Inclusive learning in Ireland: A case study

Lucy Ann Buckley, Shivaun Quinlivan

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debate

Abstract

Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2018. However, the CRPD’s provisions on inclusive education have not been widely considered in relation to Irish third level education. This article outlines the findings from two research projects that examined the experiences of students with disabilities at one Irish university. It begins by considering the scope of inclusive education in the CRPD, addressing this through the prism of two cross-cutting rights, accessibility and reasonable accommodation. It outlines the Irish legislative context, identifying significant gaps between existing legal provisions and Ireland’s CRPD obligations. It then explores the practical realisation of inclusive education at the case study university. The article argues that accessibility in the CRPD is broader than both Irish legislative requirements and the general institutional understanding. Noting that students face significant difficulties accessing effective reasonable accommodations in practice, the paper contends that this may be partly attributable to the silo-ing of institutional knowledge and the lack of a ‘whole educational environment’ approach, as well as attitudinal barriers. These impediments prevent the full and equal participation of students with disabilities in tertiary education. The paper then draws on the CRPD to offer suggestions for enhancing inclusive practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-125
Number of pages23
JournalInternational Journal of Discrimination and the Law
Volume23
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • accessibility
  • Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
  • equal status acts
  • Inclusive education
  • Ireland
  • reasonable accommodation

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