Page Updated: 14 August 2024
This page brings together a broad range of topics, projects and services from around UCD under the heading of 'disability'. Here you'll find a broad definition of disability, information on making reasonable accommodation, mentoring programmes, training and more.
Within Irish Equality Legislation, disability is broadly defined to include people with physical, intellectual, sensory, learning and/or cognitive emotional disabilities and a range of medical conditions. It's important to note that disabilities can be visible or invisible.
'Invisible disability' is an umbrella term that is used to capture a whole range of disabilities which might not be immediately obvious to onlookers. These disabilities can be neurological, related to mental health or physical in nature. Examples include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, acquired brain injuries, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, mental health conditions, autism, learning disabilities or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).
If you have an invisible disability and would like to request an assessment for a reasonable accommodation, please review the information on the Resaonable Accommodation page.
This policy provides support for managers and employees to support the employment of persons with disabilities.
UCD is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming working environment for all our employees and for those applying for jobs at UCD. The university seeks to create a workplace which provides the necessary support for employees to reach their full potential.
Please review the information on the Resaonable Accomodation page
Assistive Technology (AT) is a range of tools that may benefit your learning. This includes, for example, software that helps with spelling and grammar, tools to help with organisation and apps for recording.
Many digital tools are available to staff in UCD, through (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)UCD Connect, and there are many assistive technology supports available free of charge to all students from different sources. The (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)AHEAD AT HIVE is a brilliant resource to explore if you are interested in learning more about assistive technology for Note Taking, Reading, Writing, Organising and many other key areas of academic life.
Campus Accessibility is about the creation of a campus that can be used by everybody, irrespective of ability or disability. The Campus Accessibility Officer oversees action plans to incorporate accessibility to buildings and services in line with best practice in universal access and design. Further information is available via the link: UCD Campus Accessibility Website
Disability blue badge car parking facilities are located throughout the campus.
The blue bay areas are marked on the accessible(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)UCD interactive campus map.
Applicants with permanent mobility impairments should apply to the DDAI (Disability Drivers Association of Ireland) for a disabled parking permit.
A person with a temporary disability can apply for a UCD reduced mobility or temporary car parking permit and may also use the designated parking areas.
The application form is available for download via the link to UCD Estate Services webpage below. Applicants can complete the form themselves with their GP/Consultant. The disc is valid for a period of 3 months. All holders must hold a current and valid UCD Parking Permit for the periods the reduced mobility permit is in place.
Completed applications should be returned to(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)estates@ucd.ie
For more information on how to apply, please visit UCD Estates.
The "Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education" eLearning course on UCD LearnUpon includes a section in disability (Module 4, Section 2.) The course is a fundamental introduction to EDI in a University context, and this section includes key information and facts on disability, reasonable accommodaiton and how to support colleagues. Find out more about this eLearning course and how to complete it in our EDI Learning section.
The aim of Deaf Awareness Training is to promote knowledge and understanding about the Deaf community and to break down barriers between These videos have been developed by Citizens Information in association with the Irish Deaf Society.
Learn more and watch the videos on theDeaf Awareness Training webpage.
A Staff Disability Network has been established with the aim of bringing together staff with disabilities and those with an interest in disabilities, in a relaxed and confidential forum. The network will also act as a source of peer support in the workplace and promote disability equality and inclusion for staff through consultation on the University’s plans, strategies and policies.
Please refer to the following website for further information:http://www.ucd.ie/staffdisabilitynetwork/
As part of UCD’s commitment to inclusion, UCD will participate in theWilling, Able, Mentoring (WAM)programme. This programme supports graduates with disabilities in obtaining mentored, paid work placements. This partnership brings graduates with disabilities and WAM’s network of employers together so that both can benefit and learn from each other.
Learn more on ourMentoring webpage.
What is Assistive Technology and how it can assist UCD staff in their work? This video and many more can be found on the Access & Lifelong Learning website.