this as interests and hobbies are a diverse matter, and so inevitably with this came about a society focused on the understanding the neurodiversity. Not just a group of students who identify with this topic, but also an area for thought, discussion, and mutual learning of the complexity of neurodiversity. This student society, commonly referred to as DUNeS, DU Neurodiversity Society, was also founded in 2021 by a passionate group of students who wanted to promote understanding and cooperation within the university, while also acting as a beacon of support to students who may have otherwise felt alone. The personal experiences of isolation and difficulty within the initial group is what paved the way for a compassionate and empathetic movement. The group set up digital social platforms, organised weekly events of varying activity, and engaged with other student bodies to collectively showcase the essential purpose that this society aimed to fulfill. Two years on, and the group has gathered 175 members, runs three diversely operated events every week, and has been in connection with other groups across the country, with the hopes of spearheading a national scale cooperative movement to further improve social accessibility by setting up local student societies and groups, and enhancing ones that already exist across all universities. The immense success of these projects is a testament to student ability and persistence in moving towards a better environment for all. There have also been many other initiatives that have proven successful in providing support for all students even if unintentional. The TCD Sense Map is a digital tool as part of the Sense Project, which was aimed at improving wellbeing by enhancing the sensory environment. The map was initially designed to provide the sensory information and accessibility of buildings on campus. In the last year the focus expanded to incorporate student experiences generally, with spaces, opening/closing times for buildings, and links to college facilities, the map had transformed into an interactive map the likes that Trinity had never seen before. These supports often seek to improve the lives of a particular group, but tend to become a valuable resource for a much wider audience, showing the importance of the continued development and adoption of all student supports. Together, by enhancing our understanding of neurodiversity we are able to provide a better experience which stands to benefit everyone in the hopes of championing personal growth and development to support a greater educational community. As our understanding and attitude as an inclusive community continues to evolve and adapt with time we will undoubtedly leave lasting impacts on Trinity, and the wider Irish society.
Download PDF file