GATHER 2025
If you are AT curious, an AT user or an AT advocate then ‘GATHER’ with us for this 3 day online Assistive Technology event by AHEAD. Join us as we all discover AT possibilities together.
Register to attend GATHER 2025 here
What is GATHER?
This free 3 day online event, that gathers our Assistive Technology (AT) Community in Further and Higher Education, is a space to meet online, share ideas and insights about the multifaceted topic of AT and how it is part of student success.
This is a place where staff from further and higher education can come together about Assistive technology and share experiences, insight and tips about AT. Over the three days on May 27th, 28th, and 29th, we will have presentations, demonstrations and discussions that will explore:
- How AT helps us in different ways to succeed and overcomes barriers,
- How we can develop AT awareness and embed AT in the education culture,
- Dive into the barriers and successes of AT in education
- A well as AT being part of an inclusive approach in the student journey.
This is an exciting and pivotal time to talk about the power of Assistive Technology as we all have access to AT, in some form now on all our devices, in our day-to-day lives.
Who is this for?
Staff in Further and Higher Education are all welcome. Whatever your role is in education, AT can have a place for you and the work you carry out with and for students.
When is it on?
'GATHER' will happen over 3 days on May 27th, 28th, and 29th 2025. Times to be confirmed!
Questions?
Any queries, please contact events@ahead.ie
Tweet us @AHEADireland using the #GatherAHEAD
Danielle Duignan, AHEAD
Danielle has worked in technology and education for many years now, starting out as a mentor with UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre during her undergraduate degree. She is an experienced Instructional Designer and Learning Technologist, with a keen interest in accessibility and inclusion in technology. She currently works as the Digital Media and eLearning Officer with AHEAD.
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Erica Meslin, Education Manager, AHEAD
Erica Meslin Education Manager, AHEAD
Erica Meslin is the Education Manager with AHEAD. She is an experienced leader in the inclusion field bringing in a diverse background of working with marginalized and disadvantaged communities internationally. Erica is passionate about accessibility and inclusion in education settings and is happy to play a key role with AHEAD’s education team.
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Aontas The Voice of Adult Learning,
Aontas The Voice of Adult Learning
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National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA),
National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
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Accessibility Ireland, info@accessibilityireland.com
Accessibility Ireland info@accessibilityireland.com
Accessibility Ireland is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital information, products, and services. Driven by a clear mission to bridge the significant gap in education and awareness around digital accessibility in Ireland, the organisation empowers companies to create inclusive digital experiences, from websites and apps to digital documents.
Co-founders: Michael Hanton, Gareth Crossan, Mick Keane
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Trevor Boland, Dublin City University
Trevor Boland Dublin City University
Trevor Boland is an experienced Assistive Technology Officer working in Higher Education supporting Students with disabilities. He previously lectured in the Access programme for non-traditional students in TU Dublin.
Trevor was previously the Digital and eLearning Officer in AHEAD and has been involved in the National rollout of the UDL Badge with UCD and the Teaching and Learning Forum.
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Ann Burns, Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Ann Burns Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Ann Burns is a visual artist from North Cork, specializing in socially engaged practice, materiality, and digital media. She is currently part of the XR Labs residency at Digital Art Studios Belfast. Ann holds a Master's in Art and Environment from TU Dublin and a B.A.V.A. from Sherkin Island.
Her work has been showcased at the first XR Festival in Belfast and a digital festival in Potsdam, Germany. She was also an artist in residence for the Kinship Project with Cork City Council and Creative Ireland.
Ann's current projects explore the virtual space's haptic and plastic qualities, using time and sound as materials. She engages participants in collaborative digital and physical sculptural forms often utilising local clay and other environmental elements, fostering community co-production.
Additionally, Ann works as an Active Inclusion Support Advisor for the Cork Education and Training Board, promoting VR as an educational tool for isolated groups and enhancing teaching methods.
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Aoife Ó Murchú, Rehab Group
Aoife Ó Murchú Rehab Group
Aoife Ó Murchú is Digital and Assistive Technology Officer in Rehab Group. In her role, she gets to share her passion for inclusive education and technology across 50 NLN locations. She thrives on shared problem solving with staff and students to find that person-tech match that can be a game-changer.
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Martin Russell, DDLETB – Tallaght Training Centre
Martin Russell DDLETB – Tallaght Training Centre
Working in FET since 1998 with FÁS and continued with, when morphed into an ETB. Working with online/blended learning since 2004. Enthusiastic about TEL. Very interested in innovating around accessibility for learners.
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Dr Brendan Ryan, LCETB
Dr Brendan Ryan leads the TEL Support Service with over 30 years' experience in FET and a PhD on criticality in Learning Technology Professional Development.
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Liese Gubbins, LCETB
Liese Gubbins supports Limerick and Clare ETB staff in adopting digital tools, drawing on her background in education, HR, and organisational psychology.
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Beth Stark, https://bit.ly/BethStark
Beth Stark https://bit.ly/BethStark
Beth lives in Germany and is a UDL Consultant and Inclusionary Practices Strategist for international schools. Together with Dr. Loui Lord Nelson, she facilitates the ECIS UDL Certification Programme. Beth specialises in UDL implementation, building learner-centred systems of support, accessible technology integration, shifting mindsets, and igniting inclusive inquiry for all learners. She has sixteen years of IB international school experience and holds a Master's Degree in Special Education. Beth served as the Co-Chairperson of the UDL-IRN Implementation Special Interest Group, is an ISTE certified educator, and a CPACC certified member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
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Alistair McNaught, Alistair McNaught Consultancy Ltd
Alistair McNaught Alistair McNaught Consultancy Ltd
Alistair McNaught spent 20 years in mainstream teaching before accidentally discovering the value of technology in making students more successful and independent. In 2000, he left the classroom to work nationally, promoting accessible practice and policy. Alistair has a long and happy association with AHEAD, contributing to the ARK resources.
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Caoimhe O’ Malley, Dyslexia Ireland
Caoimhe O’ Malley Dyslexia Ireland
Caoimhe O’Malley is the Senior Adult Dyslexia Coordinator with Dyslexia Ireland. She is responsible for the development of dyslexia supports for adults including the development of training to be delivered across the Adult Education sector (including FE, HE and Community Education) and the Employment/Workplace sector. Prior to joining Dyslexia Ireland, Caoimhe worked in education, her main focus being the non-traditional student, ensuring equal access to education for all and that the correct supports are in place so that all students can reach their full potential and enjoy their educational journey.
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Aoife O'Leary, Dyslexia Ireland
Aoife O'Leary Dyslexia Ireland
Aoife O'Leary is the Adult Literacy Coordinator with Dyslexia Ireland. Her role includes developing learning resources for adults with dyslexia as well as developing and delivering dyslexia training for adult literacy tutors and groups with a special interest in adult literacy.
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Jane Brennan, Study Guidance Facilitator, MTU
Jane Brennan Study Guidance Facilitator, MTU
I am Study Guidance Facilitator at Munster Technological University (MTU), where I support students in developing academic skills and using technology to enhance their learning. With a background in teaching language and communication across second level, Further Education, and Higher Education, I bring a learner-centred approach to fostering student engagement, confidence, and independence.
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