Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are absolutely delighted to launch their Inaugural Strength in Diversity week from 24th-28th October which consists of a series of talks investigating all subjects related to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. The Institute currently hosts students from over 47 different countries, and we are proud of this rich diversity within our student cohort which lends itself to all our students cultural experience with us.

Our Strength in Diversity week is all about creating a safe space to discuss and explore all aspects of equality, inclusivity and diversity whilst learning more and making our college and community a better place to learn, work and live in.

Monday 24^th 12.00 - What’s it all about?

This is the first lunchtime talk of the week, and we are delighted to launch and set the foundation of this series of discussions by welcoming Peter Cosgrove from Futerwise, who will give an introduction on the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Click the link for more information on Peter. https://www.personallyspeakingbureau.com/speaker/peter-cosgrove/

Tuesday 25^th 12.00 - Let’s Talk Inclusivity

We will be expertly joined by Adaku Okafar from PhoenixRize who will support discussions around understanding inclusivity and the roles students, teachers and professional admin staff can play in strengthening diversity in DKIT.

Click the link for more information - https://www.phoenixrize.ie/our-team/

Wednesday 26^th 12.00 Mind and Body

On Wednesday we talk about disability, mental health and sports, where Brendan Lawlor and Turlach Cotter will speak about overcoming adversity and how sport has helped them.  Brendan Lawlor, NO 1 disabled golfer in the world.  1^st Disabled golfer to play on European Tour  - https://www.modestgolf.com/talent/brendan-lawlor

Thursday 27^th 12.00 – “Positive Vibes” Be You – Positive Vibes

On Thursday will be joined by the media renowned Robbie Lawlor and Veda Lady both HIV and LGBTQ+ Activists discuss removing the Stigma around HIV  https://www.98fm.com/podcasts/98fms-saturday-social/meet-the-two-dubliners-who-are-fighting-hiv-stigma-with-their-new-podcast

Let’s make it better - Friday 28^th 11.00 

 This talk is mainly focused on staff and how we can come together and take our learnings from the discussions that happened during Strength in Diversity and enhance our way of teaching and your way of learning.  Online talk about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – Lisa Padden of UCD - https://ie.linkedin.com/in/lisa-padden-9273081b

This will be followed by a short demonstration of a new Moodle accessibility toolkit available to support staff and students at DkIT.