The INCLUDE-ID Network Celebrates Third-Level Programmes for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Through research, workshops, resource development and cross-institutional collaboration, the INCLUDE-ID Network aims to enhance course provision, strengthen practitioner knowledge and improve educational and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities nationally. The INCLUDE-ID Network began as an initiative of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin.

The symposium also celebrated the achievements and learnings from the first two years of PATH 4 Phase 2, a pilot initiative launched in 2023 by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority. The initiative supports the development of third-level programmes for people with intellectual disabilities across Ireland. Following an extension, funding will continue for a further two years, from 2026 to 2028.

Students, graduates, researchers and advocates were central to the event, sharing their experiences of university life, learning, belonging, personal development, research and employment. Participating institutions included Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Munster Technological University, South East Technological University, Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University of Galway, alongside organisations including Down Syndrome Ireland.

The symposium also gave special recognition to Professor Michael Shevlin following his recent retirement, honouring his contributions to education over the past 30 years and his role in advancing third-level educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.