eryan, Author at ICEP Europe

The MA in Inclusive and Special Education: A Personal and Professional Journey

For recent graduate, Karen Fahy, enrolling in the MA in Inclusive and Special Education with ICEP Europe and Hibernia College was more than just a career move. It became both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey that has shaped her teaching practice, her confidence, and her future ambitions. Why I Chose to Study …

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Sue Ellen Attard, Learning Support Assistant in Malta, completing a Master’s in Special and Additional Learning Needs with UEL and ICEP Europe

From Malta to Master’s: My Journey on the Special and Additional Learning Needs MA

University / By eryan

Sue Ellen Attard is a graduate of the MA in Special and Additional Learning Needs. In this article, Sue Ellen shares her experience on the programme. Special and additional learning needs are at the heart of my career. I work as a Learning Support Assistant in the state education sector in Malta, supporting learners with …

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Young children using the Alpaca AI tool for early dyslexia screening in an Irish classroom

Revolutionary AI Tool Aims to Spot Dyslexia Risk in Irish Schools

Dyslexia and Literacy / By eryan

A new dyslexia screening tool called Alpaca is being tested in Irish primary schools, and it could completely change how we identify and support children. Dr. Thérèse McPhillips, lead tutor on the Dyslexia and Literacy module at ICEP Europe has been working closely with Alpaca’s founder, Joe Fernandez, and his team over the past year. Together, …

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Sharon Grady presenting inclusive education strategies

Inclusive Practice in Action

Inclusive Education / By eryan

How can inclusive education move beyond aspiration and become embedded in everyday classroom practice? In a recent article for the Irish Teachers’ Journal (Grady, 2024), a recent graduate of our MA in Inclusive and Special Education, Sharon Grady, explored this question through the lens of special educational needs (SEN). Sharon draws on international research, practical …

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How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Ireland

Teaching and Learning / By eryan

Are you a primary, post-primary, or further education teacher in Ireland considering a move into special education? You’re not alone. As Irish classrooms become more diverse and inclusive, the need for teachers with specialist training in inclusive and special education is growing rapidly. Why Special and Inclusive Education Is in High Demand Inclusive education is …

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Prof. April Hargreaves, new Director of Research at Neurodiversity Spark

Research Projects / By eryan

Professor April Hargreaves, Programme Director of Psychology at ICEP Europe, has been appointed Director of Research at Neurodiversity Spark in Northern Ireland. This appointment marks a key moment for the region. The new Neurodiversity Spark Research Hub brings a fresh, trauma-informed, and community‑driven approach to neurodiversity research, policy, and innovation. Why This Research Hub Matters …

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Dr Eileen Winter, Pioneering Educator, Friend and Colleague

Teaching and Learning / By eryan

It’s with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr Eileen Winter, a valued colleague and much-loved friend. Eileen was a leading academic and educational psychologist with a passionate commitment to inclusion. Through her research, and leadership Eileen made significant contributions to the development of inclusive education in Ireland and beyond. …

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Schizophrenia or Encephalitis: The Case for Early Diagnosis

Research Projects / By eryan

Imagine suddenly developing confusion, memory problems, or hallucinations—frightening symptoms that might easily be mistaken for the onset of a severe psychiatric condition. In many cases, such individuals are diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia and begin treatment accordingly. However, for some, the true cause lies elsewhere. Take the case reported by Ford et al in 2019: …

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World Down Syndrome Day 2025

Inclusive Education / By eryan

Today we are celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. The theme this year is #ImproveOurSupportSystems and we will be specifically looking at education as a key support system. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram channels for more! A strong educational support system for learners with Down syndrome is built on voice and choice. We may not shift the system …

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Adapting to a Larger Class: Insights on Inclusion, UDL, and Creativity in Education

Autism Spectrum Disorders, Inclusive Education, Professional Development, Teaching and Learning, Universal Design for Learning / By eryan

Doireann Tiernan, a dedicated Primary School Teacher and Assistant Principal at a mid-sized school in the West of Ireland, shares her experiences navigating the transition from teaching a small class of nine to managing a lively group of nineteen students. Drawing from her recent Masters in Special and Additional Learning Needs, offered in partnership with …

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