An innovative project aims to promote the idea of a university education to young people with disabilities.
The University of Ulster’s Inspire to Aspire project aims to
– to encourage young people from special schools to consider and aspire to University
– to introduce the young people to students and graduates
– to provide information for advocates – parents and professionals
– to support parents and provide the opportunity to find out more
– to build links between the University and the Schools in the ‘Special’ Sector
– to present university as an option for transition for pupils with complex physical disability.
Attendees to a recent open day at the Jordanstown campus heard inspirational stories of achievement from current students and graduates of the University of Ulster whose disabilities have been no barrier to academic success.
Opening the event, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Educational Partnerships and International Affairs, Professor Anne Moran said:
“Disability issues form a core part of our commitment to widening access to university.
“We want to encourage young people with physical disabilities to see that a university education is a realistic aspiration for them. We also want to provide information for those young people’s parents and advocates about university life and opportunities, and the many ways the University of Ulster can support disabled students as they pursue their academic studies.”