Council backs specialist university in Derry for young people with special educational needs

Derry City and Strabane District Council has unanimously backed a proposal to explore the feasibility of a specialist university in Derry for young people with special educational needs, aged 19 to 30 years of age. 

Highlighting the “lack of third-level education for young adults with special needs” Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi Barr referenced the “powerful” Caleb’s Cause Campaign. 

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Speaking to a motion brought forward by herself and seconded by Cllr John Boyle (SDLP), at March’s full Council meeting, Mayor Barr described the Campaign as a “heartfelt call from parents and carers across Northern Ireland demanding the extension of statutory services for young people with disabilities, beyond the age of 19”.

She added: “This afternoon, we have the opportunity to not just echo the call but to act. 

“As a mother of a son who is 23 years of age with autism, I know first hand the reality that families face when young people with complex needs turn 19. For many their structured support ends and with it hope begins to fade.

“Over the past year as Mayor I have spent time listening to parents, to carers, and to educators and I have visited schools where we see real the love, care and expertise that is poured into these young people every single day. 

“They are full of potential, capable of working and thriving and yet, as a society, we continue to place limits on their future, that needs to change,” said Mayor Barr.

Mayor Barr pointed out the number of pupils with special educational needs had grown faster than the general school population. 

By 2021/2022, nearly one in five students, almost 20%, had some form of Special Educational Need, and 22,000 young people held a statutory statement. 

“With Ardnashee College opening next week, we celebrate a huge milestone for under 18s,” said Mayor Barr, “a sign of what is possible when vision meets investment”.

“But, we must be honest, there is a cliff edge after that. Our responsibility doesn’t end at 19. That is why this motion is calling for a bold and visionary step, a scoping exercise to explore the feasibility of a specialised university in our city, tailored specifically for young people with complex needs, aged 19 to 30,” she added.

“We are not starting from scratch. Across Europe and the United States we already see inspiring models, institutions that blend higher education with therapeutic support, life skills development, creative expressions and real employment training.

“These universities do not just educate, they also empower. So, I ask again, why can’t we do it here in Derry or in Northern Ireland.

“This motion is about more than services. It is about dignity for these young people. It is about independence and it is also about preparing a generation to move forward.

“So, I ask you as members who I know would have come across people with disabilities, young people with potential and passion and also capabilities, to support this motion,” asked Mayor Barr. 

The full text of the motion, which was passed unanimously, read: 

“That this Council welcomes the opening of Ardnashee College on March 31, 2025 and recognises its importance as a multi-user educational resource for children and young people under 18 in our district.

“Council further acknowledges the lack of third-level education for young adults (19-30) with special needs and agrees to write to the relevant Executive Departments asking for details on what they are doing to:

1. Assess current provision and identify gaps in education and employment pathways. 
2. Explore the feasibility of a specialist university in Derry with three focus areas: Therapeutic and  multi-sensory support; functional life skills and independent living; and  career development, creative arts and sports.
3. Develop a flexible accreditation structure for students who can access it allowing up to five years for completion of further education qualification 
4. Identify funding and partnerships to support this initiative. 

“Furthermore, the Council will write to the Department for the Economy, urging them to collaborate with key stakeholders, including Council where necessary,  to develop meaningful opportunities for young people with complex needs. This includes ensuring access to appropriate therapies, multisensory approaches, higher education, skills training, and employment pathways — empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.”