Inclusive Teaching and Learning seminars

Geraldine O'Neill, Teaching and Development Officer; Dr Caroline Hussey, Registrar; Professor Alan Hurst, University of Central Lancashire; John Bennett, Disability Officer; and Jean Keating, Project Officer in the Disability Support Service.   

Participants came from a wide range of faculties, as well as Student Support and Adult Education. The seminars were opened by the Registrar, Dr Caroline Hussey, who spoke on the benefits that an inclusive approach to education could bring to the whole University community. Professor Alan Hurst of the University of Central Lancashire led the discussions, first focusing on definitions of disabilities and the role that cultural expectations play in the experience of disabled people. 

Professor Hurst also raised the issue of how the learning environment currently in place could inadvertently impose a restriction on who can succeed at university. He emphasised the need to view the experience of education from the perspective of a student with a disability and to consider how accommodations could be made to improve the learning environment for all students. Emphasis was also placed on the anticipation of students’ needs, establishing procedures to increase the participation of disabled students. This move to a more proactive approach was placed within the context of the changing legal position in both Ireland and the UK. 

Requests were made for follow up sessions and the Disability Support Service offered to work in liaison with departments on lunch time workshop sessions, focusing on ways to make teaching more inclusive. Further information on these sessions is available from Yvonne McDermott, Teaching and Learning Support Officer, Disability Support Service, Level 1, Library Building, 7167601.