ATU welcomes Minister Harris's announcement on transformational higher education courses for students with intellectual disabilities

In addition, Minister Harris is announcing €1.8 million for inclusion measures including to roll out sensory maps of college campuses to support autistic learners and for anti-racism measures particularly to challenge racism for members of the Traveller and Roma communities.

Speaking at the launch , Minister Harris said:

“We know that people with an intellectual disability have not been represented adequately in Higher Education. We want and need our College Campuses to reflect communities.

“Today, we are making a change. Today we are opening doors and opportunities so that these learners can take their place among our college communities.

“That is why we are announcing expanded Higher Education course provision today with expected investment of over €10 million to support learners with an intellectual disability.

“Up until now, courses have been limited in location and availability but this investment will help change that and ensure there is equality of opportunity for every person in our country.”

Dr Michele Glacken, VP Students, Teaching & Learning and Registrar at Atlantic Technological University, welcomed the announcement, "This transformative step towards inclusive higher education aligns with ATU's core values of diversity and accessibility. We are excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to welcoming students with intellectual disabilities into our vibrant academic community."

Under this initiative, approximately 150 students are expected to enroll in the first year of provision, with courses ranging from one to two years in length. These specially designed programs will offer tailored pastoral and financial support, ensuring that students with intellectual disabilities have the necessary resources to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Minister Harris added:

“These courses have been designed with the learner at heart. When given the opportunity, students with an intellectual disability can thrive. Access to higher education can lead to employment. It can transform the lives of students and their families as well as society as a whole.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability Anne Rabbitte added:

"This is an important milestone for students. The projects being announced today will contribute to the Government’s overall efforts to support people with disabilities by providing students with opportunities to develop their personal skills for life and to develop links with employers."

Under the National Access Plan 2022-28, funding was secured under PATH Strand 4 to support inclusion for all. Path 4 has involved a two-phase programme supporting inclusive, universally designed higher education environments and course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.

The first phase of funding was distributed in 2022/2023 and supported higher education institutions to embed universal design approaches and inclusive practices.

Phase 2 will be implemented as a three-year pilot to support an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.

The programmes were recommended for funding by an independent expert panel following a competitive call for proposals under strand 4 of the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), managed by the Higher Education Authority.

The approved courses have been specifically designed to meet the diverse range of needs of students with intellectual disabilities and will include the provision of financial, pastoral, and educational supports.

Dr Louise Callinan, Head of Access Policy at the Higher Education Authority commented:

“PATH 4 is a key enabler of the Inclusivity goal in the National Access Plan 2022-2028. This pilot expansion of provision for students with intellectual disabilities being delivered across our higher education institutions will have a transformative impact on participating students and on the wider higher education community."

ATU looks forward to contributing to this transformative journey towards inclusive higher education and remains committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.

Featured image:  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD

Aidan Haughey 
ATU Communications Manager /
Bainisteoir Cumarsáide OTA
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland       
Tel: +353 86 086 6913
www.atu.ie/communications