Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: News and Events
Staff Training: Trauma-Informed Responses to Sensitive Disclosures
The EDI Committee is pleased to highlight the availability of a new e-learning module, “Supporting Trauma-Informed Responses to Sensitive Disclosures.” This training supports staff in responding appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence or harassment, which often arise in any part of the organisation and are made to trusted individuals.
The module helps build confidence in responding with empathy, recognising and acknowledging disclosures, and referring individuals to the appropriate supports. All UL staff are encouraged to complete the training and to promote participation within their teams.
The University’s Sexual Violence & Harassment Policy and Procedure provides a clear referral pathway to ensure all reports are handled sensitively and fairly.
Maria Healy, Sexual Violence & Harassment Prevention and Response Manager, is available as a confidential first point of contact for staff and students seeking advice, making a disclosure, or exploring support options.
Contact: Maria.healy@ul.ie | 086 066 8379
Movement, Music and Connection: UL Celebrates International Dance Day
To mark International Dance Day, UL hosted a “Building Connections and Capacity for Facilitating Movement to Music for People with Parkinson’s” event on April 28th. The event brought together people living with Parkinson’s, their families, facilitators, students, and faculty for a morning of creativity, shared learning, and connection.
Led by Professor Amanda Clifford (School of Allied Health), Dr Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain (Irish World Academy of Dance), and Dr Irene Cassidy (School of Nursing and Midwifery), the programme highlighted the benefits of movement and music for health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion. Interactive sessions led by Pat O’Dea and visiting PhD candidate Raquel Arigony were described by participants as fun, energising, and uplifting.
The day also marked the launch of PD‑Life, an all‑island, multidisciplinary Parkinson’s research hub aimed at improving quality of life.
Student-Led Initiative Enhances Inclusive Practice in Simulation Training
Third-year BSc in Nursing (Intellectual Disability) students at the School of Nursing and Midwifery are developing a health passport for ‘Annie’, a simulated patient used in clinical education. This project aims to improve inclusivity, accessibility, and person-centred care.
The health passport outlines Annie’s individual needs, preferences, communication styles, and any relevant health conditions or required adjustments. By representing a patient with additional needs—such as a learning disability, chronic condition, or neurodivergence—it helps students better understand and respond to diverse patient experiences.
This student-led project supports the integration of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the curriculum, empowering learners to provide compassionate and equitable care in real clinical settings.
International Women's Day Celebration with EMERGE
UL hosted an International Women’s Day 2026 celebration on March 6th with the opening of the new Emerge Hub, a space designed to strengthen inclusion, sustainability, and resilience across campus.
The event featured a welcome from Professor Patricia Mannix McNamara and inspiring keynote talks from Dr. Nadia Ramoutar and Dr. Mary Collins, followed by a student‑led Q&A facilitated by Lucy Champelli. Taking place at The Globe in the Millstream Building, the gathering brought together students, staff, and partners for a morning of insight, connection, and empowerment.
DUNeS Conference 2026 Promotes Collaboration in Neurodiversity Inclusion
DU Neurodiversity Society (DUNeS) hosted its annual conference on the 28th of March 2026, aimed at students and researchers from across Ireland's HEIs who sought to engage in meaningful conversation around neurodiversity and inclusion. This year’s theme was “Fostering Collaboration and Practicing Co-Creation – working towards shared goals for access and inclusion.”
The conference was in its third year, and this year it took a collaborative approach between students from TCD, University of Galway, and UCD. Students, researchers, and all interested persons were welcome to attend.
EMBRACED at UL
UL offered staff the opportunity to take part in full‑day anti‑racism training workshops as part of the national EMBRACED project, a collaborative initiative across Irish Higher Education Institutions.
These workshops equipped participants with practical skills to recognise, address, and prevent racism within the UL community. The training explored bias and microaggressions, strategies for creating inclusive spaces, legal responsibilities, and effective intervention techniques.
Further sessions will offered in the future to ensure all interested staff have the opportunity to participate. For queries, please contact louise.ryan@ul.ie.
'Minding Yourself and Others' Webinar hosted by HSE Health and Wellbeing, December 16th 2025
University of Limerick colleagues were invited to join the Men's Health Webinar “Minding Yourself and Others”, hosted by HSE Health and Wellbeing on December 16th 2025 from 12:00 to 13:00 via Zoom. This special webinar featured musician Keith Donald, who has performed with Moving Hearts, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Mary Coughlan, Christy Moore and others. Keith shared his remarkable life story along with insights on resilience, support, and recovery.
Guest speakers highlighted key resources and supports for men’s mental health during this challenging time of year.
