Young adults with Down Syndrome awarded certificates following successful pilot programme
The first group of students with Down Syndrome in Ireland, along with MTU’s BA (Hons) Home Economics and Business students, were recognised together for their participation in a very unique pilot programme last Friday at a graduation ceremony held at MTU’s Department of Tourism & Hospitality.
This remarkable pilot programme, which commenced in January of this year, came about when Team Up, a Cork-based organisation that works to facilitate inclusion in society for persons with Down Syndrome, approached Dr Noel Murray, Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality, MTU, with a proposal for a ' Team Up for Home Economics and Business Pilot Programme'.
Using the proven “buddy system” principles employed in several other Team UP community-based initiatives, this hands-on academic collaboration saw members of the local community with Down Syndrome pairing up with 2nd year Home Economics and Business students, on an eight-week pilot programme.
Dr. Murray, having a background himself as a Learning Support Coordinator in a previous professional role, immediately came on board putting forward his department as a fully-committed co-partner on the project. Dr. Murray recognised from the outset that this pilot was a very unique and dynamic opportunity to implement two-way learning, of equal value and relevance to both MTU students and community students alike.
The majority of the students within the Home Economics and Business course plan to go on and become Home Economics secondary school teachers, of which there is currently a great shortage in Ireland, most especially those who have specific special education needs (SEN) experience. Given that up to a quarter of students in any secondary school classroom today have some type of additional need, Dr. Murray saw the value of this initiative for all students involved, most especially those preparing for a career as an educator.
'FOSTERING INCLUSION'
Speaking on the day, Dr Murray said, "I am delighted to see the success of the ‘Team Up for Home Economics MTU Pilot Programme’, which has had an incredible impact on the community participants, by providing a pathway for a positive University learning experience. This has been dovetailed with an equally positive experience for our BA (Hons) in Home Economics & Business students, who have had the opportunity to apply their pedagogical skills and knowledge, while simultaneously gaining valuable experience in supporting adults with special needs. At MTU our mantra is ‘Succeeding Together’ and this programme epitomises this ambition."
One of the community students with Down Syndrome, Sean McMahon, shared his experience, stating, “I feel happy doing Home Economics.” He expressed his enjoyment of being at MTU, particularly enjoying cooking in the kitchen and sharing a meal afterward with the group. According to Therese McNamee, founder of Team Up, “one of the hidden jewels of this programme was the casual after class opportunity for MTU students & community students to sit, eat discuss a recent shared experience, building friendships and fostering true inclusion”.
The main goal of the pilot was to establish if a Team Up approach would prove to be mutually beneficial in a third level teaching environment. “I felt confident the pilot would prove to be a positive experience for the community students and it most certainly was, but I have to admit I was surprised and delighted at the extent to which the MTU students not only engaged with the pilot but how much they actually enjoyed it, reporting they had found it to be a fantastic learning opportunity,” Ms McNamee said.
The graduation ceremony serves as a testament to the success and impact of this pioneering collaboration, underscoring the transformative power of inclusive education initiatives. Simon Coveney TD’s participation further highlights the Government's commitment to fostering inclusivity and recognising the achievements of all students, regardless of background or ability.