Learning Together Programme

The Learning Together Programme is a partnership between Avista Disability Support Services and TU Dublin for students with an intellectual disability.

About

The Learning Together Programme is based in the School of Social Sciences, Law, and Education in TU Dublin. It enables students with an intellectual disability to study at TU Dublin for two years and complete modules at QQI Level 3. The programme has been in place since 2009 and thus far over 37 students have graduated from it.

Research demonstrates that there are a range of barriers to education and employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. The programme is designed to provide inclusive education and a pathway to further education and employment opportunities.

Barriers to full inclusion in society for people with intellectual disabilities include:

Awareness of Disability

Poor or no societal understandings of the capabilities of people with disabilities

Accessibility

Absence of appropriate physical infrastructure that enables accessibility
Public information campaigns that are unnecessarily complicated
Absence of public transport in rural areas

Inclusive Education

Absence of appropriate supports and infrastructure e.g. large class sizes, not enough special needs assistants
Limited number of school places which adequately support individuals' learning
Limited access to any form of inclusive post-secondary education.

Employment and Work

School does not equip students with the skills needed in the workplace
Managers and team members underestimate the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
Few jobs available for people with intellectual disabilities
Government supports such as the disability allowance, medical card and travel pass can be removed if a person works more than a certain number of hours.

Learning Together Programme Format

Students apply through Avista Disability Support Service
Students attend for 4 days per week and complete 3-4 modules per year
Students participate in module across Faculties
Year 1 Modules:
- Personal Development Planning (PDP): Students complete several QQI Level 3 modules as part of PDP– Career Preparation, Work Experience, Personal and Interpersonal Skills. Each student is supported to complete a work placement in the community in an area of interest to them. Through links we have built up students have completed work experience in retail, hospitality, educational, health and beauty, media and office-based settings.
- Creative Studies (with Social Care and Community Development and Youth Work students): Incorporating QQI Level 3 Drama.
- Therapeutic Horticulture (with Horticulture students): Incorporating QQI Level 3 Planting and Potting
- Sports and Fitness (with Sports Management students): Incorporating QQI Level 3 Health and Fitness

Year 2 Modules:
- Personal Development Planning (PDP): Personal Development Planning (PDP): Each student is supported to complete a work placement in the community in an area of interest to them. Through links we have built up with businesses students have completed work experience in retail, hospitality, educational, health and beauty, media and office-based settings.
- Students continue classes on creative studies, therapeutic horticulture, sport and fitness, and with their QQI Level 3 modules – Career Preparation, Work Experience, Personal and Interpersonal Skills.
- Word Processing (QQI Level 3)

Student Life in TU Dublin
- Students participate in clubs and societies across campus
- Students can gain work experience in the library, the canteen, the gym and with estates.

The benefits of the programme extend beyond the target group of students as our Social Care, Community Development and Youth Work, Horticulture and Sports Management students discover the positive aspects of being part of a diverse and inclusive classroom experience.

Learning Together Programme