Education and Training

The role of the CIL CMH Education & Training Committee is to identify and address the educational and training needs of Leaders, Personal Assistants and the wider community.

Background & Committee Development

From 2006 to 2008 activities associated with education and training were progressed by Study Board Committee. The activities of the Study Board Committee included:

Internal survey across CILs to identify training needs (2006)

  • Result: Identified a need for standardized high quality training for Leaders and Personal Assistants (PAs)

National Training Needs Analysis in partnership with Open Training College (OTC)

  • Result: Full report published in November 2007 and results presented to CIL Network at the Council meeting in Tullamore (October 2008). Briefing leaflet on the National Training Needs Analysis report.

Disability Studies Certificate in partnership with NUI Maynooth the course was developed and administered in conjunction with the Study Board committee.

  • Result: The Certificate has been redesigned, developed and is delivered in conjunction with CIL CMH on an ongoing basis. Further information on the Certificate in Disability Studies.

Education & Training in the CIL CMH Strategic Plan 2009-2014

Education and training were identified as key priorities for CIL CMH in its subsequent Strategic Plan. In accordance with the CIL CMH Strategic Plan, launched in January 2009, the former Study Board has been renamed as Education & Training Committee. This recommendation was based on feedback from members during the Strategic Planning process of CIL. The Committee has since developed a new Terms of Reference and expanded its membership and role.

GOAL

To identify and address by working in partnership, with appropriate stakeholders, the educational and training needs of Leaders, Personal Assistants and the wider community. To do this in order to enhance awareness and understanding of the Independent Living Philosophy, and ultimately improve the quality of the life and independence experienced by Leaders.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

The main activities of the Education & Training Committee currently include:

  • Ongoing development and delivery of the NUI Maynooth accredited Certificate in Disability Studies. The course currently runs in the Dublin area.
  • Development of a CIL Training Resource Pack. The Education & Training Committee are currently in the process of developing a set of flexible training resources for use by CILs.
  • Guidance of a European wide piece of research to ascertain if third level educational institutions in Europe are delivering education programmes around disability based on rights based approaches, the social model of disability and independent living.
  • Consultation with the CIL Network Council and the Research, Advocacy & Policy Committee for the development of training for CIL staff and members nationwide around key policy areas.

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP

The current members of the Education & Training Committee are as follows:

  • Adrienne Millar Conroy (Committee Chair - Director of CIL Carmichael House)
  • Dermot Walsh (Founder member of CIL Carmichael House) 
  • Don Bailey (Director of Vantastic)
  • Mila Popovic (Personal Assistant)
  • Owen Collumb (Greater Dublin Independent Living)
  • James Brosnan (Greater Dublin Independent Living)
  • Aisling Flynn (Advocate & Community Development Worker)
  • Allison Clarke (Personal Assistant)
  • Consultative members:
    • Kate Kearney (Enable Ireland)
    • Sarah Campbell (Tallaght Disability Advocacy Service)

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like further information on the Education & Training Committee, if you would like to become a member of the committee or if you would like further detail on the Certificate in Disability Studies, please contact Jane Clare by email at janeclare@dublincil.org or by telephone at 01 8730455.