Empowerment & Voice

I have a particular interest in participatory research and practice and the role of children’s and other stakeholder’s voice in inclusive education.

In both research and practice, I believe that the participatory agenda is central to inclusion. In brief, empowerment and voice is for people who identify as neurodivergent or are affected by special educational needs and/or disability:

• To have their voices heard on matters that affect them
• To have their voices listened to (or have their wishes meaningfully considered and included when decisions are made about their lives)
• To have their rights defended, safeguarded, and ensured

People can work with others (e.g., children with SEN) to engage and promote children’s voice, but people can also create other opportunities for empowerment.

Empowerment is at the core of inclusion – enabling people who are neurodivergent or have SEN meaningful participants in education and society.

Advocacy in Research:

I have involved in a number of research projects around patient and children’s / student voice and the co-creation of practice / programs “with” stakeholders (e.g., children, parents, teachers).

While there is, broadly speaking, recognition that voice and participation is central to inclusion. The question of “how” we do this in practice and research in ways that are meaningful is much more complex. I have developed creative art-based techniques to engage children and young people with SEN in meaningful dialogue about their day-to-day lived experiences, at home and in school. I am also interested in researching this area further in order to develop techniques, tools, and knowledge to ensure all children and young people have access to voice.

Advocacy in Practice:

I have spent over a decade working with grassroots charities across the world. Working with exceptional inspiring people affected by ADHD and other forms of SEN, who work tirelessly and selflessly on behalf of their cause, which is to make life better for people affected by ADHD and other conditions.

ADHD Advocacy Groups

I have sat on the Board of ADHD Ireland since 2007.  ADHD Ireland began as a parent support group, and since then has grown into the national charity for ADHD, providing a range of supports and services aimed at making life better for people affected by ADHD in Ireland (e.g., children, young people, adults, parent, teachers, etc.). In addition, I sit on the professional advisory Boards of ADHD Europe, contributing to research, policy, and practice.