Univers'Emploi Presentation on Irish Experience in Univers’ Emploi 1 st March 2012

Selection of Students Irish students identified to participate in pilot project. Identified priority groups for inclusion in pilot (graduates with physical, sensory, significant illness (SOI), mental health difficulties and students with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). A survey of students entering their final year of study in TCD & UCC was conducted.

Survey of Interest in Participation in Univers’ Emploi: TCDUCC Total Responses Indicated that they would like to participate in project. 48%82% Issues with disclosure of disability. 55%54% Indicated a lack of disability awareness in the workplace. 43%20% Necessity to negotiate reasonable accommodations in the workplace. 27%20%

Irish Participants by Disability DisabilityTCDUCC Asperger's Syndrome3 Blind / Vision Impaired13 Dyspraxia1 Physical Disability33 Significant Ongoing Illness2 Deaf / Hard of Hearing21 Mental Health34

Irish Participants by Discipline Area DisciplineTCDUCC Sciences2 Engineering and Computer science 21 Health Sciences21 Arts- Languages1 Arts - Humanities46 Arts - Social Sciences 2 Law11 Business12

Participants Key Employment Needs Student Employment Needs Fitness to Practice Dealing With Disclosure Application Preparation Cover Letters CV Preparation Interview Preparation and Skills Identifying Potential Employers Reasonable Accommodations and Information on Funding

Partners within Irish HEI’S

External Partners to Irish HEI’S

Mentoring Process Support from DSS and Career Service. Hosting Workshops. Website – Linked In Career Coaching Appointments with Employer Mentors

Success of Project to Date 1. Students have acquired knowledge and experience of necessary employment skills such as: CV Preparation Interview Skills Self Presentation Skills Self-advocacy skills

Success of Project to Date 2. Students are more informed about disability related issues and employment including: Disability and the law – rights and responsibilities, Disclosure – if, when, and how, to disclose, Grants and supports within the workplace.

Success of Project to Date 2. Employment Offers TCDUCC Mentoring Phase with possible employment 99 Job Offer3 2 Job offer (following professional registration) 1 Potential internship2

Challenges of Project Implications of time constraints on students participation in project. Demands of academic course deadlines. In – class exams. Students setting priority of achieving their academic potential rather than focus on their employment skills.

Contact Details Mary O’GradyDeclan Treanor Disability Support Officer Head of Service Disability Support Service UCC Tel: Fax Website: Service Director Disability Service Room 3055 The Arts Building Trinity College Dublin Tel: (01) Fax: (01) Website: ex.php ex.php