Some of the students who completed the Certificate in Autism Studies, Front row: lecturers on the course, Dr. Seamus O’ Tuama, Director & Cliodhna O’ Callaghan, Education Officer ACE at UCC
A local graduation ceremony has been held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny for students who recently completed an Autism studies course through University College Cork (UCC).
A total of 24 students from Donegal completed the Certificate in Autism Spectrum studies NFQ Level 6 at UCC.
The students were complied of HSE staff and Education staff working in the autism sector and parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in Donegal.
The course modules consisted of the following: Autism in a Historical and Contemporary context, Policy and Practice, Autism Mental Health and Wellbeing, Strengths and Challenges of Autism and Interventions and Supports across the Lifespan.
Bernadette Galligan a parent who completed the course stated ‘While I had personal experience of dealing with my child with autism I now have a greater insight into how they experience the world and feel better equipped in dealing with it .I had not studied for a long long time and now I feel I could impart my knowledge to others comfortably’.
Special Needs Assistants from Errigal College
Joanne Dowds, HSE Social Care Worker commented on the course stating ‘This course has augmented the knowledge I have in the area and gave me a broader perspective on dealing with people with autism and their families’
Mary Harte, who organised the course and asked UCC to Donegal stated ‘We decided to host a local graduation ceremony in conjunction with UCC in recognition of their individual achievements in obtaining the certificates and I am delighted to wholeheartedly congratulate everyone here today. This course provided an excellent opportunity to both parents and to staff from the HSE and the education sector to train together and to enhance their skills and knowledge base in the field of autism studies.’
Dr Seamus O Tuama Director Adult Education UCC presented the awards stating that ‘Adult Continuing Education in UCC has been delivering programmes to communities across Ireland for 70 years now. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities for communities and groups, breaking down barriers and ensuring a positive educational experience. We are fully committed to Co. Donegal and hope to see many more programmes delivered in the area.’
Sisters Mary Harte and Bernadette Galligan
Siobhan Murray Course Coordinator for Donegal speaking at the ceremony said ‘It is our aim, as a result of the success of last years programme that this course will run again in September as a two-year part time Diploma in Autism Studies. We are also proposing to run a one-year part time ‘Certificate in Mental Health and the Community. Both these programmes are now open for enrolment.
“We have a number of other Certificate/ Diploma Programmes also available. This is a wonderful opportunity to upskill while also gaining a University qualification in Donegal”.
For more information, on the courses available please contact Siobhan Murray on 0877734422 or e mail, siobhanmurray@ucc.ie.
Ends
Photo1: Some of the students who completed the Certificate in Autism Studies, Front row: lecturers on the course, Dr. Seamus O’ Tuama, Director & Cliodhna O’ Callaghan, Education Officer ACE at UCC
Photo2: Special Needs Assistants from Errigal College
Photo3: Mary Harte and Bernadette Galligan
