Trinity Ability Co_Op

What kind of projects is the Co_op working on?

The Ability Co_op is student-led, and all projects and activities are proposed and mutually agreed by its members. From media campaigns to creative workshops, we can all contribute and work together towards enhancing inclusion in Trinity. Our projects for the 2025/2026 academic year include:

• Gain official recognition as a Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO) under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
• Fix and update the Trinity Ability Co_op website.
• Work with the organisers of Trinity Ball to ensure accessibility for all disabled attendees.
• Get funding to carry out a LENS Report Audit, and institute change and training based on our findings.
• Campaign about the rights of disabled Postgraduate students in receipt of Disability Allowance, who also receive a study stipend, in accordance with S.I. 109/2021.
• Help create a system of accountability for Trinity societies, along with the Central Societies Committee (CSC), to ensure they prioritise accessibility at their events.
• Increasing Intersectionality discussions and creating collaborations with Trinity societies.
• Expand the membership of the Trinity Ability Co_op.

What kind of projects has the Co_op previously worked on?

In the 2020/2021 academic year, we published  blogs, videos and podcasts about the intersectionality of disability and the LGBQIA+ community, the ‘Invisibles of Trinity’, Women with Invisible disabilities, how anxiety affects student life and awareness for various types of disability. We hosted a Q&A session for students with disabilities on Teams for Trinity Open Day.

In the 2021/2022 academic year, we released the Trinity Inclusive Clubs and Societies Guidelines, Checklist and Videos as part of the Towards Inclusive Clubs and Societies project funded by the Trinity Trust, and a  podcast series on important topics such as ‘Disability and Violence Against Women’, ‘Language around Disability’  and ‘Defining Disability: Our Stories’. We hosted introductions to Gaelic Football training sessions  with the Disability Service. We were also awarded the Equality Campaign of the Year award at the AMLÉ Student Achievement Awards 2022 for the Towards Inclusive Clubs and Societies Project. 

In the 2022/2023 academic year we hosted two ‘Co_op mixers’ for incoming freshmen and a ‘Getting to know the Ability Co_op at Trinity College’ board games evening. We also launched the ‘Unique: A Disabled Perspective' art and poetry exhibition showcasing the work of disabled trinity students with the SU. 

In the 2023/2024 academic year we collaborated with Sign Soc on a ‘Sip and Sign’ event and with Yoga Soc on a chair yoga event.  We hosted the ‘Beyond Boundaries’ Art Exhibition with the Disability Service. We formally opposed the Green Paper on Disability Reform in a meeting with TD Roderic O’Gorman.

In the 2024/2025 academic year we worked with the University Times on multiple articles relating to campus accessibility and academic inclusion,, and worked with Trinity ENTS, the Disability Service, and Estates & Facilities to improve the accessibility of Trinity Ball. We created a poster campaign titled ‘Now You See Me’. We hosted Senator Tom Clonan along with Trinity VDP for a panel event. We highlighted concerns over disrespectful narratives of disabled people in the medical curriculum to the School of Medicine as part of their ongoing medical curriculum reform project.

Why should I get involved?

Members of the Co_op have the opportunity to ensure that the voices of disabled students are heard, and they can take ownership of inclusive practice across the Trinity community. The Co_op is also a great platform for developing skills and gathering experience that is beneficial for personal and academic development, as well as future employability. Participating in the Co_op provides opportunities for individuals to develop in areas such as communication, teamwork, networking, and leadership. Not only is participating in the Co_op beneficial for the development of personal skills, graduate attributes, and career readiness, but it’s also a great opportunity to contribute to Civic Engagement in Trinity.