New Research Project - Promoting Education and Employment Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Ireland

A team of researchers from the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Trinity College Dublin, led by the Principal Investigator, Dr Donatella Camedda and Research Assistant and PhD researcher Catherine Murray are working in partnership with Inclusion Ireland, WALK Ireland, Colaiste Ide and the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum (INHEF) on a new research project entitled Promoting Education and Employment Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Ireland (PEER-4-1D).

In 2024, the PEER-4-ID project will investigate the challenges and opportunities in the education-to-employment transition for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. The project aims to enhance understanding of the issues faced during this transition, informing future policies and research. The project seeks to create an inclusive and empowering environment that enables individuals with Intellectual disabilities to excel in their educational and professional pursuits and improve their quality of life.

The PEER—4–ID project will conduct comprehensive research, including interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. The research will address three main questions, ensuring a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the education-to-employment transition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

RQ1) What challenges do people with intellectual disabilities face when transitioning from school to educational/training provisions and/or services for supported employment?

RQ2) What challenges do service providers face when supporting the transition of people with Intellectual disabilities towards next-level education/training or supported employment?

RQ3) What resources support the transition between education and employment for people with Intellectual disabilities nationally?

We would like to invite you to participate in this research study, “Promoting Education and Employment Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Ireland” (PEER-4-ID).

The closing date for recruitment to the study is 5th May 2024.

We are seeking expertise from

1. People with intellectual disabilities

2. Parents/carers of people with intellectual disabilities

3. Stakeholders/employers in Ireland

You are eligible to participate in this study if you are:

• a person with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities who has recently left education

• a parent of a person or people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability who is transitioning from secondary education to higher education or employment in Ireland

• an employer in Ireland

Your expert insight into the opportunities and challenges you have faced as a person with intellectual disabilities/your son/daughter has faced while seeking higher education or employment in Ireland or indeed the opportunities and challenges you have faced as an employer in Ireland, is invaluable, and we would be grateful if you would consider participating.

Details regarding involvement can be found on the website www.tcd.ie/tcpid/Peer-4-ID

All information will be in accessible formats, including written, easy-to-read, audio, video, and animation. It invites participation and explains the project's details. Please also see the recruitment leaflet.

Your responses will be anonymous and confidential. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary, and if you choose to participate, you can opt-out at any time without reason. We encourage you to read the “Participant Information Leaflet” for more information.

If you wish to participate, complete the Consent Form and email this to Catherine (Cait) Murray (murrac56@tcd.ie) BEFORE 5th May 2024.

PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE EXTENDED THE PREVIOUS DATE OF APRIL 15th.

Feel free to contact Catherine Murray at murrac56@tcd.ie if you have any questions or wish to discuss the research in more detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Principal Investigator Dr Donatella Camedda and Research Assistant Catherine Murray.