An innovative transition-year program has been making waves in Dublin, empowering disabled adults and boosting students’ leadership skills. At St. Paul’s Secondary School in Greenhills, Dublin, students like Jessica Gill have had life-changing experiences through the Creative TY Connections program. Gill, who had never known anyone with an intellectual disability before, was paired with Julie Malone, an adult with an intellectual disability, for five weeks. This connection opened her eyes to new perspectives and fostered empathy and understanding.
Through the program, participants like Cathy Nichol from Tallaght learned valuable skills like using WhatsApp, FaceTime, and taking selfies. These seemingly simple tasks have a profound impact on individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence and connection with the world. The program not only benefits the disabled participants but also transforms the students involved, like Ella Connaughton and Selina Prah, who gained insights into patience, care, and the power of teaching others.
The impact of the Creative TY Connections program extends beyond technical skills. Participants discovered personal leadership qualities, a deeper understanding of inclusivity, and the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity. Isha Nair, a student buddy from St. Paul’s, shared her emotional connection to the program, driven by a desire to empower her uncle with a mild intellectual disability. The program’s ripple effects are evident in the community, as highlighted by Linda Smyth from Stewarts Care in Palmerstown, who witnessed increased confidence and pride among participants.
Miriam Spollen, the visionary behind the program, recognized the need for inclusive community-based creative learning opportunities for adults with disabilities. Her initiative has grown from two schools to eight programs across four Dublin schools, pairing students with adults in day centers. The program aims to break down barriers, foster continuous learning, and build self-esteem and confidence among participants. Moriarty Moriarty, who leads the IT skills module, emphasizes the importance of these training programs in nurturing independent contributors to society.
Looking ahead, Spollen envisions expanding the program to create an inclusive community arts center in Rathgar, where artists with disabilities can thrive creatively. Her personal journey of overcoming dyslexia and ADHD fuels her commitment to supporting people with disabilities in overcoming daily barriers to inclusion. The program’s success is not only measured by technical skills acquisition but also by the sense of belonging, confidence, and respect it instills in participants.
The impact of the Creative TY Connections program extends beyond the classroom, as Darragh Patton, transition-year coordinator at St. Paul’s Secondary School, notes. The community-focused approach of the program encourages students to engage with people with disabilities in their communities, breaking down stereotypes and fostering a sense of inclusivity. By pairing students with adults with disabilities, the program empowers all participants to make a difference and create a more compassionate, understanding society.
In conclusion, the Creative TY Connections program is a beacon of hope and change, bridging gaps between different abilities and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. As the program continues to expand and evolve, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of empathy, education, and inclusivity. Through initiatives like these, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
