Tuesday, June 17th, was absolutely packed with history and education. Beginning with a presentation from the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, we learned how this program promotes education both for and about people with Intellectual Disabilities.
I want to talk a little bit about a very interesting topic brought up in this presentation, which seems to be approached a bit differently by UMass and Trinity College. At Trinity, there is a program designed specifically for people with intellectual disabilities where they take the majority of their courses with people with IDs. During the presentation, Prof. Woodman pointed out that at UMass, it is against policy to have classes specifically for people with a disability because it is seen as a continuation of the sort of segregation that people with disabilities have historically faced in academic settings. This dilemma is very interesting to me because on one hand, the presentation showed how empowering an evidence-based program tailored to one’s needs can be. On the other hand, it would be so much better if people with IDs had access to the same educational spaces as their neurotypical peers. The Trinity Centre does this a little bit by having students in some mixed classes. I also am aware that as a highly prestigious school, trinity is not accessible to most people, anyway, adding a layer of complexity. Overall, it seems like an amazing program, that is, most importantly, founded in the voices and needs of the community that it is meant to serve.

After that, our focus shifted more toward the history of Dublin and the Irish people, and I kept an eye out for connections to the purpose of our trip. Often, this meant being mindful of the spaces we were inhabiting, who had access to them, and who might not have access. In older buildings like the Dublin Museum of Archaeology, it seems like their architecture predates a movement toward universal design. Instead, there was evidence of places where additions like ramps and other modifications were put in place to make spaces more accessible.

Below is a mini “lift” that would allow someone with a mobility aid (such as a wheelchair or walker) to enter the room housing the Book of Kells. I think it’s great that they had a non-stairs option, and given the historical architecture it might be the best option for people with mobility issues. When it is possible, however (such as in new architecture), a focus on integrating accessible features into the design of the building will ensure less able people won’t feel alienated from everyone else.