AHEAD & AMLÉ Students with Disabilities Advisory Group
What is the Advisory Group?
The Students with Disabilities Advisory Group (SwDAG) is a co-chaired group of disabled students and learners from Further and Higher Education institutions across Ireland. The group is co-chaired by AHEAD and Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), the national student union (previously USI).
What does the Advisory Group do?
The SwDAG meets 4-5 times throughout the academic calendar year to discuss issues or areas of concern on the ground for students with disabilities. The findings of the group are fed into the research, policy, and advocacy agenda of AHEAD and AMLÉ. The powerful and dynamic group also gives up-to-date feedback and advice concerning the strategy, working agenda, and outputs of both AHEAD and AMLÉ. The SwDAG further serves to amplify and feed the disabled student voice (including direct experiences) into AHEAD and AMLÉ staff outputs.
Are there any benefits or opportunities for members?
The group will have opportunities to speak at large and powerful advocacy events lead by both AHEAD and external agencies. Similarly, participating in the group holds a high standard and can amplify the advocacy and experience of students when they move to seek employment. Students are also reimbursed for their time and engagement in meetings and events in-line with AHEAD’s Student Reimbursement Policy.
