Trinity celebrates the disAbility Inclusive Internship Programme

Posted on: 05 September 2024

Trinity College Dublin recently celebrated a remarkable milestone in its journey towards inclusivity, diversity and belonging. The disAbility Inclusive Internship Programme, which launched in 2022, has completed another impactful summer, providing 24 interns with invaluable work experience across 17 different departments on campus. This initiative, which aligns with the Higher Education Authority’s System Performance Framework 2023-2028, continues to break down barriers for disabled students, helping them bridge the gap between academic achievement and professional employment.

The success of this year’s program has been nothing short of transformative, not only for the interns but also for the departments that have benefitted from their contributions. Reflecting on her experience, one intern shared, “This internship has been a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about gaining work experience—it was about building my confidence and realising that I have a valuable role to play in any professional setting.”

The programme’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment is evident through its emphasis on tailored support. Each intern’s specific needs were carefully assessed through structured Workplace Passports and comprehensive accessibility audits, ensuring that they could perform their roles effectively. One participant shared how the program expanded her career horizons: “Before this internship, I wasn’t sure how my disability would fit into a professional setting. But this experience has shown me that I can thrive in my chosen field. It’s opened up possibilities I hadn’t considered before.”

This year, the Trinity disAbility Internship Programme also benefited from significant financial backing provided by Trinity Development and Alumni (TDA), with €35,000 allocated to enhance the program’s capacity to deliver specialised support. The funding allowed the engagement of disabled graduate leaders who provided one-on-one mentorship, conducted workshops, and offered ongoing guidance throughout the interns’ journey.

Jack Kavanagh, a disabled graduate leader who mentored several interns, reflected on the growth he witnessed: “Seeing the interns grow over the course of the summer has been incredibly rewarding. They’ve not only developed their professional skills but also gained a deeper sense of self-belief. Being part of their journey and helping them realise their potential has been a privilege.”

The programme also offered a diverse range of internship roles, allowing interns to engage in significant projects that had a real impact on the university. Some interns were involved in user-led audits, assessing the physical and sensory accessibility of various campus facilities. Others contributed to the development of the DAWN (Disability Advisors Working Network) national exam guidelines, ensuring that students across Ireland have fair and accessible assessment opportunities. Research into improving support for students with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) was another critical area where interns made valuable contributions. Additionally, the TCD Sense project, aimed at enhancing accessibility and sensory experiences on campus, benefited greatly from the interns’ involvement, particularly in refining the TCD Sense Map and conducting community engagement activities.

Declan Treanor, Director of the disAbility Service, said: “We have seen significant confidence and growth in our interns, and the areas where they worked have undergone positive culture changes. We plan to review the program in September to make further changes and improvements, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of our students and the university.”

The culmination of this summer’s efforts was celebrated at a special event hosted by the Provost on 30 August. During this event, members of the internship and the wider community gathered to hear directly from the interns about their experiences and the significance of inclusive employment practices. The Provost presented the interns with certificates.

In the words of one intern who summed up the collective sentiment perfectly: “This internship didn’t just give me experience; it gave me hope and direction. I now feel ready to take on the world.”