Trinity College Disability Week 2nd to the 6th of December

Trinity College will be celebrating Disability Week from the 2nd to the 6th of December 2024, coinciding with International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on the 3rd of December. This year’s IDPD theme is "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities." It emphasises the urgent need to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs, especially for persons with disabilities who often face marginalisation. The focus will be on creating inclusive, accessible policies and addressing barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion.

We will be organising a range of events, and we encourage the entire Trinity community to join us in celebrating this important week by hosting your own activities or events. Some ideas for our planned activities include:

AuDHD research presentations
User-led accessibility audits
A session for estates staff on inclusive design
Launch of the 2025 Summer Internship Programme, with workshops for students and employers
An art poster exhibition and a workshop on disabled bullying, organised by the Ability Co-op
We will also be reaching out to DuNES and TCDSU for additional events and collaborations

Please keep these dates in your diary and start thinking about ways you or your department can get involved. We look forward to seeing the Trinity community come together to celebrate and advocate for disability inclusion. Please contact me directly if interested in organising an event.

Event	Date and Time	Venue
AuDHD Research Presentations	2nd December, 1pm	An Mheitheal, Printing House Square and online
Ability Co_op X Trinity VDP Panel Event	3rd December	An Mheitheal, Printing House Square
Launch of the 2025 Summer Inclusive disAbled Internship Programme	4th December	An Mheitheal, Printing House Square
disAbled awareness Poster Campaign
Personal Advocacy and Boundary Setting Workshop
DuNES event
Universal Design of the Built Environment

Ability Co_op X Trinity VDP Panel Event: Featuring voices from the Ability Co-op, DUNeS, Sign Soc, and Senator Tom Clonan, this event fosters collaboration and advocacy, supporting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by emphasizing disability rights and inclusive policy-making. 3rd December 2024.
AuDHD Research Presentations: By showcasing research that focuses on autism and ADHD in higher education, this session contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), supporting equal access to education through inclusive research and practices, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing neurodiverse students' needs. 2nd December 2024.
User-led Accessibility Audits: This initiative empowers disabled students to evaluate campus accessibility, directly aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting inclusive and accessible environments. Session for Estates Staff on Inclusive Design: Providing training on inclusive design helps align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering the development of more accessible and inclusive infrastructure at Trinity.
Launch of the 2025 Summer Inclusive disAbled Internship Programme: Offering workshops for students and employers supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive employment practices and providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain work experience.
disAbled awareness Poster Campaign: Raising awareness through this campaign promotes accessibility and inclusion across the campus, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by making spaces more inclusive and responsive to the needs of students with disabilities.
Personal Advocacy and Boundary Setting Workshop: This initiative, run by the Trinity Ability Co-op in partnership with Trinity INC, contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by equipping students with the tools to advocate for their mental and emotional well-being, while also addressing barriers to full participation, in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Additional Collaborations with DuNES and TCDSU: By engaging these groups for more events, we further promote SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), enhancing collaboration and community involvement in achieving a more inclusive environment.

Trinity College Dublin (TCD) proudly presents its Disability Week 2023, a week dedicated to promoting understanding, awareness, and celebration of the diverse experiences of its disabled student and staff community. This year, the events are particularly remarkable as they are led and inspired by the very individuals whose voices and experiences they aim to highlight.

27th November - 1st December

4th - 8th December

Senator Tom Clonan to TCD

The TCD Student Union have arranged for independent Senator Tom Clonan to speak about current projects he is working on in the Dáil at the moment. Speaking about his advocacy work on getting more guaranteed supports for people with disabilities in Ireland, and specifically in higher education. This will take place in An Meitheal in the Printing House Square, from 11:30-12:30. Director of the disAbility Hub, Declan Treanor will also give insight into the supports available for students in TCD now. A short reception will follow with tea, coffee and sandwiches.

disAbled Student & Staff Art Exhibition (Postponed)

In collaboration with The Ability co_op and the TCD Student Union, An Meitheal in the Printing House Square becomes the hub of artistic expression on November 27th from 5pm-7pm. This exhibition displays the artwork of the college's talented disabled student and staff community. To add depth to the visual spectacle, the evening of the 27th will feature poets elucidating their verses and artists giving insight into their creations.

The Provost will open this event at 6pm on the 27th of November.

Online guide for the disAbled Student & Staff Art Exhibition

disAbled Student Stories

Declan Treanor curates a powerful segment where disabled students share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs. This narrative platform aims to humanize the myriad of experiences that often go unheard.

Launch of TCD Sense Map

A ground-breaking initiative by Kieran Lewis and the TCD Sense interns introduces the TCD sensory map of Trinity. Designed thoughtfully, this map highlights a plethora of unique spaces across campus, from quiet spots for introspection to vibrant social areas. This initiative reflects the college’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every individual finds their comfortable space.

TCDSU Careers Information Event

The TCD Student Union have organised a careers event specially tailored to students with disabilities. This event will be comprised of different stalls and speeches giving students valuable information on their rights in the world of work after college. There will be a specific talk on legal rights as a disabled worker, ensuring that students know what they are entitled to for their future careers. Eithne Coleman, a senior occupational therapist of the disAbility hub will also be present to talk about the internships provided within TCD for students with disabilities across campus.

This will take place on the 30th of November in An Meitheal, Printing House Square from 11am-1pm.

Lighting Up Trinity

Spearheaded by the Provost, the front of college buildings overlooking College Green will be illuminated in the international disabled colour purple, symbolising solidarity, understanding, and support for the disabled community.

Sunday 3rd of December International disability day.

TCD Sport Reindeer Run

Their fun run will feature their iconic 3k route through the campus and participants will all receive a custom t shirt. This event is fully inclusive to all students, staff, and community members, and features an accessible route. You can even choose between walking or running the route. Click here to sign up for the TCD Sport Reindeer Run event.

TCD Sport will hold their annual reindeer run on the 5th of December at 1pm

ADHD Research Findings

Dr Alison Doyle and Dr Kieran Lewis will present an overview of the ADHD in Higher Education research study completed in collaboration with Dr Olive Healy, School of Psychology. Information will also be provided on the Trinity ADHD Clinic pathway and the student-led ADHD Support Group hosted by the disAbility Service. The event will conclude with a representative panel discussion including students, Trinity staff, and ADHD Ireland. Alison takes the lead in presenting invaluable research on ADHD, delving deep into the intricacies of this condition. This session promises to be insightful for both those unfamiliar with ADHD and those who live with it.

This information session will be held on the 7th of December from 2-4pm in An Meitheal, Printing House Square.

Conclusion

In sum, Trinity Disability Week 2023 stands as a testament to the college's dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every individual, irrespective of their abilities, can thrive, learn, and contribute. This week serves as a vivid reminder of the rich tapestry of experiences that disabled students and staff bring to the TCD community, and the world at large.

DU Neurodiversity Society Runnings for the Week

All events we have planned, that have a confirmed date/time have been put above on the table, below are some events we are planning but have yet to confirm a time/date

Neurodiversity Communications Workshop in collaboration with the Provost
Neurodiversity Awareness & Cooperation Workshop in collaboration with the SU