September University of Galway adopts ALTITUDE Charter to promote inclusive education

University of Galway has adopted the ALTITUDE Charter, a national initiative promoting inclusive educational opportunities at third level and encouraging institutions to embed universal design across higher and further education.

Funded by the Higher Education Authority, ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design in Tertiary Education, is an extensive cross sectoral collaboration involving six national agencies, 15 higher education institutions and six Education and Training Board representatives. 

By adopting the ALTITUDE Charter, the University is committing to build on its Universal Design and Accessibility Policy, which has integrated a universal design approach across all levels of the institution, keeping student voices and experiences at the centre of ambitions to create an inclusive and accessible campus and community.

The University aims to share insights and best practices with colleagues across the further and higher education sector to advance universal design in education.

            University of Galway President, Professor David J. Burn, welcomes the adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter saying: "The diversity of our staff and student community is a core strength, and universal design is central to meeting their needs. Embedding a universal design approach ensures equity of opportunity and enhances the learning experience for all. We support this cross-sectoral initiative and will continue to progress the actions and goals outlined in the ALTITUDE Charter."

            Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Helen Maher said: "Universal design is integral to advancing inclusion by design at University of Galway so that our university can be accessed understood and used to the greatest extent possible by our university community. ALTITUDE gives us a clear framework to support our University to be more accessible and inclusive, where equality and student experience are central to all aspects of university life."

    Professor Ciara Meehan, University of Galway Dean of Students, said: “Adopting the ALTITUDE Charter reinforces our commitment to ensuring every student can fully engage with their learning experience. By embedding universal design across teaching, assessment, and support services, we are creating a campus where all students have equitable opportunities to thrive."

            Izzy Tiernan, Disability Rights Officer with the University’s Students’ Union, said: "The adoption of the Altitude Charter is a great step forward for Universal Design and ensuring access for all students to the quality of education they deserve. The involvement and consultation of students from the outset has been, and will continue to be, integral to designing a campus that is inclusive and equitable for all."

For more information visit www.universityofgalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/altitude/

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