AHEAD Ireland

We're feeling generous. We're extending the submission deadline for the AHEAD Conference 2027 and launching a discounted early bird rate 🪶

Researchers, leaders, policymakers, educators, students, and disability support staff from across tertiary education you now have until November 11th to share your posters, presentation or workshop ideas. We're open to unique session formats too!

We want to see work exploring innovative approaches to maintaining effective disability support and upholding human rights as the number of disabled students engaging in tertiary education continues to rise. How can we keep up and do the best for our students and learners?

The AHEAD Conference 2027 will take place March 3-4th 2027. Submissions call closes on November 11th. Snap up the discounted registration rate while it lasts - https://buff.ly/GXuGQ3x

What's new with ALTITUDE? If you're working in further or higher education in Ireland, and want to learn more about universal design, read on!

We've created the ALTITUDE LinkedIn Community - please join! A new private online community that supports networking, and the sharing of new universal design research, resources, ideas, and updates related to UD practice and the ALTITUDE Charter. It provides a space for members to connect with like-minded peers, share examples of successful initiatives, and learn from one another’s experiences. Apply to join the group via this link - https://buff.ly/zo0mIOZ

We're holding our first ALTITUDE Community of Practice online session on Wednesday 25 November from 11:00-13:00. We'll be bringing colleagues together to connect, share experiences, and explore how we can collectively advance Universal Design (UD) across our institutions. Sign up to attend the ALTITUDE Community of Practice session on November 25th here - https://buff.ly/VsPygXb

Did you know it’s ? We wanted to share some of the moves we’ve made as an organisation to demonstrate our commitment to greener practices 💚

In 2025 we developed a staff Green Team, had our Climate Action Plan approved by the AHEAD Board, provided reusable coffee cups to our full team, engaged in SEAI reporting and arranged SEAI Green Training for our full staff team.

This year we’ve been keeping up momentum by developing a Green Transition Plan, arranging a Charity Shop Drop for all staff to easily donate, a Laptop Donation/Recycling service, Staff Guidance and continued SEAI and CAR reporting. On November 18th we’ll be welcoming green influencer Shannen Healy to talk to our staff about small changes that can have big impacts.

Deadline fast approaching for the AHEAD Conference 2027 Submissions call! Don't miss this chance to platform your work. This year's theme is 'Meeting the Moment: Reimagining Disability Support in an Era of Growing Participation'

We invite researchers, leaders, policymakers, educators, students, and disability support staff from across tertiary education to explore innovative approaches to maintaining effective disability support and upholding human rights as the number of disabled students engaging in tertiary education continues to rise. How can we keep up and do the best for our students and learners?

The AHEAD Conference 2027 will take place March 3-4th 2027. Submissions close on October 25th 2026. More information including submission instructions are available here - https://buff.ly/HYGJ6nA

Please share to spread the word!

Engineering graduates (or soon to be grads) don't miss out on these 3 opportunities exclusively available for disabled applicants at ESB! These roles are available across the country. Please share far and wide to help us reach interested prospective applicants.

We've partnered with ESB to offer 3 jobs exclusively available to disabled applicants. A level 8 NFQ qualification is required within a relevant subject such as Engineering, Quantity Survey, IT, Computer Sciences, Business Information Systems, Business, Finance or similar.

There are two streams available; Engineering/Technical Graduate Programme. IT Graduate Programme.

These positions are for 2 years and will be commencing in September 2027.

More information or apply here by October 21st -

ESB Graduate Programme - AHEAD

Get registered to secure your space on our tailored online training course all about supporting disabled students in Further & Higher education.

What will you be doing on the course? You’ll learn to understand the impact of disabilities in education and the types of supports that can be put in place. You’ll be guided through the ABCs of needs assessments, including how to conduct them.

Participation includes attendance at a number of webinars (which are recorded so you can engage at a time that suits you if needed), coupled with an 18-22 hour online course completed over a 9-10 week term.

More details or sign up here - https://buff.ly/mWh8QYL

Course | AHEAD Start Open for Registration for 2027 - AHEAD

The AHEAD Conference 2027 is open for submissions until Oct 25th! This year's theme is 'Meeting the Moment: Reimagining Disability Support in an Era of Growing Participation'

We invite researchers, leaders, policymakers, educators, students, and disability support staff from across tertiary education to explore innovative approaches to maintaining effective disability support and upholding human rights as the number of disabled students engaging in tertiary education continues to rise. How can we keep up and do the best for our students and learners?

The AHEAD Conference 2027 will take place March 3-4th 2027. Submissions close on October 25th 2026. More information including submission instructions are available here -

AHEAD Conference 2027 - Call for Submissions - AHEAD

Our next Think Twice workshop will provide practical guidance on developing a strong CV, preparing for interviews and communicating your skills, experiences and strengths with confidence.

Think Twice workshops are tailored specifically to the needs of students and graduates with disabilities aiming to make the transition to full time employment.

This workshop will be delivered by Anna Flanagan, a HR professional at Bord Bia, where she works as an International Graduate within the Human Resources Team in Dublin. Sign up to join us online on Tuesday, October 20th from 12pm to 1pm -

Online Workshop for Students and Graduates with Disabilities: CV & Interview Tips - October 20th - AHEAD

Don't miss out on these 3 opportunities exclusively available for grads with disabilities in subjects like Engineering, Quantity Survey, IT, Computer Sciences, Business Information Systems, Engineering, Business, Finance or similar.

We've partnered with ESB to offer 3 jobs exclusively available to disabled applicants. A level 8 NFQ qualification is required within a relevant subject (students in their final year are welcome to apply).

Positions are available in ESB's Head Office in Dublin 2 and across Ireland.

These positions are for 2 years and will be commencing in September 2027.

More information or apply here by October 21st - https://buff.ly/RGTEXqq

Just 6 days left to get your applications in for opportunities with the Civil Service. Please share this far and wide, a high number of placements are available across the country for disabled graduates with a minimum level 6 qualification in any subject!

Did you know there's a pathway to permanency route following a successful placement? Under this competition, candidates can compete for a permanent position at Executive Officer level in the Civil Service organisation(s) where they completed their 10-month Civil Service WAM Placement.

More information or apply now -

Civil Service: Executive Officer Roles - AHEAD