disAbility Service Inclusive Internship FAQs
FAQ for Interns
The Inclusive Internship Programme is part of a wider initiative within the disAbility Hub, the Community Engagement Project, guiding Trinity in its partnership and engagements with disabled people and the broader community.
Our aim through this internship programme is that disabled students experience positive experiences of employment, within TCD services. We achieve this by offering ongoing 1:1 support, an induction programme, and additional training for both staff and interns.
The internships usually take place between June and August.
Yes, all of the offered internships are paid opportunities.
Any student that is registered with the Disability Service can apply for an internship. We welcome applications from students of all years, though we are particularly hopeful that third, fourth and postgraduate students will apply as they approach entering the workplace.
Internships are typically full-time, five days a week, working from 9AM to 5PM. Interns are additionally expected to take part in a full induction and training programme both before and during the internship.
We will be launching information regarding roles available on this website throughout early 2025. We recommend that you keep an eye on this page, and our social medias to stay up to date.
Yes, our Inclusive Internship Officer, Jen O’Connor will offer ongoing 1:1 and group support for all interns, along with social and training events. We additionally hope to provide each student with a mentor that is based within an industry that the intern is interesting in potentially pursuing. Eithne Coleman, the Team Lead and Senior Occupational Therapist, will be available to offer OT support also.
It is also important that we not only offer training for the interns, but also for the employers. We strive to educate the employers regarding accessibility, reasonable accommodations, inclusive language use and more.
Yes! You are always welcome to book an appointment with Jen here, and she will be happy to speak with you:
FAQ for Employers
The Inclusive Internship Programme is part of a wider initiative within the disAbility Hub, the Community Engagement Project, guiding Trinity in its partnership and engagements with disabled people and the broader community.
Our aim through this internship programme is that disabled students experience positive experiences of employment, within TCD services. We achieve this by offering ongoing 1:1 support, an induction programme, and additional training for both staff and interns.
The internships usually take place between June and August.
When a role is identified that is suitable for an internship, you will be guided to use an accessible template to create job description. Prospective interns will apply for the role via MyCareer. When applications close, you are welcome to review the applicants, and select suitable candidates to invite to interview. The Disability Service are happy to support you at every step.
Prior to the beginning of the internship, all employers will be offered training regarding disability awareness, inclusive language and how to support an inclusive recruitment process.
Throughout the internship, you will have continuous access to a peer support group for discussion between line managers, and have access to speak individual with the Disability Service about any day-to-day queries that may arise.
The funding of the intern’s salary is the responsibility of the service employing the student.
You will receive support from Eithne Coleman, Team Lead and Senior Occupational Therapist, and Jen O’Connor, Inclusive Internship Programme Officer.
We are additionally joined by Odhrán McLaughlin who is the Inclusive Internship Programme's Project Administrator. You can find out more about Odhrán here: Odhrán Mc Laughlin - Trinity disability Service | Trinity College Dublin
Yes. Whilst the training completed prior to the beginning of the internship is focused on general information regarding disability awareness, inclusive language and supporting an inclusive recruitment process, the Disability Service is happy to support training in another other areas of identified need.
Yes! We advise all staff who are seeking to employ an intern this summer to review our staff booklet, which you can find here: Internship Support Package PDF
In this booklet you will find resources on the following:
- Creating job specifications and descriptions
- Support disclosure of disability in the workplace
- Social media accessibility
- Inclusive interview practices
- Reasonable accommodations