INHEF Special Feature 

Inclusive Education: Cumas at University of Galway

The University of Galway has been funded by the Higher Education Authority Path Four Phase two fund to run an eighteen-month course named Cumas - A Certificate in Foundational Learning and Community at level 5. It is a full-time, mixed programme of inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the programme is to provide students with a third level learning experience which will develop their knowledge, social engagement and employment prospects.

Students on Cumas take part in social activities and academic classes with students without intellectual disabilities, as well as participating in classes with other students with intellectual disabilities. The programme also provides students with work experience through placement opportunities. While the primary aims of the programme caters to the students and their needs, it is also envisioned that University of Galway and the wider community will benefit by developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the potential of people with intellectual disabilities.

The programme is founded on the following four pillars:  

• Quality Education - meaningful learning relating to needs and interests of students.
• Personal Growth and Independence – confidence building and life skills.
• Community, Belonging and Advocacy – quality involvement in university life.
• Employability and Future Pathways – work placement and pathways for further study/lifelong learning.

Inclusion in the University of Galway is extremely important for a student’s experience and sense of community and belonging in attending University. A momentous event we celebrated was the students collecting their student identification.  The pride and excitement could be seen on each student's face and was celebrated in the Student Registration Office, they collected their Student ID’s amongst the first year students thus integrating with the student population on campus.

Orientation week for new students in September was an exciting week to take part in. Student support services supported the Cumas programme participants in the events, including treasure hunts, music events and presentation events; the enthusiasm and excitement was all inclusive. We call the inclusion the Cumas effect, as we are supported and made feel part of every facet of the University from the Technology department, Access department, Registration departments, restaurants, and each school we interact with.

Image 1. Cumas students and staff at end of semester celebration

There were many special moments celebrated with the Cumas students. This celebration event was held on completion of their first 5 ECT semester in May. This module focused on the transition to third level.

The students have had opportunities to sample classes in modules, including a co-learning session with Professional Masters in Education on reflective practice.

Image 2. Cumas students in a lecture hall

The Cumas students worked in small groups with the students reflecting on secondary school experiences and advocated their opinions on supports needed in educational settings for students with intellectual disabilities.

Here are images of students attending a zoology lecture and lab with the Zoology department at the university: 

The magic of Maker Space, the 3D design and development studio in the University of Galway, gave the Cumas students an opportunity to reach for the stars in design and development.

Photo montage of Cumas students at the Maker Space 

Photo montage of Cumas students at Digi Academy

As part of the HSE (Health Service Executive) Patient and Public Partnership Conference in the Institute of Lifecourse Centre, the Cumas programme students took part in a day event learning about Digi Academy, a skills building platform tutored by tutors with intellectual disabilities for students with intellectual disabilities.

Digital skills training in collaboration with Digi Academy, the Cumas Programme students are on their first Teams call with Digi Academy.

Inclusive education and immersion in university culminated in the students setting up their own Cumas Society. The society committee is made up of the students themselves, supported by the Cumas team.

Podcasting with Flirt FM

An amazing opportunity to work with Flirt FM in University of Galway with Heather and Cormac.

Every Thursday the Cumas students work with Heather, developing their skills in radio technology and recording their own podcast with invited guests aired on the radio station.

This term the students are working on Academic learning with their lecturers in the classroom and in the computer labs.

Class Representative election with the President of the Students' Union, Maisie Hall. Amy Clarke is our class representative and Therese Carter is our vice class representative.

Photo montage of class rep elections and Christmas event

Photo montage of Cumas Society coffee morning and Daniel at the registration desk

In January the Cumas students will begin co-learning alongside their university peers. All campuses in the university have opened a module to the students, and they are very much looking forward to joining other students in lectures on topics that are of interest to them. The module on skills for the workplace will also begin.

The Cumas students continue to go from strength to strength as they engage in their learning and social activities. As one student put it, I’m living my best life!