Empowering education: Pioneering course is helping Limerick students with disabilities to find work

TWENTY students from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have become the first graduates of a new, progressive course aimed at boosting employment prospects for adults with intellectual disabilities. The Certificate in Inclusive Employment is a collaboration between TUS, Employability Limerick, and The Brothers of Charity.

Over 330 people attended the special graduation ceremony for the twenty inspiring graduates from TUS at the Millennium Theatre, TUS last Monday.

The first cohort of students donned their caps and gowns as they proudly received their certificates after completing the 26-week course throughout the academic year. Students received places on the course from various services across the county through Brothers of Charity, such as Avista, Voice, and Rehab Care.

The course, which is funded through POBAL, is running for four years and will support twenty individuals with intellectual disabilities each year throughout the duration of the programme.

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Fiona Neill from Limerick expressed her delight at graduating last Monday: “This course has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I am now hoping to get a part time job in an office, and I really feel like I have developed the skills and experience to go for what I want.”

Alison Quinlivan, also from Limerick, who is currently furthering her education at TUS, said she was very happy to graduate.
“I didn’t think I would make it as I get nervous, but I did it! I have now gone on to the Level 6 programme here in TUS in Applied Learning and Skills Development. I am proud of myself and today is a great day here with friends and family.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Maura Clancy, Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology at TUS, said: “Today is a fantastic day for our graduates and all they have achieved. This is a testament to them, their families, and staff who supported them through their journey into higher education.

“For some students, they are celebrating what was a significant achievement for them, to attend every week, for others, they are celebrating the fact that they are the first in their home to attend college, while others experienced work for the first time and have gained paid employment.

“This is an exciting time for higher education in Limerick as this course is one of two new courses at TUS for adults with intellectual disability, as we recently launched our Level 6 – Certificate in Applied Learning and Skills Development. We are extremely proud to have gone on this journey with these twenty inspiring individuals, and I want to wish them the best of luck in whatever path they take next. I know it will be a great one.”

Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning, TUS added: “This program is an exemplar in terms of lifelong learning as it gives this particular cohort of students an opportunity to attend TUS to gain a qualification as a stepping stone onto the next part of their life.

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“In my department of Flexible Learning and the Faculty of Flexible Work-Based Learning, this is an example of the wide range of flexible learning programs that we offer for lots of people from every walk of life to try and progress in their careers and in their lives. Congratulations to all graduates.”

Seamus Lennon, Manager of Supported Employment, Brothers of Charity remarked: “This is a great opportunity for people with intellectual disability to experience third level and the world of work. This course is so impactful by helping to transform the lives of our graduates by giving them the confidence and skills to go further, whether it is to seek employment or further their studies.

“The primary objective of the programme is to get paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities while the programme was also designed to be in line with Government policy. We are delighted to have collaborated on this initiative with TUS and Employability Limerick. I would like to wish our graduates every success for the future.”

Students learn through interactive classes, incorporating role plays, multimedia content, and group activities to enhance understanding. The course also supports students to prepare for work experience, learning and developing their communication skills, teambuilding skills and dressing for work.

A key component of the course is a structured work placement, managed by employment coaches from each service, with work experience provided by a wide variety of businesses across the region such as The Strand Hotel, Locomotion Bike Rental, Thinking Toys, Mr Price and many more.

The academic content is delivered using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring that sessions were accessible, engaging, and enjoyable while team-building days brought students together, allowing them to connect socially and experience new environments.

Some of the highlights of this year’s programme included: A visit to The Strand Hotel, where one of the students is currently employed. Students toured the hotel and explored various job opportunities available there.

They also enjoyed a trip to Dochas Makers Café, a social enterprise in Limerick and an excursion to the Limerick Greenway, which included a visit to the bike shop where another student works, a guided tour and pottery painting.

Modules include Skills for Higher Education, Wellbeing and Advocacy in Higher Education and Society, Placement Preparation and Professional Reflection for Placement, whilst electives include Introduction to Culinary Arts, Sport and Coaching Skills, and Creative and Recreational Studies.