ABOUT US
Overview of host organisation
Munster Technological University’s mission is ‘to lead change and, through education, empower people for a successful future in a globalised world’. In keeping with the University’s person-centred focus, MTU is committed to advancing equality and to providing the highest quality academic and working environment.
In line with the University’s equality and diversity leadership, MTU Kerry has led and participated in several European projects to advance the APA discipline. Recently, MTU has joined the Ingenium alliance, which positions MTU as one of three EU universities offering the opportunity to study modules across our ten university partners across Europe: including studies such as APA, public health, rehabilitation, sports sciences, nutrition, medicine, data science, statistics and epidemiology, implementation science. Through the Ingenium EU University, MTU and Partners will be able to develop and deliver new programmes of study and staff mobilities across the EU and globally in the field of APA.
MTU Kerry’s expertise in the area, coupled with their work in improving standards and opportunities in Ireland and internationally, was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) when they awarded the UNESCO Chair in ‘Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities through Physical Education, Sport, Fitness and Recreation in January 2013. The UNESCO Chair is an interdisciplinary centre whose remit extends beyond disability inclusion to intersectional inclusion, covering all areas of marginalisation. The UNESCO Chair has an exemplary reputation internationally and has put MTU on the international map in our area of expertise.
In 2017 the MTU UNESCO Chair was charged with leading the inclusive policy actions of the Kazan Action Plan. The Chair worlds globally with a host of partners to ensure that the inclusion of people with disabilities remains a policy priority while building capacity to support practice on the ground to advance this objective.
MTU will ensure scientific rigour in ISAPA 2025. MTU & the UNESCO Chair have a proven research record and publications in the APA domain. Catherine Carty chaired the disability subcommittee of the WHO 2020 Guidelines Development Group on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, authoring associated scientific papers and producing the first global guidelines for people with disability. Currently, the Chair is involved in an MTU-led project aimed at valorising guidelines for those with enduring mental illness and an Australian-led guidelines development project in traumatic brain injury. Many staffers are current reviewers and authors of relevant scientific publications in the field of APA. University involvement in EU APA-funded projects has been ongoing for over 20 years. The Chairs advocacy work has ensured that disability remains a priority in international and multinational policy arenas
Our Partners
Active Disability Ireland is a national pan-disability sport organisation providing a collaborative and partnership platform to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities across Ireland. Cara’s support will be instrumental in ensuring the voice and needs of people with disabilities are placed at the forefront of all our decisions and actions for ISAPA 2025
St John of Gods Skills for Life Programme Partnership
MTU works with the St John of Gods Skills for Life programme at Kerry Sports Academy. Students from Skills for Life, an MTU-hosted programme for school leavers with intellectual disabilities, will participate throughout the symposium. The students have been advancing work on sport, culture, and participation in public life with a human rights lens. Human rights capacity building, empowerment, and advocacy skills are a core part of the skills for life programme. They will work with the organising team to support the delivery of an extraordinary event. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Meet The ISAPA 2025 Team
Our Partners
