The National Institute for

Intellectual DisabilityTrinity College Dublin

A Visual Report

Michael LambertFunny Stupid

National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID)

NIID’s ambition is to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. This is happening through a dynamic programme of Research, Education and Advocacy for Life.

The Certificate in Contemporary LivingNIID has pioneered the highly acclaimed and innovative Certificate in Contemporary Living. The course aims to facilitate lifelong learning for students with intellectual disability, providing them with the strategic skills to become independent self-reliant adults.

Visual Arts Programme Under the guidance of an artist in residence, students attend a fine art module through which they develop their expressive abilities and communicate their ideas in creative ways. From these classes some remarkable artworks have been produced. We gratefully acknowledge funding provided by The Ireland Funds which made this programme possible. The Visual Arts programme culminated in a unique event in Trinity – a Student’s Art Exhibition - captured in the following slides.

Jan Mahon Passion of the Red

The Artwork

William DeacyYellow Face

Linda DunphyAbstract II

Aine LawlorSunset on the Hills

Elaine GallivanSunburst

Grainne LeeFamine

Yvonne ByrneMy Family

Carmel MulvihillPortrait

Brian ByrneAbstract I

Aine LawlorFly

Katherine MolyneuxFlower Power

William DeacyFace II

My name is William and I’m 25 years old I’m very interested in history and learning about the culture of different countries; how they dress, their religions, the politics and their flags. One of my ambitions is to write a book about my life and my experiences. I really enjoyed going to the art classes. I found them very relaxing.

I’m Jan Mahon and I’m 28The Certificate in Contemporary Living has made me feel more confident in myself. I am now living independently in Bray and Ilike it a lot. I have my own freedom. I work part time in Starbucks for two days a week as a barista. Doing the art classes was fun. It made me work hard. I liked the group work and getting to knownew people. I also love working in bright, bold colours.

The Artists

My name is Michael and I’m 19I enjoyed the classes at the NIID because I learned new things, met new people and found the tutors very helpful. My own favourite painting is ‘Funny Stupid’. The colours I used show how happy I was the time I painted it. I do voluntary work for Crosscare. I work two days a week. Homeless people go there and get fed for two Euro. I really enjoy the work.

My name is KatherineI enjoyed doing the Certificate course. I liked making new friends. I enjoyed organising the NIID ball that took place last May. I wasalso on the self advocacy committee learning how to stand up formyself. I like travelling. The trip to Budapest was the highlight of the two year course for me. I enjoyed the art classes on Thursdays. I liked painting the most.

My name is Áine, I’m 24 years oldI liked doing art because it thought me about the feelings that are inside me every day. I was allowed to express these feelings while I drew or while I painted. I’m really enjoying the course in Trinity, I love learning new things, and getting a chance to do lots of subjects like maths, English, and computers. I also like the group work, it’s a good way to learn.

I’m BrianI’m working in two different restaurants at the moment, in Blackrock and Dundrum. My favourite class in Trinity was art, because we did lots of different kinds of art, painting and sticking things together. Graduating from Trinity was really cool becauseit shows other people I’m smart. I’d also say I’m handsome - I was modelling in the UCD Fashion show in the RDS last week. I had to get my catwalk walk just right!

My name is YvonneComing to Trinity has meant a lot to me, because it has helped me to travel and become more independent. The art classes were good fun. I learned new things. I enjoyed doing the colláge of my family. They are always there for me, and support me when I need it. I follow Shelbourne football club. I go to matches every fortnight. They’re at the bottom of the league at the moment.

My name is Grainne LeeI am from Kerry but now I’m living in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. I live independently in a community house with three other ladies and two staff. I work in a shop called Gala in Killenard. I alsowork in Portlaoise Parish office on Mondays. I enjoyed the art classes. I especially enjoyed working with clay. I found this interesting and relaxing as well.

My name is ElaineI live in Ballsbridge with my Mum and Dad. On the art course Ilearned new ways to express myself. My Batik ‘Sunburst’ is about feelings and emotions. I did the face red because it is a symbol of happiness. The yellow coming out of my head is a symbol of sunshine and joy. One of the great things about this course is meeting new friends. Since starting this course I havebecome more confident and independent as a person.

My name is Carmel MulvihillI am from Kerry but live in Rathangan, Co. Kildare. I live in a community house with four other ladies. I enjoy working in Starbucks in the Kildare Village outlet. I loved the art class in the NIID because it helped me to express myself. I found the class very calming. The exhibition is giving me confidence and highlights my ability as an individual.

My name is Linda, and I’m 21Doing art makes me happy - I love travelling, and I like painting pictures of outside places- beaches and woods. I went to Budapest with the course last year. It was part of the International Awareness class. I want to travel independently more, maybe go to Spain or Turkey. I really liked working in an office on work experience when I was doing the course in Trinity. I think I’m good at office work because I’m very organised, and I know how to use a computer - typing and sending emails.

Jan Mahon, Denis O’Brien and Ross O’Neill

The Art Exhibition

Denis O’Brien with artist William Deacy and his father

Denis O’Brien and Dr. Patricia O’Brientalk to exhibiting artist Linda Dunphy

The Minister for Education -Mary Hanafinwith Prof. Robbie Gilligan and Mr. Michael Gleeson

The Provost Dr. John Hegarty with the Minister, and Mr. Gleeson, College Secretary.

As part of the evening, all students who attended the

Artist in Residence program received a certificate from the

Minister Mary Hanafin.

Brian Byrne receives his scroll from the Minister

Presentation to Denis O’Brien

During the evening, a piece of art (Passion of the Red, by

Jan Mahon) was presented to Denis O’Brien on behalf of the

students of the NIID.

Pictured: Dr. Patricia O’Brien (Director of the NIID), Molly O’Keeffe (Education Officer, NIID), Jan Mahon, artist and graduate of the CCL, Denis O’Brien, John Kubiak (Teaching and learning Officer, NIID) and Vonnie Tobin, Artist in Residence.

JourneyAs one door closes to me I open a door to the future

Full of challenges and experiencesBravery, determination

The next door I openIs a bumpy road aheadAnd it becomes steeper

And harder to walk

Until I reach the topThen I come down followed

By a smooth path along the way

By Helen Donnelly, NIID Graduate

NIID gratefully acknowledges the supportand funding from the following:

The Ireland Funds Young Leaders Atlantic Philanthropies

Joe CorcoranThe Kathleen Rooney Miller Fund

Denis O’BrienThomas Crosbie Holdings

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education AuthorityEU Marie Curie FellowshipsNational Disability Authority

National Council for Special EducationThe Fulbright Commission