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FEATURE | NIID
(Photo captioned: Students graduating.)
Pioneering Change for People with Intellectual Disabilities
15 February 2008 was a watershed moment in Irish educational history as 19 students graduated from Trinity with a Certificate in Contemporary Living – the first full-time third level course for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.
The National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) is one of Trinity’s most innovative initiatives and is developing exciting new models for achieving the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities – through education, research and advocacy.
The Institute is working to change mindsets, influence policy and re-think practice in relation to people with intellectual disabilities, helping transform their lives and opportunities.
In its relatively short history, the NIID has already made an enormous impact and is achieving international recognition for its ground-breaking work.
NIID has pioneered the innovative Certificate in Contemporary Living (CCL). The course aims to facilitate lifelong learning for students with intellectual disabilities, providing them with the strategic skills to become independent selfreliant adults. The course is achieving tangible outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities, including meaningful educational and employment opportunities.
The first cohort of students graduated from the course in February 2008, sending a powerful message to the world about the ability and potential of people with intellectual disabilities.
CLASS OF 2008
This pioneering group of students have established the NIID Alumni Society which will provide them with ongoing opportunities to stay in touch with each other, the Institute and Trinity College and to continue developing their skills and potential.
It will enable graduates to access the support and guidance of the NIID and Trinity staff which will help them make effective transitions to the world of work or to develop other interests or enterprises.
“One of the great things about the course is meeting new friends. Since starting this course I have become more confident and independent as a person.” Elaine Gallivan CCL (2008)
The launch of the Alumni society was marked by a special celebration dinner in the Dining Hall with the graduate students, their families, NIID staff and friends, supporters of the Institute and special guest Denis O’Brien.
"Coming to Trinity has meant a lot to me, because it has helped me to travel and become more independent." YVONNE BYRNE CCL (2008)
VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMME
The event included an Art Exhibition of student work produced as part of the Visual Arts Programme of the Certificate course. The programme was designed to enable the students to develop their creative intelligence and to explore and express their sense of self and the world around them through the visual arts. Some remarkable artwork was produced. (Continued on page 27...)
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