The theme for for 2022 was "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world". To mark the occasion, Dr Cliona Skelly, Professor Stephen Gordon, Eimear Burkley & David Mason from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Hospital reviewed accessibility in the Veterinary Sciences building. We focused on short-term changes the School can make, and long-term actions that can be embedded into our Silver Athena SWAN Action Plan.

Professor Stephen Gordon and Dr Cliona Skelly, co-Chairs of the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine's EDI Athena SWAN Committee, in conversation with our colleague Emma Golding to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021.

This year the theme was 'Fighting for Rights in the Post-COVID Era', which celebrates the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a global pandemic.

Emma is a Senior Executive Assistant working in UCD for the last 6 years. She did her undergraduate degree in UCD in Greek & Roman Civilisation and Ancient Greek Language, a Master’s degree in Sheffield in Palaeoanthropology and is now pursuing a PhD in the School using a one welfare approach to owners and their horses.

Emma is also an international para-equestrian carriage driver who has represented Ireland several times in world championships, she is working to normalise and encourage participation by people with disabilities within the equestrian world and is a member of the UCD College of Health & Agricultural Sciences disability working group.