The Inclusive Learning Project
Inclusive Learning Project (ILP) is a partnership between Maynooth University Access Programme, National Learning Network, MU Student Services, MU IT Services, the Office for the Dean of Teaching and Learning, the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the MU Library.
Milo Launch
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Maynooth University Learning Online platform, Milo.
Milo is an intuitive user-friendly site where students can work on their study skills and wellbeing in a self-directed way, with interactive activities, quizzes, videos and downloadable eBooks. The topics are designed to have maximum impact and to make life at university a little bit easier. Milo is now available to all Maynooth University students and staff using their MU login credentials.
Students and staff are invited to come along to the Library Ground Floor Foyer on Wednesday 7 December between 11.30am and 1pm to see Milo in action. Register to attend, put a note in your diary and be sure to pop along to see demonstrations of Milo, find out how you can make maximum use of Milo to support you in your studies, and to pick up some free Milo branded swag! Don't miss out!
Date: Wednesday 7 December 2022
Time: 11.30am-1pm
Location: Maynooth University Library Foyer
Inclusive Learning Project Vision and Mission
We believe in inclusion and are dedicated to empowering students with disabilities in MU. We believe that inclusion is an ongoing process that aims to increase access and engagement in learning for all. We recognise the exemplary work that has been done in MU to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities, and the crucial importance of continuing this work.
Our mission is to provide the best learning experience to all Maynooth Access Programme (MAP) students. This partnership will enhance MAP learning supports and boost the accessibility of the online learning environment in MU.
Inclusive Learning Project Funding and Timeline
The Inclusive Learning Project is funded by HEA through the Fund for Students with Disabilities.
The project commenced in May 2021 and concludes in December 2022.
Inclusive Learning Project Description
Strand 1 – Introduce a Continuum of Support framework and expand MAP supports
We introduced a new Continuum of Support framework to respond to students’ learning support needs in MAP. The Continuum of Support framework called Milo enhances how MAP identifies and responds to MAP student needs.
The resources allocated within this new framework include the Milo online learning platform (Level 1), small group training sessions (Level 2), and one-to-one supports (Level 3). One-to-one supports have always been provided in MAP to students with complex needs. Within this project, we are responsible for the development of the Milo online learning platform and small group training sessions. The Milo platform and small group training sessions will support the development of students’ digital, academic, social and wellbeing skills. Milo is expected to become a universal support as it is available to all MU students.
The Continuum of Support framework recognises that students’ learning needs occur along a continuum and differs from student to student. Within the framework, 3 levels of student need are identified and supported. The three levels of student support provided:
- Level 1: All MU students have access to the Milo online learning platform that contains resources, activities and videos for self-directed learning and development.
- Level 2: Some MAP students with similar needs, that cannot be met by the level 1 supports, will have access to small-group training.
- Level 3: A few MAP students who have complex needs, that cannot be met by level 1 and 2 supports, will have access to individualized, one-to-one supports.
Implementing this framework will minimise reliance on individual accommodations (e.g. one-to-one supports) and maximize the use of universal supports (e.g. online learning platform). As part of Strand 1, we also developed a CPD programme for MAP student advisors to develop their educational technology skills and ability to promote student engagement with the Milo online learning platform.
Strand 2: Embed accessibility in the online learning environment
We aim to enhance the accessibility of the online learning environment at Maynooth University including the virtual learning environment (VLE) Moodle and the Maynooth University Library online interface. Our strand includes a Digital Accessibility Review/Audit of the university VLE and the Library to identify accessibility compliance requirements and prioritise accessibility improvements.
To enhance the accessibility of the VLE course spaces and content, the project will investigate and implement an integrated VLE accessibility solution that will promote the principles of inclusiveness and accessibility, help staff gauge the accessibility of VLE content and improve content accessibility and the overall student experience for all users by providing alternative content formats.
We will also enhance the accessibility of eBooks within the library by partnering with Sight & Sound UK, who are the international leaders in supporting students who are blind and visually impaired. There will a strong input from the internal Library team and direct links with the publishers of academic texts to provide accessible eBooks to all users.
Finally, we seek to enable the Library and VLE support staff to enhance their in-house capability and offer a range of training courses and resources on accessibility to include (i) introduction to accessibility and embedding accessibility into the overall culture (ii) accessible inspection of digital documents to check and fix common accessibility errors and (iii) practical training on screen reader software. The focus will be on online reusable resources that can be embedded into student learning platforms e.g., Moodle, Library guides and other locations.
Inclusive Learning Project Team
The Inclusive Learning Project team is made up of 2 Project Leads and 1 Education Technologist. A Project Lead for and an Educational Technologist have been recruited for the duration of the project in Strand 1. The Inclusive Learning Project team have backgrounds in disability, inclusion and educational technology. They have extensive experience in the design and delivery of technical projects that increase access and engagement in learning.
The Inclusive Learning Project team is supported by an Advisory Group, an Operational Oversight Group, and 2 Working Groups. Advisory Group members include experts, authority figures, and senior stakeholders in the project and in MU. They provide strategic advice, support and guidance to the project. The Operational Oversight Group members include senior management from MAP and the National Learning Network. They monitor and support the delivery of the project plan. Members of Working Group 1 and 2 have a wide range of domain-specific expertise related to their respective strands.
Inclusive Learning Project Staff Bios
Angela Stewart, National Learning Network, Project Lead for Strand 1 of the Inclusive Learning Project (May 2021-September 2022)
With over 14 years of experience in the area of disability and inclusion, Angela is passionate about supporting people to maintain their wellbeing and participate in education. Angela has provided a range of research, training and consultancy services to state bodies, private companies, and not-for-profit organisations. Angela has led on the design and development of technical projects and models of service to support the participation of underrepresented groups in further education and training, higher education, and work.
Previously, Angela worked in a number of face-to-face, person-centered support services. This included Student Central in MU, where she provided psychology-led supports to students with a range of disabilities. Angela is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, has a Masters in Health Psychology from Ulster University, and Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Trinity College Dublin. (137 Words)
Katelyn O'Halloran, National Learning Network, Senior Project Manager for Strand 1 of the Inclusive Learning Project (October 2022-December 2022)
Katelyn took over as project lead for Strand 1 of the Inclusive Learning Project in October 2022 to deliver the Milo online learning project, provide training and launch it across Maynooth University. Katelyn holds a dual role and currently also works as a Community Services Manager in a disability day service. Katelyn has worked in the area of disabilities (primarily autism) and advocacy for almost 11 years in various settings including day and residential services, outreach teams and transition programme development. Katelyn am a former MU student, and graduated from Social Science in 2011.
Simon Ahern, Project Lead, Strand 2 of the Inclusive Learning Project.
Simon Ahern has worked as the Educational Technology Officer based in the Assistive Technology Centre within the Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP) at Maynooth University since 2007.
Simon coordinates the post-entry supports for Maynooth University students connected to MAP and promotes the use of innovative educational technology solutions to all MAP students. He also manages the team of student volunteers called MAP Ambassadors and designs the annual Launchpad orientation programme for over 1000 new entrants, co-delivered by MAP Ambassadors.
Simon holds a Diploma in Assistive Technology, a BA in Politics and Linguistics and an MA in Linguistics from UCD, and an MSc in Speech and Language Processing from the University of Edinburgh. His areas of special interest include integrating technology into students' daily life as well as accessibility and inclusivity.
Leah Kane, Education Technologist for Strand 1 of Inclusive Learning Project, National Learning Network (May 2021 - September 2022)
Leah has worked across a broad range of disciplines, using her media skills to digitally enhance the learning experience for learners. Leah has a passion for education and inclusive design in e-learning.Prior to working in MU, Leah worked in Dublin City University's Ideas Lab in the National Institute for Digital Learning. Leah has previously worked and volunteered in DCU's Access service for many years during her time at university. Leah holds an MSc in Emerging Media and has a BA in Media Studies from Dublin City University. Leah is currently pursuing a Higher Diploma in Interaction Design at DCU.
Inclusive Learning Project Working Group Strand 1:
| Role in Group | Name and Job Title |
| Project Management and chair | Angela Stewart Project Manager (May 21 - Sep 22) Katelyn |
| Project Management | Leah Kane Learning Technologist National Learning Network |
| Secretary | Keeva Kavanagh MAP Student Central (to Sep 2022) |
| Best Practice in specialist student supports | Nicole Rock MAP Student Central (to Sep 2022) |
| Best Practice in specialist student supports | Michelle Nevin MAP Student Central (to Sep 2022) |
| Best practice assistive technology | Ruchi Palan MAP Assistive Technology Advisor |
| Best practice in mainstreaming wellbeing and therapeutic supports | Mairead White Student Counselling Service |
| Best practice in mainstreaming wellbeing and clinical supports | Sandra Fox Mental Health Nurse |
Inclusive Learning Project Working Group Strand 2:
| Role in Group | Name and Job Title |
| Project management and chair | Simon Ahern Educational Technology Officer, Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Disability supports (Blind/ VI) expertise | Bridget Gormley (concluded) MAP Disability Advisor Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Student supports expertise | Sandra Collins MAP Student Advisor Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Library accessibility specialist | Angelina Lavelle (concluded) MAP Student Advisor Maynooth University Access Programme |
| VLE and Teaching & Learning expertise | Fanahan Barry (concluded) Educational Technology Officer Maynooth University |
| Assistive technology expertise | Ruchi Palan MAP Educational Technology Advisor Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Library resources expertise | Áine Carey MU Library Teaching, Research & Development lead. Maynooth University |
| IT systems expertise | Dearbhla O'Reilly Head of IT Operations Maynooth University |
Inclusive Learning Project Advisory Group:
| Role in Group | Name, Title and Organisation |
| Strategic Direction within HEI and committee chair | Dr Rose Ryan Director of Access, Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Project management and operations (Strand 1), and committee secretary | Angela Stewart Project Manager, Strand 1, National Learning Network Katelyn |
| Project management and operations (Strand 2) | Simon Ahern Educational Technology Officer, Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Overall operations within MAP (HEAR/Mature/DARE) | Martha Brandes Student Advisory Manager, Maynooth University Access Programme |
| Best practice in educational psychology | Suzanne McCarthy Senior Educational Psychologist, National Learning Network |
| Transition planning from Specialist Training Provision (STP) and FET | Anne Marie McDonnell Service Development Manager Rehab Group |
| Strategic direction within student services | Marianne Dunne Director Student Services, Maynooth University |
| Best practice in mainstreaming wellbeing and clinical supports | Kathleen McNutt Head of Student Counselling Service, Maynooth University Counselling Service |
| Best practice in IT and MU online environment | John McLoughlin Director of IT Services, Maynooth University |
| Best practice in teaching and learning | Lisa O’Regan Head of Centre for Teaching and Learning, Centre for Teaching and Learning, Maynooth University |
| Best practice in academic services | Michaela Hollywood Head of Academic Services, Maynooth University Library |
| Best practice in student welfare, equality, and inclusion | Luke Buckley (to Sep 22) Vice President for Welfare and Equality, Maynooth University Student Union |
| Best practice in student education and inclusion | Niall Daly President, Maynooth University Student Union |
| Best practice in UDL | Dr Lisa Padden Programme Manager, University for All, University College Dublin |
| Best practice in Educational Technology | James Northridge Educational Technology Officer, University College Cork |
| Best practice nationally supporting students with disabilities | Dara Ryder Chief Executive Officer, AHEAD |