode are available here.
In this episode Livia talks with me about her experiences both as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) student and teacher. Livia talks about how to support students with EAL in their English language learning journey and the importance of celebrating our students' cultural and linguistic diversity. Transcript and resources for this episode are available here.
In this conversation Ger McTavish talks with me about her role as the GAA national diversity and inclusion officer , and her journey to get there. Ger shares her learning from her time as a Special Olympics development officer and gives us examples of inclusion in GAA sports for people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and refugees who are making Ireland their new home. Transcript for this episode is available here.
Welcome to season 2 of Talking about all things inclusion. While season 1 focused on sharing conversations with North American inclusion advocates, season 2 is all about the Irish! Its an opportunity to highlight just some of the amazing work people are doing to promote and embed equity, diversity nad inclusion in all facets of Irish society. In this season I'll speak with inclusion advocates in sport and education and technology, learn about accessibility for people with disabilities, and the impact of being diagnosed with a disability as an adult. There's so much to add to this in season 2 so please join me as I talk to some amazing people about all things inclusion.
In this conversation Jenna and Nicole talk with me about the review of the UDL Guidelines from an equity perspective. The share their own journey's to UDL and what motivated them to lead this important piece of work; what do we value? what do we teach? what to we honour?
Transcript and resources from this conversation are available here.
In this conversation Richard Jackson talks with me about his educational experiences as a person with a disability and how this has informed his work to create inclusive curricula and learning environments, and to support the next generation of leaders for inclusion.
Transcript and resources mentioned in the conversation are available here.
In this conversation Aashna talks with me about flexible learning spaces and creating making within and outside our school building.
Transcript of this conversation and resources available here.
