Supporting Learner Voice at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
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Published on
March 3, 2026
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The Learner Voice category, proudly sponsored by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), recognises initiatives that place learners at the centre of decision-making, design and change. These projects show what is possible when lived experience shapes education in meaningful and lasting ways.
Certificate in Applied Skills Development & Certificate in Personal Development – SETU
The Certificate in Personal Development and the Certificate in Applied Skills Development at South East Technological University (SETU) are inclusive higher education programmes co-designed with and for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Launched in September 2024 and delivered across the Waterford and Carlow campuses, the programmes provide accredited pathways into university life while building confidence, independence, communication, advocacy and work-ready skills. Using a Universal Design approach, teaching includes Easy Read materials, visual supports and flexible assessment methods to ensure accessibility.
A defining feature is genuine learner partnership. Students contribute to curriculum design and decision-making processes, and their feedback shapes how modules evolve. The Peer Facilitator role, a paid position for second-year students mentoring first-years, has strengthened leadership and peer support across the programme.
Now supporting more than 34 learners, the initiative highlights how higher education can grow and adapt when learners are active partners in the process.
Dance with Me Tonight Campaign – MTM/LOETB Birr
The MTM project at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Birr began with one student’s idea to promote positivity and mental health through music.
In April, students recorded a professional cover of Dance with Me Tonight and hosted a concert in Birr Theatre. The single reached No. 14 in the IRMA Homegrown Top 20 and, together with the concert, raised over €2,350 for Make-A-Wish Ireland, a cause especially meaningful to one student who had previously been supported by the charity.
The campaign also supported learners to achieve QQI qualifications in Music Industry Studies, Event Production, Marketing and Work Experience. It strengthened links between Further and Higher Education, brought the local community together and showcased the power of youth voice and creativity. The group’s work was recognised with an Outstanding Contribution Award for Excellence from Marian Shanley, host of The Power of Dreams on Dublin South FM.
Down Syndrome Ireland Advisory Councils
The Advisory Councils of Down Syndrome Ireland place the voices of adults with Down syndrome at the heart of advocacy and policy development.
Made up of a National Advisory Council and four Regional Advisory Councils, members meet monthly to address issues including transport, housing, employment, education and community inclusion. Regional councils advise local branches and the National Advisory Council, which in turn advises the organisation’s National Office.
Through this structure, adults with Down syndrome directly influence decisions that affect their lives. Their work demonstrates how learner voice can shape services, policy and community supports in practical ways.
The Journey Podcast – Cavan Monaghan ETB
The Journey Podcast, developed by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, shares honest learner stories to encourage adults considering a return to education.
Since March 2024, the podcast has amplified first-hand experiences, highlighting both challenges and achievements. By giving learners space to tell their own stories, it shapes how Further Education and Training is understood and accessed. The initiative reflects core values of care, respect, inclusion and equality, and shows how powerful storytelling can open doors for others.
These finalists reflect a shared belief that education works best when learners are listened to and trusted as partners. The AONTAS STAR Awards 2026 celebrate their commitment to ensuring learner voice is not just heard, but acted upon.
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Supporting Learner Voice at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
Written by
Published on
March 3, 2026
Share This
The Learner Voice category, proudly sponsored by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), recognises initiatives that place learners at the centre of decision-making, design and change. These projects show what is possible when lived experience shapes education in meaningful and lasting ways.
Certificate in Applied Skills Development & Certificate in Personal Development – SETU
The Certificate in Personal Development and the Certificate in Applied Skills Development at South East Technological University (SETU) are inclusive higher education programmes co-designed with and for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Launched in September 2024 and delivered across the Waterford and Carlow campuses, the programmes provide accredited pathways into university life while building confidence, independence, communication, advocacy and work-ready skills. Using a Universal Design approach, teaching includes Easy Read materials, visual supports and flexible assessment methods to ensure accessibility.
A defining feature is genuine learner partnership. Students contribute to curriculum design and decision-making processes, and their feedback shapes how modules evolve. The Peer Facilitator role, a paid position for second-year students mentoring first-years, has strengthened leadership and peer support across the programme.
Now supporting more than 34 learners, the initiative highlights how higher education can grow and adapt when learners are active partners in the process.
Dance with Me Tonight Campaign – MTM/LOETB Birr
The MTM project at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Birr began with one student’s idea to promote positivity and mental health through music.
In April, students recorded a professional cover of Dance with Me Tonight and hosted a concert in Birr Theatre. The single reached No. 14 in the IRMA Homegrown Top 20 and, together with the concert, raised over €2,350 for Make-A-Wish Ireland, a cause especially meaningful to one student who had previously been supported by the charity.
The campaign also supported learners to achieve QQI qualifications in Music Industry Studies, Event Production, Marketing and Work Experience. It strengthened links between Further and Higher Education, brought the local community together and showcased the power of youth voice and creativity. The group’s work was recognised with an Outstanding Contribution Award for Excellence from Marian Shanley, host of The Power of Dreams on Dublin South FM.
Down Syndrome Ireland Advisory Councils
The Advisory Councils of Down Syndrome Ireland place the voices of adults with Down syndrome at the heart of advocacy and policy development.
Made up of a National Advisory Council and four Regional Advisory Councils, members meet monthly to address issues including transport, housing, employment, education and community inclusion. Regional councils advise local branches and the National Advisory Council, which in turn advises the organisation’s National Office.
Through this structure, adults with Down syndrome directly influence decisions that affect their lives. Their work demonstrates how learner voice can shape services, policy and community supports in practical ways.
The Journey Podcast – Cavan Monaghan ETB
The Journey Podcast, developed by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, shares honest learner stories to encourage adults considering a return to education.
Since March 2024, the podcast has amplified first-hand experiences, highlighting both challenges and achievements. By giving learners space to tell their own stories, it shapes how Further Education and Training is understood and accessed. The initiative reflects core values of care, respect, inclusion and equality, and shows how powerful storytelling can open doors for others.
These finalists reflect a shared belief that education works best when learners are listened to and trusted as partners. The AONTAS STAR Awards 2026 celebrate their commitment to ensuring learner voice is not just heard, but acted upon.
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Community Education in Action: Visiting Age & Opportunity’s Engage Programme
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