Just like back home, finding employment opportunities and higher education opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ireland is difficult. Those who find education opportunities in the states usually audit classes or do not receive a degree. During our trip to Trinity College, we learned about the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Contemporary Living Certificate.

While more details about this certificate are provided on their website, I discovered that the certificate also includes both group and individual occupational therapy sessions. As the occupational therapist addressed our group, it seemed like the type of activities conducted during the sessions are the types of activities that are conducted by school psychologists in America since they focus on social and emotional development. For instance, making friends and learning how to be an effective communicator in the workplace were just two examples of what the occupational therapist (OT) helps students develop at Trinity College.

As an aspiring OT, I was shocked that the Centre had an occupational therapist. Based on my experience, OT in the states is very health specific. One of my friends on the trip reminded me that occupational therapy does mean ‘work’ and helping people thrive in whatever environment they are in. This is the first time I encountered an OT helping with college courses and transition services.

For individuals with disabilities, I think working with an OT would help people with disabilities have more success in the work force. Hopefully the U.S. follows Trinity’s Model when it comes to education (granted, transition services in the states still needs to be improved).

I was lucky enough to speak with the occupational therapist at Trinity. I learned that in the states, one needs a master’s degree to be an OT. In Ireland, however, a bachelor’s degree suffices. My conversation with the OT was cut short, but this discrepancy in level of education makes me wonder if just requiring a

Overall, the trip to Trinity College was amazing since it gave me a lot to reflect on regarding education opportunities and service providers and demonstrated how services change internationally.