Posted on: 28 November 2014
Students of Trinity’s Certificate in Contemporary Living (CCL) – a course for people with intellectual disability – graduated at a ceremony in the Public Theatre on Friday, November 14th. The sixteen students who were awarded their certificates are now the seventh cohort to graduate from this pioneering and innovative Trinity programme.
The CCL allows people with an intellectual disability an opportunity to experience tertiary education and the richness of life as a college student. There are three aspects to the CCL programme – academic learning, personal growth and career development. The programme provides support through taught sessions, careers advice, work placements and personal planning to enable individuals to gain in independence and receive recognition for their achievements. The certificate course has been recognised nationally and is beginning to gain international recognition for its innovative commitment to inclusion.
Commenting on the significance of the achievement of CCL graduates, course co-ordinator Dr John Kubiak said: “Since 2008, over one hundred students have graduated from the course. A number of them are in employment while others are pursuing education or training opportunities. Every one of them is a role model and an ambassador for the CCL and their experiences and achievements will inspire future students.”
CCL Graduate Clare Knox was the recipient of the annual Margaret McLoughlin Student Prize. The prize was established in the National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) by a generous gift from the McLoughlin family and friends and was presented to Clare by Joan McLoughlin at a reception in the NIID after the graduation ceremony.
About the National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID):
The NIID was established at Trinity College to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disability and their families. The NIID promotes lifelong learning opportunities for people with intellectual disability through the Certificate in Contemporary Living, an inclusive education programme involving Trinity staff and Trinity students undertaking professional degrees.
