Navigating Third-Level Education: Information and Support
MDI are delighted to inform you of our upcoming webinar, Navigating Third-Level Education: Information and Support.
This webinar will be hosted online by MDI and will include presentations from AHEAD, and MDI members, Dr. Aoife McNicholl and Matthew Patrick Sharkey as well as from MDI.
Are you thinking about your post school options or are you already in college wondering about employment opportunities when you graduate? This webinar will be aimed at students and prospective students living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, as well as their parents and families. The webinar will provide practical information, guidance and peer-informed insights on accessing and participating in higher and further education, including university and college pathways. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers following the presentations.
Date: 11th November 2026
Time: 7pm
Venue: online
Please book your place here.
Webinar aim
To provide students and prospective students living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, and their families, with practical information, guidance and peer insights to help them explore, access and make the most of further and higher education.
Desired learning outcomes
By the end of the webinar, we hope participants will:
Have a better understanding of their options for further and higher education, including the CAO and DARE application processes.
Know more about the practical considerations when choosing and accessing a course, including accessibility, transport and accommodation.
Gain practical ideas and insights from students and graduates about navigating education and making the most of their educational journey.
Know where to find further information and support, including through AHEAD Ireland.
About our contributors
AHEAD
AHEAD is an independent non-profit organisation working with and for disabled people to shape inclusive and empowering environments in tertiary education and employment. The main focus of our work is further education and training, higher education and graduate employment.
Dr. Aoife Mc Nicholl
Dr. Aoife McNicholl is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and was previously the Universal Design Coordinator in Dublin City University. Her research areas of interest are the impact of assistive technology use, the psychosocial experiences of those living with an impairment / chronic illness and inclusive teaching approaches such as universal design for learning. Aoife is a board member of Independent Living Movement Ireland and member of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland's research committee. She has been involved in advocacy campaigns with the Irish Wheelchair Association on accessible housing and the government on UNCRPD.
Matthew Patrick Sharkey
MDI member Mathew is a Freelance Journalist and Content Creator living with Duchenne Muscular Dystropy. He has experience in all types of disability support in further and higher education, having achieved a Masters (MA) in Political Communication, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Multimedia, and previously been a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 and Leaving Certificate Applied student.