Digital Accessibility Skills for Educators in 90+ Mins

Did you know AHEAD have developed a range of free role-based short courses for educators, administrative, senior and technical staff, which can be taken direct with AHEAD, or used in internal CPD systems under a creative commons license? 

Each course is;

• Free
• Self-directed
• Standalone and complementary
• Developed with sector experts
• Rewarded with a digital badge

• Awareness of digital accessibility and its legal dimensions.
• Accessibility skills and how to apply them to resources such as presentations and documents.
• Accessibility frameworks to support the widening awareness of accessibility on multiple levels.
• Awareness of some web accessibility guidelines.
• The 3 pillars of inclusive practice.
• How digital accessibility links to UDL.
• The AbilityNet/McNaught accessibility maturity model

Spotlight on the AHEAD Journal: Using UDL to Redesign Education in Response to Diversity

This article focuses on diversity in its broadest sense, noting research in Belgium has shown student performance and progress are highly determined by socioeconomic background. A diversity and inclusion policy should provide quality education for all students, combating discrimination in all its’ forms. An illuminating example of combating stigma is given. UDL is identified as a powerful tool taking account of the full range of talents of each student. One-off study days or short workshops are not enough, more depth is needed in relation to the curriculum, language policies of institutions, personnel policies and how racism and discrimination are addressed. 

See our other new articles:

• How Covid-19 Super-Charged the UDL Badge Community in Ireland
• Student Voice at all Levels of Engagement: AHEAD/USI Students with Disabilities Advisory Group
• How Inclusive are Diversity and Inclusion Strategies for People with Disabilities in the Workplace?
• Accessible Communication - Community of Practice
• NCBI’s Bespoke Major Award (QQI Level 4) in Employment Skills for people with visual impairment or blindness
• Thirty Years On - Disabled Students in Post-School Education: Some Personal Reflections on the Innsbruck Conferences 1992 – 2013

AHEAD are hiring a WAM Project Officer - Deadline July 17th

The WAM Project Officer will work alongside a team of Project Officers reporting directly to the Employment Manager.

The WAM Project Officer will work with and support employers in the recruitment for WAM Placements, build systems to manage disability in the workplace and to assess the support and workplace accommodation needs of gradates with disabilities starting on internship programmes. 

The WAM Project Officer will participate in a diverse range of activities alongside engaging with stakeholders including organising and managing employer training events both on and offline and promote inclusive workplace practices.

Duration: This position is offered on a permanent basis commencing as soon as possible and is subject to continued funding.

Location: AHEAD offices are located within the UCD Smurfit Business School campus in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, however AHEAD is in the process of moving to a hybrid-working model and it is expected that the majority of staff will work in-office 1-2 days per week and from home 3-4 days per week.

Hours: The successful candidate will work full-time 

To apply for this role, please send a tailored CV and cover letter in one document to AHEAD’s Operations officer, Angela Glancy via email [email protected] with the subject line as “WAM Project Officer Application” by Sunday 17th July 2022.