Generation Access - University College Cork
Daragh Ó Laoire, UCC Graduate
Accessed college through HEAR. Now working as a Executive Assistant in the UCC Access Office.
The HEAR student orientation, called UCC Plus had a huge impact on my college journey. Even before entering college the PLUS team organised a full 2-day orientation which included staying in campus accommodation with other HEAR students in similar undergrad courses. This was a great way to connect with other student before even starting college and knowing that I was not the only student in UCC coming from a similar background as myself. I always knew that my support officer was there to help me in any way they could. Throughout the years, I met with my support officer multiple times throughout the year for a check in.
When entering my final year as an undergrad, I used my experience and awareness of the disability supports available in UCC to make proactive steps to managing a stressful year. I feel that my time working with Disability Support gave me a purpose and a career path worth following, which is why I am now working here!
While I grew up and matured during my time in college, my interaction with the Access Schemes taught me to advocate for myself, and not to feel ashamed or embarrassed about my background or my disability. The self-confidence gained from this is something I still feel today.
Nicole Sophie Marinos, UCC Graduate
Accessed college through DARE. Now working as a WAM Project Officer in AHEAD.
As a Hard of Hearing student, my educational journey has been shaped by both inclusive and exclusionary experiences. During secondary school, I actively advocated for inclusive teaching by developing video training materials and leaflets to help teachers better support students who wear hearing aids.
During sixth year, my guidance counsellor introduced me to the DARE Scheme. Applying through DARE gave me a way forward.
A condition of acceptance is registering with the university’s Disability Support Service, which meant my documents were in place early and a needs assessment was ready when I started university, recorded lectures helped me manage coursework during the pandemic. These advancements in inclusive teaching standards have been hugely beneficial to me as a hard of hearing student but they are not universal. I welcome these developments and ask all departments to ensure such inclusive measures continue beyond the online world of pandemic teaching and learning.
Now that you’ve graduated, what advice would you give to students currently considering or starting university through an Access Scheme?
Starting university can feel overwhelming, especially if past education experiences weren’t positive. Access Schemes like DARE exist to level the playing field for those whose disabilities have negatively affected their education. Don’t be afraid to ask for support early. Your accommodations aren’t “extras” they are your right. Use them. Speak up and get involved, there is a community of support waiting. Remember your lived experience is valid, important, and can help shape a more inclusive university for everyone.
Aoife Morgan, Senior Executive Assistant, Access Office, UCC
I am one of the friendly faces you will meet a reception in Access. Here to answer questions or help any Access student. I am an administrator within the Disability Support office, some of my duties would include supporting our students with in class and end of term exams, assisting in putting note taking in place, answering students emails and putting transport in place for some students.
What impact have you seen access schemes have on students’ experiences and success in university?
I came through the HEAR scheme back in 2014. The HEAR Scheme helped me in many ways throughout my degree. HEAR helped me with reduced points, it helped me financially, friendships but also helped with my sense of belonging within University. I was extremely grateful with the opportunity to work in Access when the position became available. Its great to work with the people who supported me through college.
Schemes like HEAR and DARE can truly help students to reach their full potential, its a unit of support.
Evan Healy, Student Support Officer at Access UCC PLUS
I support Access UCC PLUS students who entered UCC via HEAR and who are studying courses in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Sciences and also in the College of Medicine and Health. I support students from first to final year.
I focus on clear, open and honest information transfer and rapport building in terms of expectations in terms of student engagement and service delivery for the academic year. As a result, PLUS students are well informed of the boundaries of my role as their Student Support Officer and are encouraged to be proactive and resourceful under the adage “give a person a fish they feed for a day but teach a person to fish and they will feed for a lifetime”.
What impact have you seen access schemes have on students’ experiences and success in university?
Access schemes play integral roles in providing opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds to access higher education and further their academic development.
These students greatly enrich the diversity of the student population. This diversity leads to greater independent thinking and heterogenous approaches to problem solving and bring perspectives, experiences and personalities which hugely enhance the greater university experience.