Inclusive Learning Initiative

ILI Introduction

The Department of Adult and Community Education was a co-founder of the Inclusive

Learning Initiative (ILI) a pioneering project in Maynooth University, in partnership with

KARE, St John of God Services, Camphill and Stewarts’ Hospital. The ILI aimed to facilitate

the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education through person

centred planning to support students to fully engage in campus life and achieve their own

learning goals. It  is built  on  a  social  model  of  disability  which  recognizes  the  human

 potential  of persons  with  disabilities  and  advocates  for  their  independence  and

 inclusion  as citizens. 

Students select and complete modules from the mainstream programmes of the university

which form an accredited award. Membership  of  clubs,  societies  and  all recreational

 facilities  are  available  to  all  students. A  volunteering  programme  that  includes

specialized training has been established to assist the students in all aspects of their life on

campus.  A  full-time  facilitator  worked  with  the  volunteers  and  colleagues  in  creating

conditions  for  integration with the support of a management and implementation

committee. The  implementation  of  inclusive  education through the ILI  at  Maynooth 

University offered  wide-reaching benefits  to the participating and volunteer students and

staff, the university  and  society, as our emergent research demonstrates.