14:00-15:20 - Parallel 1: Themed Presentations (Live and Recorded)

Learning With a Little Help From my Friends: Inclusive and Structured Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Programmes Through the Lens of UDL

1. Nevan Bermingham, Lecturer, TU Dublin

   Nevan Bermingham Lecturer, TU Dublin

   @NevanB

   Nevan Bermingham is a Lecturer in Computer Science, Engineering, Business and Information Technology at the Technological University Dublin. He has a technology background and over 15 years of senior management experience within the ICT and Telecommunications industries. His research areas include peer learning for improved engagement and developing bespoke mobile apps for first year orientation.

   Close

   Paul Geoghegan, Undergraduate Student, Technological University Dublin

   Paul Geoghegan Undergraduate Student, Technological University Dublin

   Paul is a former TU Dublin Access Foundation Student who is currently an undergraduate student of Computer Science in the TU Dublin. Paul is currently a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Group Leader who delivers face to face and virtual sessions weekly with Access Students in computer programming.

   Close

A Whole-Systems Holistic Approach to Designing an Enabling Higher Education Setting for All

1. Dr Klavdija Zorec, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dublin City University

   Dr Klavdija Zorec Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dublin City University

   Dr Klavdija Zorec (BA, MEd, PhD) is currently a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Psychology at Dublin City University. Her scholarship examines the issues of diversity, equity and justice in education. She investigates social, cultural and systemic influences on learning and development of underrepresented and underserved groups. Her work focuses on a broad vision of human development and inclusion and centers on the development of empowered and meaningful lives.

   Close

Opportunities and Challenges of Assistive Technology during the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Aoife McNicholl, PhD Candidate, Dublin City University

   Aoife McNicholl PhD Candidate, Dublin City University

   @EnableStudy

   Aoife McNicholl is a PhD candidate in the School of Psychology at Dublin City University. Her doctoral research is funded by an Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship. Aoife's research focuses on the impacts of assistive technology use for students with disabilities in higher education.

   Close

14:00-15:20 - Parallel 2: Themed Presentations (Live and Recorded)

Study Tools for All: Is it Time to Rename Assistive Technology?

1. Piers Wilkinson, Higher Education and Student Partnerships Coordinator, Diversity and Ability

   Piers Wilkinson Higher Education and Student Partnerships Coordinator, Diversity and Ability

   Piers studied Physical Oceanography at Bangor University, and supports Diversity and Ability's work as their Higher Education and Student Partnerships Coordinator. They've been deeply involved in representing disabled students for the last 6 years, culminating in being unanimously elected as the NUS Disabled Students Officer for the 2019/20 term. Piers' previous work includes commissioner for the HE Commission on Disabled Student Experiences, shaping the UKs implementation of the EU Web Accessibility Directive, and advising on the Student Minds Mental Health Charter.

   Close

   Charlie Wood, Higher Education Relations Lead, Diversity and Ability

   Charlie Wood Higher Education Relations Lead, Diversity and Ability

   A lover of maps, colouring-in and the ox-bow lakes. You guessed it! Charlie is a Geography graduate who now finds himself at the heart of the Higher Education outreach team at Diversity & Ability (D&A). Charlie uses his knowledge and experience of supporting disabled students to help Higher Education Providers create truly inclusive study and support spaces for all. 

   Close

   David Mooney, Senior Inclusive Consultant and SpLD Tutor, Imperial College London

   David Mooney Senior Inclusive Consultant and SpLD Tutor, Imperial College London

   David has been an SpLD Specialist Tutor and PATOSS assessor since 1997 and has been working in Higher Education since 2001. His current position at Imperial College has developed to include the advisory remit on inclusion for disabled students generally and those with SpLDs in particular. As part of a recent Excellence for Teaching and Learning Project, he provided advice and guidance during curriculum redesign and assessment review. He has also a co-written, with the Education Development Unit, a workshop aimed at advising academics on how to improve their inclusive practice.  He has a passionate interest in the field of inclusive technologies and the transformational impact they can have on teaching and learning.

   Close

Supporting Students Online: Inclusive Digital Learning with Blackboard Ally at NUI Galway

1. Kate Molloy, National University of Ireland, Galway

   Kate Molloy National University of Ireland, Galway

   Kate Molloy is a Learning Technologist with the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at the National University of Ireland, Galway. She is currently working as NUI Galway project lead on the Irish Universities Association Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning project. Kate began her career as a secondary English teacher in Connecticut before moving home to Ireland. As a teacher, she became interested in critical pedagogy, inclusivity, and the use of technology. In 2015, she moved into higher education where she supports staff teaching with technology. Her work focuses on the informed and ethical use of technology in higher education, learning design, and open practice. Kate is Secretary, National Executive of the Computers in Education Society of Ireland. 

   Close

   Cameron Keighron, PhD Candidate, National University of Ireland, Galway

   Cameron Keighron PhD Candidate, National University of Ireland, Galway

   Cameron Keighron is a PhD candidate in the School of Medicine and the student partner on the Inclusive Learning project at NUI Galway. In recent years, they have served as the Postgraduate Taught Officer and Vice-President of Education in NUI Galway Students' Union. Cameron is passionate about ensuring that the student voice is highlighted in the creation, delivery, and evaluation of learning and teaching. 

   Close

   Jane Ennis, National University of Ireland, Galway

   Jane Ennis National University of Ireland, Galway

   Jane Ennis is the Academic Skills Coordinator and a Disability Advisor with the Disability Support Service (part of the NUI Galway Access Centre). She is currently project manager for the Inclusive Learning at NUI Galway project. Her recent projects have focused on academic skills development, inclusive practice, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  

   Close

Is Assistive Technology Everyone’s Business?

1. Trevor Boland, Dublin City University

   Trevor Boland Dublin City University

   @BolandTrevor

   Trevor Boland is an experienced Assistive Technology Officer working in Higher Education supporting Students with disabilities. He previously lectured in the Access programme for non-traditional students in TU Dublin.

   Trevor was previously the Digital and eLearning Officer in AHEAD and has been involved in the National rollout of the UDL Badge with UCD and the Teaching and Learning Forum. 

   Close

15.30-16.30 Weekly Close and Reflection (Live Only)

A facilitated dialogue on the Week 2 conference theme and a space to discuss the issues and questions raised.

1. Dr Marian McCarthy, Vice President Emerita Teaching and Learning, University College Cork

   Dr Marian McCarthy Vice President Emerita Teaching and Learning, University College Cork

   @MarianSoTL_UCC

   Dr Marian McCarthy is a former Vice President for Teaching and Learning at UCC, a Fellow of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and a Senior Lecturer in Education. She was co-founder and director of UCC’s Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. Her research interests include Multiple Intelligences theory, Teaching for Understanding, Universal Design for Learning and the Arts in Education.

   Marian is a member of the Senate of the NUI and a former Governor of UCC. She also served on the Board of Directors of AHEAD, in which she has a keen interest.

   Close

   Dr Vivian Rath, National Disabled Postgraduate Advisory Committee

   Dr Vivian Rath National Disabled Postgraduate Advisory Committee

   @RathVivian

   Vivian is the Organiser of the National Disabled Postgraduate Advisory Committee and the TCD Forum for Disabled Staff and Postgraduate Students. Vivian is an academic, a human and disability rights advocate and a change maker. He is currently an Adjunct Teaching Fellow in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) School of Education and the Research Officer with the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD). His Ph.D, titled the “social engagement experiences of disabled students in higher education in Ireland”, focused on the areas of disabled student social engagement, transitions, voice and belonging.  

   Close