A huge sense of pride and joy marked the graduation of the first cohort of students with intellectual disabilities from South East Technological University (SETU) this week, as they celebrated their hard-earned achievements.

The University currently delivers two NFQ Level 6 programmes: the Certificate in Applied Skills Development and the Certificate in Personal Development across its campuses in Waterford and Carlow. The graduation of the first 34 students from these programmes marks an important milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to inclusive higher education.

Established through HEA PATH 4, Phase 2 funding, the programmes aim to provide a meaningful and inclusive university experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Central to this is a commitment to inclusion, student voice, personal development, progression and participation in all aspects of university life.

For the graduates, their achievement reflects the personal journeys they have undertaken, the friendships they have built, the skills they have developed and the opportunities they have embraced along the way to graduation.

Dr Catherine Kelly Mason, Director, SETU higher education for people with intellectual disabilities, said: “At the heart of the story is the individual experience of each student and, importantly, the opportunities that have emerged as a result of that journey.

“Students have actively participated in campus life, developed academically, socially and personally, undertaken work experience, represented the programme at university and external events, and contributed to conferences and advocacy initiatives. Many have progressed into paid employment, further learning opportunities, and increased community participation.”

Dr Kelly Mason continued, “A particularly powerful aspect of the programme is seeing graduates return to SETU as paid Peer Facilitators. In these roles, they support current students, share their lived experience and act as role models for the next cohort.” 

This year’s graduates demonstrate how the programme supports students to build confidence, develop new skills, form friendships and take important steps towards greater independence and employment.

Among the graduates was Margaret O’Keeffe, who received a Certificate in Personal Development. Margaret spoke about the confidence she gained and the personal milestones she achieved during her time at SETU. “I never travelled independently before coming to SETU. It was brilliant to travel independently. I love it,” she said.

Since completing her studies, Margaret has secured employment at the Déise Day Care Centre in Dungarvan, where she works five days a week, assisting with food preparation and the Meals on Wheels service. She has also developed her public speaking, self-advocacy and computer skills, and is particularly proud of achieving a Level 6 qualification.

“The best place I ever went was SETU. I am very proud of myself for doing Level 6. I thought I would never do it. I feel very confident in myself now,” she said.

For siblings Laura and Adam Ralph, graduation was a huge source of pride as they celebrated completing the Certificate in the Applied Skills Development Programme.

Laura spoke about the friendships she made, the new people she met and the confidence she developed throughout her time at SETU in Carlow. Having benefited from the programme herself, she has since progressed into a paid Peer Facilitator role, supporting new students as they begin their university experience.

“I would highly recommend the programme, as it builds your confidence and you learn a lot. I have been through it, so I can help them now go through it themselves,” she said.

Adam highlighted the development of his communication and self-advocacy skills, along with successfully completing his assessments, as key achievements. “The support from staff at SETU was great and I felt very calm and not stressed at all,” he recalled.

Adam is now working two days a week in an accountancy firm, where he applies the IT, communication and teamwork skills he developed during his studies.

Encouraging others to consider the programme, Adam said: “Go for it. It will build your confidence, develop your skills, and allow you to make new friends, get paid employment and feel included in university.”