TCPID at IASSIDD World Congress 2024

A strong delegation from Trinity College Dublin, including members from the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID), recently attended the 17th IASSIDD World Congress in Chicago. Our team, comprising Barbara Ringwood (Senior Occupational Therapist); Des Aston (National & Schools Coordinator), Dr Donatella Camedda presented research across a range of thematic areas, demonstrating Trinity’s commitment to advancing inclusive education.

Des Aston presented his ongoing PhD research on "Empowering Students with Intellectual Disabilities within Higher Education in Ireland."

His presentation explored the intersection of empowerment, engagement, and identity development in shaping the educational experiences of students with intellectual disabilities at the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

In addition, Des; Donatella; and Prof. Michael Shevlin (Director, TCPID) contributed toward a collaborative project on developing a conceptual framework for an inclusive curriculum for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This collaborative paper involved a team spanning across several jurisdictions including Austria, Ireland, Northen Ireland, and South Africa.

Barbara’s presentation, "Digital Literacy for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Education" offered a systematic review that unveiled barriers, gaps, and definitions in this critical area.

Donatella presented on two vital topics: "Breaking Barriers: College Experience Through the Lens of Photovoice" and "Enhancing Inclusive Higher Education in Ireland: The ASIAP Programme at Trinity College Dublin", in addition to a Roundtable discussion on Inclusive Higher Education for People with intellectual disabilities - a global approach.

In addition to TCPID’s strong presence, our colleagues and friends from the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID) and one of their partner agencies, Stewarts Care, who also attended the congress, further showcasing Trinity College Dublin’s multidisciplinary expertise in this field.

During the Congress, we had the opportunity to make valuable connections and reconnections with colleagues from Think College, the US national coordinating centre for higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. These interactions were particularly fruitful, as they opened doors for potential collaborations on future projects aimed at enhancing inclusive education globally.

We also reconnected with past Trinity, TCPID, and TCAID alumni who are now working in universities across the globe, further strengthening our international network. Additionally, our engagement with the Inclusive Education Special Interest Research Group fostered meaningful discussions on advancing research and practice in inclusive higher education, reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring that students with intellectual disabilities have access to ambitious and supportive educational environments.

Looking ahead, we are proud to support Professor Mary McCarron, Director of TCAID, and her team as they prepare to host the next IASSIDD World Congress in Dublin in 2027. This event will be a significant opportunity to highlight Ireland’s dedication to ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities can live lives filled with ambition, autonomy, and opportunity. Ireland’s commitment to meaningful inclusion and social participation will be at the forefront, reflecting Trinity’s leadership in these vital areas.