Students who took part in this years MAP Project showcase. Pictured L-R: Jack Hogan; Emma Ryan; Rebecca Deedigan; Chloe Graham; Leanne Campbell; Paul Noble; Brendan Burke; Sinead Duggan; Katie Dixon.
The achievements of students on the MIC Ability Pathways (MAP) Project were celebrated at a special event held at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) recently as students shared insights from their learning journey with the MIC staff, family members and friends—reflecting on their experiences as valued members of the College community.
The MAP Project – Mapping Inclusive Futures offers a transformative educational experience for people with intellectual disabilities, providing access to an inclusive, third-level learning in a supportive environment. Placing an emphasis on lifelong learning, the programme promotes the academic, social and personal development of participants while also fostering essential skills in areas such as communication, ICT, teamwork and personal effectiveness.
Rebecca Deedigan, MAP Class Rep, spoke about how the programme impacted her socially and personally: “When I first came to Mary I, I was shaking in my boots! But it didn’t take me long to realise that this course was for me. I have learned so much and my whole world has changed. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and socially I have gained so much, and my life has changed forever.”
Brendan Burke, also an MAP Class Rep, reflected on the practical skills he gained during his time on the programme: “By studying with the MAP course, I have refreshed my skills with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, which will prove very useful in my further education. This course will enable me to progress to the next level of my education, and I hope to do a degree one day.”
Commending the contributions of all involved in the MAP Programme—including MIC staff and community partners such as the Brothers of Charity and Enable Ireland—Prof. Emer Ring, Dean of the Faculty of Education at MIC, praised the achievements of the students.
“I am very proud as Dean of the Faculty of Education that this programme is housed within the Faculty of Education and forms part of a suite of offerings which endeavour to support people who have historically been at the fringes of our educational system. The MAP programme acknowledges our students as rights holders and citizens who have the right to access education and lifelong learning at all levels of our education system.
The Learning Showcase here is testimony to the value of the programme in supporting students’ holistic development across multiple domains and dimensions. This programme continues to enrich and sustain the whole College Community and speaks to the heart of our mission statement at MIC and our central commitment to supporting inclusive education at all levels of the lifespan.”
Funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and delivered in partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), the MAP Project offers a structured three-year pathway including a Level 4 Educational Programme—delivered through the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD)—followed by a Transitioning Programme designed to support progression into further education, training or employment.
According to Dr Órla Slattery, MIC Inclusion Coordinator for adults with intellectual disability who leads the team delivering MAP, explained that: “The MAP Programme aims to provide students with a pathway to meaningful community engagement, in an inclusive third level environment which has an established history of educational excellence and community inclusion. The programme aims to provide education, training and enabling opportunities for all students. It also aims to build corporate capacity to support the inclusion of students in the workplace and or other mainstream educational settings.”
The programme supports learners with intellectual disabilities in achieving personal goals, building social confidence and developing essential life and employment skills. Rooted in inclusion, respect and self-determination, the MAP Project affirms the right to third-level education and works to create a more inclusive society through meaningful engagement in learning.
MIC, alongside other Higher Education Institutions, has long advocated for sustainable funding to support the inclusion of young people with diverse learning abilities with the college community. In 2024, the commitment was recognised when MIC was among 10 institutions awarded PATH 4, Phase 2 funding by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to implement the MAP Programme.
For more information on the MIC Ability Pathways (MAP) Project, click here.
