IATSE 19th Annual Conference

The Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education held its 19th Annual International Conference on Special Education in St Patrick's College.  This year's theme was "Focus on the Student - in the Midst of Policy and Paper".  The Conference was opened in the College on Thursday 7th June by Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children in Ireland.  The keynote address was delivered by Roy McConkey, Professor of Learning Disability, University of Ulster.  Three papers were presented by staff of the college.  Michael O’Keefe discussed the requirements of society in order to ensure that those with a learning disability are treated justly.  Thérèse McPhilips delivered a paper on the benefits to the mainstream class teacher of reading units and reading schools in the primary education sector. Jean Ware, Director of the Special Education Department, offered a survey of special schools and classes.  This was done in conjunction with her colleagues in the Special Education Department, Joe Travers, Anita Prunty, Tish Balfe, Ann-Marie Farrell, Thérèse Day, Margaret O’Riordan and Michael O’Keefe.  Staff of the Department also chaired various sessions during the Conference.

Further details on the Conference and on the work of the Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education can be found at:

Last Updated: Monday June 11 2007