INHEF Special Feature 

Technological University Dublin celebrates inclusive education with the official launch of the Certificate in Independent Living Skills programme

Photograph 1. Celebrating Collaboration at the Launch of the Certificate in Independent Living Skills Programme

TU Dublin has a long-standing commitment to inclusive post-secondary education. Since 2009, the university has partnered with Avista, a service provider for people with intellectual disabilities, to deliver the Learning Together Programme, recognising the positive impact that including students with intellectual disabilities has not only for the students themselves, but also for their peers and the wider campus community. The announcement of PATH 4 funding in 2023 enabled TU Dublin to design and validate a full-time Level 4 Certificate programme tailored specifically to students with intellectual disabilities.

The programme commenced in February 2025 across the Blanchardstown and Tallaght campuses. Students engaged fully in university life, attending classes, completing assignments, and delivering presentations alongside their peers on other programmes.

Photograph 2. Proud Moment at TU Dublin: Blanchardstown and Tallaght Students Launch the Certificate in Independent Living Skills Programme

The Certificate in Independent Living Skills is structured around three core strands. The first, Personal Development, consists of mandatory modules which support students on a journey of self-exploration and reflection, helping them to identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations for the future. Students also engage with topics such as human rights, advocacy, sustainability, life skills, and money management.

The second strand, Preparation for Employment, allows students to explore a range of career pathways. This includes mandatory modules exploring the world of work, an on-campus work placement in Year 1 and a paid off-campus work placement in Year 2.

The third strand, Co-Learning, is a central and distinctive feature of the programme. Through this strand, students participate in modules alongside peers from Level 7 and Level 8 programmes. Students choose from various elective modules including Horticulture, Health and Fitness, Creative Arts, Photography, Engineering, Science, Communication, and Disability Studies. Students are fully included in all activities, while working towards tailored learning outcomes and assessment methods.

Teaching and learning on the programme is firmly based in the principles of Universal Design for Learning, acknowledging and embracing the various ways in which students learn, demonstrate their learning and remain motivated. This proactive approach designs learning to be inclusive from the start, it empowers students and benefits all in the classroom.

At the launch, Dr Pat O’Connor, Head of the School of Social Sciences, Law and Education, spoke about TU Dublin’s long history of inclusive education. He acknowledged that the journey has not been without challenges and commended both staff and students for their commitment and achievements.

Sinéad Dunne, Senior Manager for Access and Outreach at TU Dublin, highlighted her department’s role in supporting those underrepresented in higher education. She spoke about the progress and growth observed among students on the programme and noted that her department had provided an on-campus work placement for one student - an enriching experience for all involved.

Students Dylan Farrell, David McEvoy, and Cameron Fagan Ward confidently delivered a presentation on their experiences of the programme, sharing photographs and stories from their modules, work placements, and the friendships they have developed.

Photograph 3. Dylan Farrell

Photograph 4. David McEvoy

Photograph 5. Cameron Fagan Ward

Yvonne Thomas, whose son is enrolled on the programme, spoke movingly about his increased independence and motivation. She described his strong sense of belonging on the TU Dublin campus, where he has formed friendships and engaged with students across a range of programmes.

Lecturer Joanie Cousins reflected on the co-learning Communications module shared by Pathways Together students and Social Care students, highlighting the mutual benefits of this rich and inclusive learning environment.

Ciara Kane, a Social Care student on placement with the programme, spoke about her role as a buddy during the Communications module. While she initially volunteered, hoping to support and teach others, Ciara shared that it was the Pathways Together students who taught her valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity. She thanked the students for the opportunity to complete her 12-week placement with them.

Ronan Murphy, Senior Engineer at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, spoke about the company’s experience of providing work experience to three TU Dublin students with intellectual disabilities. He noted that while there was some initial uncertainty, it quickly became clear that the students brought energy, positivity, and fresh perspectives to the workplace. He also praised the support provided by TU Dublin in ensuring successful placements.

Following the speeches, attendees had the opportunity to view student work from across the programme. The exhibition featured beautiful artwork, horticultural creations, striking photographs, projects exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and vibrant reflective posters.

Photograph 6. Visual Arts 

Photograph 7. Horticulture

Photograph 8. Photograpy 

We extend our sincere thanks to the students’ families, supporters, lecturers, social care staff, peers, and employer partners who have contributed to the success of the programme so far. We look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming semester.

The atmosphere at the launch was one of pride, celebration, and goodwill for the 12 students on the programme. Their grit, determination, and enthusiasm were evident as they shared their experiences. As one student so simply and powerfully stated, I am excited to come to college every day. This is clear evidence that, with the right supports, students with intellectual disabilities can and do thrive in university.

Photograph 9. Students Cameron Fagan Ward, Carmel Pilkington and Laura Delaney with Lecturer Michael Noonan

Well done to all the students. We love watching you grow and flourish, we value having you as part of the TU Dublin community, and we look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next. Coinnigí Oraibh!

For further information on TU Dublin’s Certificate in Independent Living Skills Programme contact us on pathwaystogether@tudublin.ie or see https://www.tudublin.ie/connect/access-outreach/path/path-4/