If a student were to come to you in need of special accommodations, what services are provided here?

If a student applied to the University of Limerick and has a disability, the first thing that they would need to inform the program to which they are applying, as well as the University of Limerick so that proper steps can be taken.  We do have accommodations for students with wheelchairs so that their rooms are accessible so they can live on campus the same as other students.  We have a disability officer and we also have a liaison officer who work very closely with students with all kinds of disabilities.  We provide a bus for students for students who are physically unable to walk around the campus.  If a student needed a counselor, they would be free to use that of the university, and we would organize appointments for any student.

As you know, Irish people are very friendly and they are very accommodating to students with disabilities.  If you go out to the University of Limerick at any time, you will be able to see that there are already students with very different disabilities at the university.  They’re able to integrate with the student body as a whole.  They attend the same classes that students take, live in the same places that students live, and it is a very accommodating university and city.  There is a bus that runs from the University into town, about a 15 minute ride, so students can easily get around.

Anyone with a disability can easily enter public restaurants.  New pubs and restaurants must be wheelchair-accessible, so all facilities and restrooms must be accessible for people with mobility issues. 

Why should a student, with or without a disability, study in Ireland ?

I’ve worked with students for the past five years, especially those that come from America to Ireland to the University of Limerick .  At the end of each year, we do an evaluation, and many times students claim that this was the best experience of their life.  I would advise any student thinking of coming to go for it.