Transition to Further and Higher Education for Young People With Disabilities in Ireland: The Need for a Flexible and Individualized Approach

• In Event: College Identity Development in Students

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a recently completed project on the transition from compulsory education into third level education, that is Further and Higher Education (FE/HE), of young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities in Ireland. The project, funded by the National Council for Special Education, employed a mixed method approach consisting of a national survey, and pre and post-transition interviews. In examining the factors which influence the availability of choices, support and access for the young people, this paper suggests effective transition is the result of a flexible and individualised approach which draws from local collaboration between institutions, national policy development, but also by putting young people’s aspirations at the heart of the transition process.

Authors

• Cristina Devecchi, University of Northampton

• Sheena Elizabeth Bell, University of Northampton

• Conor McGuckin, Trinity College

• Michael Shevlin, Trinity College