Students with Disabilities Advisory Group 2026-2027

Chioma (they/them) is returning as a co-chair on this year’s Students with Disabilities Advisory Group with AHEAD and AMLÉ. They are a third-year Ancient History and Archaeology student at Trinity College, living with a range of disabilities and chronic illnesses, including CRPS, POTS, and endometriosis. Chioma is Chairperson of the Trinity Ability Co_op–the first on-campus Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) in Trinity–as well as a Co-Researcher on the Centre for Disability Law and Policy’s GenCare Project. They are deeply passionate about disability advocacy and enhancing the accessibility and inclusion of disabled students in higher education and look forward to contributing to the advisory group in the coming months.

Emily is the Vice President for Welfare and Equality on National College of Ireland's Students' Union. She studied a BA Honours in Early Childhood Education and Care. Throughout her degree, she was fortunate to work with wonderful children with diverse needs. These experiences were incredibly rewarding and shaped her understanding of the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her own personal journey has shaped a passion in her to be an advocate for others. She knows first hand how important it is to have a support system who understand what you are going through. In her role on NCISU, she wants to ensure all students feel fully supported and know that they can approach me, no matter what they are dealing with. In the Students with Disabilities Advisory Group, Emily will listen, support and understand with the utmost respect. 

Kayleigh McNamara is a BA Joint-Honours student at the University of Galway studying Law, Global Media, and Sociological and Political Studies. Serving as Co-Chair to the advisory group for a second time, Kayleigh has a passion for representing disabled students in both further and higher education; learning from her personal experience as a further education student in Social Studies and Youth Work herself. She has also been priorly active in disability advocacy serving as the Disability Officer of the Irish Second-level Students Union from 2024-2026. Whilst Kayleigh remains passionate about the collective voice of students with disabilities her personal experience in advocacy comes from advocating for better policy around reproductive health in Ireland and rare disability awareness following her own journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Returning to the SwDAG, Kayleigh is delighted to work alongside members in identifying problems and potential pathways towards a more integrated society for disabled students. 

Ashton Salm is a graduate of TV and Media production and is continuing their studies at SETU. As a long time student with many invisible disabilities, including ASD, ADHD, and Hypermobility Disorder, they are very passionate about visibility and both common and uncommon supports for all disabled students. New to the Students with Disabilities Advisory Group, Ashton is eager to help create much needed change for accessibility for all students. 

Elaine is an autistic mature student (late diagnosed) in her final year of a BA in Criminology in UCC, Cork. She has served as an Access Ambassador for students living disabilities, representing the student voice as well as facilitating neurodiversity workshops for academics and university staff. Elaine is passionate about making society an inclusive and accessible place for all with a special interest in those with hidden disabilities. She has over 15 years' experience advocating for both mental health and disability entitlements rights both on a personal and professional basis. For fun, she loves exploring bookshops, creating art and watching strange art house films.  

Katie is a mature neurodivergent student currently pursuing a BSc in Applied Psychology at IADT. She is a recent graduate of Special Needs Assisting (SNA) from Dublin College Blackrock, where she served as an active member of the SwDAG. Katie is eager to continue promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the education system. With the knowledge she has gained through studying SNA and Psychology, and with her personal experience of having a disability, she actively advocates for individuals with additional needs.