Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) has today publicly declared its support for and adoption of ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design (UD) in Tertiary Education – and joined today’s national call to action for institutions and agencies to work towards a more universally designed tertiary education system.
Cork ETB strongly believes that ‘inclusion is everyone’s business’, and that all staff play a role in creating an environment in which the huge diversity of learners in our community can thrive. Universal Design is central to our efforts to make that statement a reality, and by adopting the ALTITUDE Charter, we have committed to work collaboratively across the institution to embed a UD approach more firmly in our practices and processes in the years ahead, building on the good work already achieved in this area.
Commenting on Cork ETB’s adoption of ALTITUDE, Chief Executive Denis Leamy described it as a significant milestone:
“The growing diversity among our staff and students is one of our greatest strengths. Universal Design plays a key role in our strategy to meet the evolving needs of our community. By working together, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive—and a UD approach is central to achieving that goal.”
“We are proud to support this important cross-sectoral initiative and remain committed to advancing the actions and goals outlined in the ALTITUDE Charter in the years ahead.”
Prior to the recent adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter and our public support for the national call to action today, Cork ETB had long established a Universal Design steering committee. In the months ahead, we will review the committee terms of reference and membership to ensure full alignment with the model of committee membership/leadership proposed within the Charter. This standing committee will collaborate in the years ahead to progress the actions and goals outlined within the Charter.