Pictured: Professor Mary McCarron and Mei Lin Yap.
Mei Lin Yap is, perhaps, not a name that will be familiar to many people outside of Trinity, although she is well known in disability circles. She is Ambassador Liaison Officer with the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID) at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, and People Experience Administrator at Cpl Recruitment Agency. She also has Down’s Syndrome. Her employment in both roles is significant because it demonstrates that individuals with disabilities can thrive in professional positions, contributing meaningfully to their fields. Her dual roles not only challenge societal barriers but also inspire broader efforts toward improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.
Pictured are honorary degree recipients with the Provost and Chancellor of Trinity College (left to right): Pietro Perona, Provost Dr Linda Doyle, Mei Lin Yap, Chancellor Dr Mary McAleese, Kathy Prendergast and Ifrah Ahmed.
Mei Lin Yap is a proud Dublin-born woman who has dedicated herself to championing inclusivity and breaking barriers for people with intellectual disabilities in sports, advocacy, and public speaking. From an early age, Mei Lin’s passion for sport, and her involvement with disability swimming in particular has been both personal and profound: not only has she competed in Special Olympics, she has represented Ireland at international and world level swimming, through the Irish Down Syndrome Sporting Organisation (IDSSO), participating in many countries across the globe but she has also given back as a volunteer, embodying the spirit of Irish camaraderie and perseverance.
In her role as Ambassador Liaison Officer at the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID), Mei Lin continues to be a passionate voice for Irish people with intellectual disabilities. Her impactful talks at conferences, such as the 16th International Dementia Conference, and her work to promote brain health and “Ageing with Pride” exemplify her dedication to enhancing life opportunities and challenging stereotypes in Ireland.
Mei Lin in representing Ireland on various platforms, emphasises the importance of human rights, equality, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2018, she was the narrator and a key contributor in “Ageing with Pride,” a documentary showcasing the lived experiences and resilience of older Irish adults with intellectual disabilities.
As a public speaker, athlete, and leader, she continues to inspire and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable Ireland. In championing inclusivity and accessibility at every level, she has created lasting change by leading public and patient involvement panels to ensure the voices of individuals with intellectual disabilities shape critical research and by advocating for workplace diversity and inclusion within her HR responsibilities.
Her work directly confronts and reshapes systemic challenges, from enhancing employment opportunities to improving health and digital literacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Through her advocacy, athleticism, public speaking, and inclusive initiatives, she is an exemplar of what can be achieved when there is genuine Patient Public Involvement in Research and is proof of what is possible when people with intellectual disabilities are given equal opportunities to thrive and lead.
The Public Orator Anna Chahoud called Mei Lin “a bright star whose light guides everyone around her,” adding: “We are honoured to celebrate a woman who has invested her life in the creation of an equitable society, where no-one is left behind, who generously shares her love for life and passion for justice, who sparks hope and confidence that everyone’s ability is the ability to make a difference.”