Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity

The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity (CSENID) is a dynamic nationally recognised centre of inclusive education, based in the Education Department in ATU St Angelas, Sligo. The Centre was established in 2011, but ATU St Angelas has a long history of excellence in special and inclusive education spanning more than three decades. Our mission is to uphold inclusion for all children and young people, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Goal 4 ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, (UNCRPD). Aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan, the aims of the Centre are:

• To deliver excellence in teaching, through the design and delivery of programmes from undergraduate to Masters level underpinned by a culture of inclusivity
• To conduct rigorous, reproducible, ethical and respectful research in special and inclusive education that leads to a positive impact on society
• To offer research degrees, both Research Masters and PhD
• To engage with the Community working closely with Education Funding Partners, policy makers, various organisations, communities of schools
• To develop resources supportive of inclusive education and pedagogy

People

• Director of CSENID: Dr. Ann Marie Casserly
• Dr. Bairbre Tiernan
• Dr. Tara McGowan
• Ms. Ailbhe O Halloran
• Dr. Aoife Munroe
• Mr. Richard Morrissey
• Dr. Máire Love
• Dr. Annmarie Curneen
• Postdoctoral Researcher: Dr. Aoife Crummy
• CSENID Administrator: Deirdre McDaniel
• SNA Programme Administrator: Ms. Emer Feeney                             

Research

CSENID researchers are dedicated to conducting and disseminating research which contributes to a greater understanding of some of the key educational challenges facing professionals, parents, children and young people, and policymakers particularly in inclusive education. Aligned with ATU’s Strategic plan for research, CSENID has a strong research culture having secured multiple programme and research funding streams and have engaged in other collaborative research projects.

CSENID’s research objectives include:

• To carry out research in special education, inclusion, equity and diversity to support the development of policy advice on inclusive education adding to the research evidence base in the area
• To disseminate research relating to best practice in the education of children, young people and adults with special educational needs/disabilities
• To promote educational cohesion, good relations, respect for diversity, equity and inclusion through research
• Realise the rights of children, young people and adults with SEN/disabilities through evidence-based research
• To improve the social, emotional and educational outcomes for all individuals with SEN based on research evidence

The Centre offers several taught Masters degree programmes, and invites potential research Masters and PhD students where there will be opportunities for students to take responsibility for leading and initiating work, and to self-evaluate and manage their own academic and professional development.

What we research/expertise

Among the significant research themes being addressed by CSENID researchers are inclusive education, dyslexia, Autism and transition, UDL, communities of practice, multi-grade learning and SEN, maths, literacy, SNA training, co-teaching, planning for SEN, educational provision for children and young people with SEN, student teachers’ perceptions of SEN, inclusive education, and social and emotional development.

These topics not only address issues of immediate and long-term consequence to society but offer opportunities for future inclusive educational development. CSENID’s commitment to research-led education ensures that students are exposed to experts in their discipline, to the latest theory, knowledge and thinking, and to an education that emphasises investigative and methodological skills and creative thinking. Students are also afforded an opportunity to acquire a broad range of skills by engaging in personal research to affect their professional practice.