Dear Irish Studies list members
 
this may be of interest to you or someone you know
please forward enquiries to Dr Margaret Gilmore, not to me!
 
Perry
 
Dr Perry Share
Head of Special Projects
Institute of Technology, Sligo
G1002 Business Innovation Centre
IT Sligo
phone: (071) 9137216
fax: (071) 9144500
A researcher is required to carry out a feasibility study (approx 6 weeks duration) of designing and running a programme to provide further education to school leavers who have a moderate level of intellectual disability, within IT Sligo.
If you have any queries please contact Margaret Gilmore at ext. 071 9155326
 
Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 12th march 2007 at 10.00 am.
Applications should be returned to Margaret Gilmore, Department of Humanities., IT Sligo
 
Details below:
 
Summary Description

 

A Researcher is required for a feasibility study on developing a programme to provide further education to school leavers with moderate level of intellectual disability, within a third level college setting.

 

Duration

 

The research project will commence in mid March and will be completed by 16th April 2007.  (approximately 6 weeks duration).

 

Duties

 

1.         The researcher will be expected to carry out a feasibility study on developing a programme to provide further education to school leavers with moderate level of intellectual disability, within Institute of Technology, Sligo.  

 

2.         The research should cover the following:

 

Ø       Is it possible to provide this experience within IT Sligo? 

Ø       What kind of space and facilities are required?

Ø       What Support Resources and Personnel are required?

Ø       What are the options for funding students on such a programme?

Ø       Is the proposed programme likely to meet the aims of the programme?

Ø       What are the supports needed, and what do the students and their families require to support this process? 

Ø       Does the proposed programme meet its goal of enabling the students to develop their social skills in a complex world? What changes should be made if any?

Ø       Will this programme help them, on completion, to progress to the workforce?

Ø       Will this programme develop a foundation for lifelong learning for the participants?

Ø       Can further research on inclusion be developed if this programme is developed?

Ø       What lessons can we glean from international experience on similar initiatives?

Ø       What model of design and delivery would be most suitable if running this programme in IT Sligo?

 

3.                   On completion of the research the researcher will produce a report to be of a standard, determined by peer review, for publication on NCSE website.

 

Reports To:

 

The research will be undertaken in collaboration with Dr Margaret Gilmore, Department of Business & Humanities.

 

Remuneration

 

Remuneration for the project will be payable as follows:

 

EUR6,000.  Research to be completed and report produced for publication on NCSE website by 16th April 2007.  Payment will be made on successful completion of the work.

 

Travel & Subsistence

 

As per Institute rates subject to prior approval of project manager.

 

Income tax and employee's PRSI will be deducted at source.

 

Closing Date:                                       Monday, 12th March 2007 at 10.00am

Applications to be Returned to:         Dr Margaret Gilmore, Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology, Sligo

 




Terms of Reference

 

Feasibility Study on designing and running a programme to provide further education to school leavers who have a moderate level of intellectual disability, within IT Sligo

 

1.	Questions to be addressed in the research

 

*	Is it possible to provide this experience within IT Sligo? 
*	What kind of space and facilities are required?
*	What Support Resources and Personnel are required?
*	What are the options for funding students on such a programme?
*	Is the proposed programme likely to meet the aims of the programme?
*	What are the supports needed, and what do the students and their families require to support this process? 
*	Does the proposed programme meet its goal of enabling the students to develop their social skills in a complex world? What changes should be made if any?
*	Will this programme help them, on completion, to progress to the workforce?
*	Will this programme develop a foundation for lifelong learning for the participants?
*	Can further research on inclusion be developed if this programme is developed?
*	What lessons can we glean from international experience on similar initiatives?
*	What model of design and delivery would be most suitable if running this programme in IT Sligo?

 

2.	The Aims of the Programme

 

*	To provide a positive experience in further education as adults for those with significant learning disabilities

*	To develop students' independent life skills.
*	To enable students become more socialised in a complex world.
*	To enable young adults to choose to play a part in the workforce on completion of study.
*	To develop current research on inclusion.
*	To develop a foundation for lifelong learning

 

3.	The Proposed Programme

 

Duration:

 

*	2 - 3 years 
*	Run along academic years
*	18 - 22 hours per week

 

Projected Intake:

 

Up to 20 School leavers with significant/moderate intellectual disability per annum

 

Proposed Modules:

The course will consist of 10 modules - 8 mandatory and 2 optional

1.	Communication
2.	Centre Orientation/Community Orientation
3.	Numeracy and Literacy for independent living
4.	Personal Care and Effectiveness
5.	Equality Awareness
6.	Preparation and Experience for Work/Work Experience
7.	Creative Arts
8.	ICT

 

Optional Modules

1.	Drama
2.	Environmental Awareness
3.	Social Skills
4.	Dance
5.	Outdoor Pursuits.

 

Other considerations:

 

*	All of the modules will have individual student's strengths and abilities at the core. Personal development will take place with targets being set in each of the modules based on the previous knowledge and skills base as recorded in Individual Education Plans (IEP's)/Personal Plans.
*	There is some overlap and repetition to provide for overlearning and a variety of learning styles.
*	Where possible it is envisaged that integration with other students take place. Opportunities could be provided for other students to become involved with this course as part of their knowledge development on inclusion.  The Institute has a vibrant student body, and in particular a thriving Social Studies course. Many of these students would welcome the opportunity to become involved in facilitating the educational experience of students who have disabilities. Both formal and informal arrangements could be made here.  
*	The Institute would be enabled to develop an awards system for those students who show additional initiatives and use their skills in this context in a responsible manner.
*	Regular feedback from participating students, their carers and staff will form part of the research required to inform the development of this project. Consent will be formally sought for this feedback.
*	Course co-ordinator will be required to deliver quarterly reports to the steering group.
*	Resulting findings will be presented for peer review, and to inform the work of NCSE.

 
Martina Kelly