Letter from the Editor

Spring 2025

Welcome to Issue 18, I would like to thank all the contributors to this edition of the Journal, their enthusiasm and commitment to all aspects of work with students with disabilities really shines through. It’s another bumper edition so I thought I would take you through the themes this Journal covers.

Firstly, the national picture and policy discussions in Ireland bring us up to date on the issues for disabled students, and how disabled students’ voices have become central to national policy in Ireland and the UK. Also, the renewed emphasis on tertiary education in Ireland, and on transition and success in employment is explored by several contributors.  The use of AI and graphic facilitation to support learning, shows how this can underpin UDL, including experiences of how the UDL Digital Badge has changed practice, as well as the work of Dr. Mutahira Lone who received the John Kelly Award in 2024 for her work on UDL and student centred teaching. There are contributions as well around the specific needs of disabled students with autism and students needing to access sign language support.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff team at AHEAD for their contributions, keeping us up to date on the work of AHEAD, and my hard working co-editor, Lorraine Gallagher.

Truly international and with the depth and breadth of experience, I commend this edition of the Journal as having something for all our readers. Do get in touch if you would like to know more about contributing to the AHEAD Journal. Enjoy the Spring!

Barbara Waters,

Editor, AHEAD Journal