Cara Darmody Credits TUS’s ‘Transformational’ Disability Course as Government Funding for ‘Cara’s Fund’ Doubles to €20 Million
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) took a “transformational” step for inclusive education last week with the official launch of the Certificate in Applied Learning and Skills Development (CALSD) Level 6 programme at its Millennium Theatre in Moylish.
The launch featured special guest and disability advocate, 15-year-old Cara Darmody, who used the platform to call for continued national support for the course following her recent high-profile funding victory.
Twenty-two students are currently enrolled in the full-time CALSD across the Moylish and Athlone campuses. The programme, which is specifically designed with a focus on inclusivity, personal development, and preparation for employment, is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under PATH 4 (Programme for Access to Higher Education).
Launch of Cert in Applied Learning Skills, TUS Moylish.
L-R Niamh Barrett, Alannah Moloney, Cara Darmody, Pater Kavanagh, Kayla Rietveld and Pauline Nagle. Pic Arthur Ellis
Speaking at the launch, TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said the programme inspires the university to be “bold in our vision and compassionate in our actions.”
“The Certificate in Applied Learning and Skills Development reflects our core values, being inclusive, supportive, innovative, ambitious, collaborative, and sustainable,” he said. “But perhaps most importantly, this programme changes the narrative. It sends a clear message: you belong here. Inclusion is not a special initiative but rather that it is standard.”
Advocate Calls for Course Expansion Following Funding Victory
Cara Darmody, a tireless champion for children with intellectual disabilities and autism, shared her inspiring journey with students, families, and staff. Her extraordinary political advocacy has already secured significant government investment. Her campaign successfully lobbied for a special ring-fenced allocation, initially resulting in €10 million in last year’s budget for what is known as “Cara’s Fund,” which provides private assessments of need for long-waiting families.
In a massive recent victory, this fund has been doubled to €20 million in this year’s budget. Following the announcement, the Tipperary-based teenager immediately connected her national funding fight to the future of inclusive education at TUS.
In a letter to Tánaiste Simon Harris, she urged the government to expand and retain its funding for the TUS certificate, stating:
“It’s an incredible programme, and the students I met [at TUS] now have a pathway to education and success. When young children go to special schools, the prospect of university and a pathway to a degree just isn’t put on the table as even a possibility. I can see that changing very quickly if courses like this continue. Expanding the availability of this [programme] and creating other courses will be a good investment of Government money as it will lead to careers for these incredible students.”
The Certificate in Applied Learning and Skills Development (CALSD) commenced as a pilot programme in February.
For more information on the Certificate in Applied Learning and Skills Development, Level 6 go to: https://tus.ie/courses/certificate-applied-learning-and-skills-development/