Georgina is a participant in this unique programme supported by The Ireland Funds. Trinity College in Dublin has established the Certificate in Contemporary Living (CCL) Programme offered by their National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID). The Certificate Programme has received the All Ireland Star Award an award given as recognition for an adult learning project which has demonstrated the most collaborative and learner-centred approach to creating equal learning opportunities for all throughout Ireland.

People with learning difficulties are one of the most marginalised groups in Irish society. Basic human rights and requirements such as access to appropriate education, health services, employment, housing and social amenities are either inadequate or not available to considerable numbers. In addition, lifelong learning, an area of critical concern within Ireland and internationally, is often not addressed in a serious manner for those with learning difficulties.

The National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) at Trinity College Dublin was established in 1998 by Council and Board and the institute is committed to promoting the full inclusion for
people with learning difficulties through:

• Influencing policy in all aspects of their lives
• Developing lifelong education and learning programmes
• Undertaking high quality multi-disciplinary research and creating a network of researchers

A core aim of the Institute is to promote life long learning. To fulfill this aim, The Certificate in Contemporary Living was developed, it is the only full time third level programme available to people with intellectual disabilities within Ireland to date.