Exciting Developments in Inclusive Education at St Angela’s College, Sligo

St Angela’s College, Sligo provides a unique programme for persons with an Intellectual Disability

St Angela’s College Sligo, in conjunction with the National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) at Trinity College Dublin, are delivering a Certificate in Contemporary Living to eighteen persons with an intellectual disability.

Dr Anne Taheny, President of St Angela’s College, Sligo congratulated the achievements of these students at a recent ceremony: ‘On March 28^th the eighteen students were awarded with a certificate of attendance for completion of the two modules.’ She said, ‘This was a wonderful occasion for the students, their families and friends.’ She also noted this development reiterates the College’s commitment to inclusive education.

In 2010 and 2011 the students completed the first module: “Personal Effectiveness.” This module enabled the students to acquire the interpersonal skills necessary to support their ability to participate in their communities. Students learned about their rights and responsibilities as well as personalised planning and advocacy. During this academic year, students completed the module “Mathematics and Financial Management.” This module focused on applying mathematical skills to a variety of everyday living skills such as shopping, cooking, managing money, budgeting, and using timetables. 

‘This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for persons with an intellectual disability to experience College life,’ explains Ms Carmel Jennings, Lecturer in Disability Studies and Coordinator of the Programme at the College,    ‘For the students and staff of the College it is a privilege to share the campus with such enthusiastic students.’ This programme is delivered by lecturers in all three Departments of the College: Education, Nursing & Health Studies and Home Economics. ‘Next year, students will be offered a third module in the next academic year called “Health and Well-Being”,’ says Jennings, ‘This module will enable students to acquire the skills necessary to maintain positive physical and mental health. It will focus on developing the students understanding of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of their daily life.’ On competition of the three modules, students receive a Certificate in Contemporary Living from St Angela’s College in 2013.

St Angela’s also offers a number of programmes related to inclusive education, accredited by NUI Galway. The Bachelor of Arts (Health & Disability Studies) is a unique programme offered with the CAO on a full-time basis through the Department of Nursing & Health Studies. The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity (CSENID) at the College also offer an array of post-graduate programmes in Special Educational Needs, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Learning Support and Specific Learning Difficulties. For more information on College programmes visit the College Web site at www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie. To discuss inclusive education options such as the Certificate in Contemporary Living programme available for persons with an Intellectual Disability please contact Ms Carmel Jennings at the Department of Nursing & Health Studies 071 91 43580.

Media Contact: Dr Maria Gallo, Development Manager and Media Contact 071 91 95503; 086 840 9949 mgallo@stangelas.nuigalway.ie