Understanding Intellectual Disabilities & Learning Differences

13 Jan 2027
Online
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Book now

Gain the knowledge and confidence to create more inclusive workplaces, services, and communities. 

This engaging and practical training explores intellectual disabilities and learning differences, helping participants better understand the barriers people may face and how to provide meaningful support. 

Through real-life examples, interactive discussion, and practical strategies, participants will learn how to communicate effectively, promote independence, make information more accessible, and create environments where everyone can participate and thrive.

Training focus

Participants will explore:

  • Understanding intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties
  • Common conditions and their impact on daily life
  • Myths, stereotypes, and unconscious bias
  • Effective communication and accessible information
  • Supporting independence, autonomy, and decision-making
  • Recognising and removing barriers to inclusion
  • Reasonable accommodations and inclusive practices
  • Creating inclusive workplaces, services, and community settings
  • Person-centred approaches and respectful support
  • Practical strategies for promoting participation and belonging.

Who should attend

This training will appeal to managers, staff, volunteers, educators, and service providers committed to building a more inclusive society.

How to register

  • You can book places for yourself and/or colleagues by clicking the button below.
  • This event will take place on Zoom.
  • Closed Captions can be enabled by attendees.
  • Please email [email protected] if you have any special requirements or accessibility needs.

Your speaker/trainer

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Speaker: Deirdre O’Grady Founder of AbilityWise

Deirdre O’Grady

Deirdre O’Grady is the founder of AbilityWise and an experienced disability inclusion consultant, trainer, and advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting people with disabilities across healthcare, education, employment, and community settings.

Testimonials

"AbilityWise designed and delivered a bespoke training for providers of disability day services in 6 counties across Midlands and North East. The training was very informative and highly engaging for attendees. Feedback has been very positive. Deirdre was great to work with, from her willingness to design a bespoke training to meet our needs, to her professionalism, expertise, knowledge and genuine experience in the area. Deirdre was also so accessible and responsive throughout the planning and organising of the training sessions which made it all very seamless. We look forward to working with AbilityWise again in the future."

Laura – HSE, Midlands

"We decided to have this training to make ourselves more knowledgably regarding hidden disabilities for our staff and for our customers and Deirdre did not disappoint she was so passionate about the subject and we all left very much more informed I would not hesitate to recommend AbilityWise for this training and massive thank you to Deirdre."

Eileen - McDonald’s Mahon Point, Cork

"We were delighted to welcome Deirdre from Ability Wise back for the second year in a row to deliver our annual staff training day. Once again, the session was highly informative, engaging, and professional from start to finish. Deirdre’s depth of knowledge and approachable style made the training both enjoyable and relevant to our daily practice. All staff left feeling motivated and well-informed, with plenty of practical knowledge to bring back into their work. We truly appreciate the effort and expertise Deirdre brings each year and look forward to working with Ability Wise again in the future."

Inga - Childhood Matters Early Years

Supported by

Logo of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, featuring text in both Irish and English, and a gold harp symbol on the left. Ideal for nonprofit or community initiatives related to education and research.
€85.00–€150.00 13 Jan 2027 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Book now

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