UCC launches Staff Disability and Neurodivergence Network

17 Jul 2024

We are delighted to invite you to the official Launch of the University College Cork Staff Disability and Neurodivergence Network with the President, John O'Halloran.

What is this Network and who is it for? 

This Network aims to bring together staff with disabilities and neurodivergent staff in a safe, inclusive and relaxed space and to be a source of peer support in the workplace. The Network will also raise awareness and understanding among the wider university community of disability and/or neurodivergence. The Network is open to all members of staff who consider themselves to have an impairment/disability or long-term health/medical condition, and any staff member who is or considers themselves to be neurodivergent, as well as staff with an interest in disabilities/neurodivergence.   

Who will be speaking?

Introduced by Dr Avril Hutch, EDI Director, the President will open the proceedings.

He will be followed by Katie Marah and Siobhán O'Neill, co-chairs of the new network, who will speak about the proposed network itself, why they were interested in launching it, who might benefit and what might be achieved through it.

This will be followed by a panel discussion between UCC staff Angela Long, Eleanor McSherry, and Dr Noel O'Connell, chaired by Dr Hutch, on what visibility and inclusion looks like for staff with disabilities and neurodivergent staff.

Accessibility Matters

The Creative Zone is accessible for those with mobility issues.

ISL intpretation will be provided.

A traffic light system will be in place for engagement comfort levels.

A quiet space is available (see below).

Stimming toys will be available on all tables.

Catering (tea/coffee, biscuits) will be available.

Formal photography/videography will also take place.

When and where? 

This event will take place on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at 4 p.m. in the Creative Zone, Boole Library, University College Cork. 

Please RSVP HERE.

For further information or queries, please contact events@ucc.ie or if you have any questions about reasonable accommodations, please email Annette at ediunit@ucc.ie. 

Guests are invited to arrive from 3:50 p.m. 

Creative Zone Wayfinder

To find the Creative Zone, enter the Boole library through the turnstiles and turning to your right, cross the main foyer of the library to the main stairwell.  The Creative Zone is directly across the stairwell on the ground floor.

Quiet Space: The Boole Library Conference room has been booked as  quiet space for the event. If you wish to use this sace but do not know where it is, please just follow the signs on the day, or ask a member of the EDI Unit team, who can guide you.