Community News

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Community News 〰️

Latest Podcast

Latest Podcast

I will be regularly updating the podcasts as they are aired. Do check out ‘The Long Way Back podcast with Timmy Long. @TheLongWayBack

Lost for Words

Inspiring portraits of Irish people of all ages with dyslexia, who are overcoming challenges and stigma, and unlocking their potential through proper care, patience, and empathy. Airing on RTE One, 18th September, at 21:35.

Yoga for regulating our minds and bodies

Join us as we welcome yoga expert Christine Love to discuss the benefits of yoga for everyone, including those with physical and learning differences. Christine shares her personal journey, explores how yoga improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and offers practical tips for adapting yoga to all abilities. Discover inspiring stories of transformation and the power of inclusive yoga.

Banu Balaji has created a series of podcasts to help us all to understand how we can help our learners to live a healthy, positive life.

Therapod Podcast

Insights from the primary classroom

Today we have two dedicated educators with a passion for making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse children. With years of experience in special education, we’re here to share our insights, challenges, and triumphs as we navigate the unique journey of teaching and supporting neurodiverse students. In each episode, we dive into the world of neurodiversity, discussing strategies, sharing success stories, and exploring the latest research and trends in education. Whether you’re a fellow educator, a parent, or someone interested in understanding more about neurodiverse learners, "Insights from the Classroom 2" offers practical advice, heartfelt conversations, and a dose of inspiration.

Wilderness Therapy

Learn about the academy’s approach to wilderness therapy camps, that provide a structured routine that helps young people develop independence and resilience. A Day in the Life: Get an insider's view of what a typical day looks like at the Comeragh Wilderness Academy—no technology, no distractions, just the power of nature and routine. Transformative Stories: Hear firsthand accounts of how the academy’s programs are helping young individuals move past academic struggles and mental health crises to a brighter, more structured future. Key Highlights Structured Routine: Discover how the academy’s daily structure—from morning fire setups to candlelit evenings—helps learners adapt to a scheduled lifestyle. Technology-Free Living: Find out how unplugging from phones and the internet contributes to personal growth and independence. Building Life Skills: Understand how the academy’s approach encourages self-reliance and prepares students for reintegration into mainstream situations.

Inside Hillview House School, Limerick.

Welcome back to the Long Way Back Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Sharon Hourihane, a dedicated primary school teacher from Hill View Schoolhouse, join us. Sharon brings her extensive experience in special education to the conversation, sharing insights into her journey and the unique challenges and rewards of teaching in a private school setting. Tune in as Sharon delves into her approach to special education, the innovative methods she employs, and the impact of her work on students and the broader school community. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just curious about the world of teaching, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and inspiring stories.

Teacher Training for Understanding and Working with Dyslexia - ICEP

ICEP (Institue of Child Education and Psychology)

Identification and Effective Interventions

Dyslexia Course

Introduction

This dyslexia course offers a detailed framework for comprehending the complexities of dyslexia, integrating cutting-edge research, evidence-based strategies, and best practices. Recently revised and updated by renowned expert Dr. Gavin Reid in 2022, the course content reflects the latest advancements and effective approaches in the field. Participants will acquire essential knowledge and practical skills for accurately identifying dyslexia and implementing tailored interventions that promote academic success and personal growth for students. 

What happened to the 35, 000 signatures on the petition asking for additional time for dyslexics?

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Long Way Back Podcast! In this session, we're honored to host Senator Tim Lombard as we dive deep into the transformative realm of educational change and neurodiversity. Join us as we explore: Neurodiversity & Dyslexia: Exploring the diverse learning styles and challenges students face, with a special focus on dyslexia and the strategies needed to support these learners effectively. Assessment Overhaul: A candid discussion on the shortcomings of current assessment methods and the urgent need for reform to ensure fair and accurate evaluations for all students. Paving the Way Forward: How can we make meaningful progress in our educational systems to better cater to the diverse needs of our children? Senator Lombard shares his vision and actionable steps. Language Learning & Cultural Preservation: Delving into the importance of language education, including the preservation of Irish, and the broader benefits it brings to students' cognitive development and cultural appreciation. Bridging Gaps with Additional Support: Examining the role of additional support services in levelling the playing field for students facing various challenges, including provisions like extra time in exams and Irish language exemptions. Unpacking NEPS Scheme Challenges: Shedding light on the critical issues within the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) scheme and advocating for necessary improvements to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Join us as we embark on this insightful journey with Senator Tim Lombard, exploring how we can collectively shape a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational landscape for our children. Listen now on your preferred podcast platform and let's pave the way for positive change together!

Dyslexia in Ireland with Irish.

In this heartfelt episode of "The Long Way Back" podcast, we are joined by Kate and Kenneth Collins, who share their unique experiences of learning Irish while navigating the challenges of dyslexia. Together, we delve into the intricacies of learning a language with dyslexia, the particular hurdles faced during exams, and the remarkable strengths that often accompany this learning difference. Kate and Kenneth open up about their personal journeys in the school system, shedding light on both the struggles and the triumphs they've encountered along the way. This episode is a candid exploration of the educational landscape for students with dyslexia, offering valuable insights and inspiring stories for educators, students, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of language learning and learning disabilities. Tune in for an engaging and uplifting conversation that highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of perseverance.

Rachel Allen’s Story

Join us on The Long Way Back Podcast for an insightful conversation with special guest Rachel Allen! Renowned chef and TV personality, Rachel takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from her beginnings at the prestigious Ballymaloe Cookery School to her culinary adventures around the world. In this episode, Rachel opens up about her experiences raising neurodiverse children. From her time as a caterer in Vancouver to her acclaimed television series and bestselling cookbooks, Rachel shares the highs and lows of her journey with authenticity and warmth. Tune in for a captivating discussion with Rachel Allen as she delves into her passion for food, family, and embracing neurodiversity. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode of The Long Way Back Podcast! 🌟

Join Richard Hogan, Systemically Trained Family Psychotherapist & Irish Examiner Columnist, as he delves into the complexities of mental health on #TheLongWayBackPodcast. 🧠✨ In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of mental health, exploring topics like pornography, well-being, and personal histories with none other than Richard Hogan Fulbright scholar, Expert on Teenage Mental Health, Featured on Newstalk & RTE. Let’s navigate the journey to well-being together! #MentalHealth #ExpertInsight #WellBeing 🌟

Insights from the classroom

In this episode, our guests Rachel Moore & Róisín O’Sullivan share their insights, challenges, and strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs. From accommodating different learning styles to implementing inclusive teaching practices, we uncover practical tips and anecdotes that resonate with both educators and parents alike. Whether you're a teacher looking for fresh perspectives or a parent seeking to better understand your child's educational journey, this podcast offers valuable insights into fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for addressing learning differences in secondary education. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation with two dedicated educators who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of their students.

Benefits of Assistive Technology

Deirdre Madden is a treasure trove of knowledge. I have learnt so much from this woman and this video is really worth watching. So much to learn - so many helpful tips for helping our learners with neurodiversity.

Our Mission

The Team: Timmy Long, Georgie Cooney, Tommy Long and Donal Clifford

Welcome to the debut episode of the Long Way Back podcast! We're thrilled to have you join us on this journey. In this episode, we'll be introducing ourselves and giving you a glimpse into who we are, how we're connected, and some background on each of us. Please consider supporting our patreon where you will receive early access to our episode and where we will be posting weekly mindfulness content.

Podcast -

The Long Way Back

A podcast about Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Addiction - please join us :)

thelong.wayback

Namaste and Hello,

I'm raising money for a charity called AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS). You can find out more using their website: https://autismnepal.org/

They are not registered with crowdfunding sites due to regulations in Nepal. ACNS is the only active autism organisation in Nepal that is run by passionate parents who care for people with autism. It is a non-profit, non-political, NGO in Nepal.

There is circa 1 out of 60 people with a diagnosis of autism in the world. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a very wide spectrum and although there is growing knowledge of ASD, there is still very little understanding of how to care for and educate those with severe autism. This cohort of ASD people could be non-verbal with several other complex needs. These needs have to be catered to and cared for especially if we believe we are living in a humane society.

There are roughly 30 million people living in Nepal today. Statistically, this means that it could have a population of 500,000 people living with ASD. With such a high population of needs, it is essential that training to care for people with ASD, particularly severe autism, is implemented and carried out urgently. Rural Nepal is very hard to reach and we need this training to be as far-reaching as possible.

Jude Ragan, OBE has dedicated her life to working with those with autism and part of that work has involved trying to raise awareness and to lead by example in her leadership and teaching. Jude spent many years as Headteacher of Queensmill School for Autism. She has kindly agreed to go out to Nepal in November 2023, to train those who can help those responsible for caring for and educating people with severe autism. Mahanta Shrestha (Monty) is very kindly hosting Jude and her husband in his hotel for the month (please see his details below).

Although Jude has kindly agreed to do this for free, there are huge costs involved for which we are fundraising. We need to raise at least £10,000 in order to ensure that Jude's training is successful, sustainable and supported. Any other money we can raise will also go directly to ACNS to ensure that education and care never stop.

As part of our fundraising, we have an event in Co Cork, Ireland, which will be live-streamed, meaning those who can't attend in person, will be able to watch it and enjoy it all online! The fabulous and wonderful chef - Rachel Allen (Ballymaloe) has shown passionate interest in this cause and is keen to learn all about Nepalese food and cooking. This will be done whilst she collaborates with Basanta Neupane from Thali Nepal Restaurant, Cork, Eire in a live cooking demonstration. We have also been very lucky to have access to Santosh Shah's (Masterchef) incredible recipe book - Ayla. Those attending in person will be able to see this live and get copies of their chosen recipes.

Special thanks to:

Jude Ragan OBE at Jude - Autism and Food thanks for everything!

Rachel Allen at https://www.rachelallen.com/ for giving her time to us and showing us her fabulous culinary skills.

Mahanta Shrestha (Monty) at MHotel Thamel Kathmandu and Monty's Tandori and Khukuri beer

Basanta Neupane at Thali restaurant Cork

Santosh Shah at Chef Santosh

Piers Lawson at Gurkha Welfare Trust

Jay Rayner at Jay Rayner Guardian

To get tickets for this live event, please use this link: Eventbrite tickets

If you can't attend the event, we would be so grateful if you could please DONATE. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

Alex (Cyber Safe Kids) and Georgie Cooney joined the Two Norries Podcast to talk all things Cyber Security for Children!

Walk This Way To A Wider Education - May 14th 2022

Tommy Long (Co-host of The Two Norries Podcast) and Georgie Cooney are delighted to announce the fundraising walk managed to raise the funds needed for 30 Educational Psychology Assessments. Check out our Gallery section for a few snapshots of how it went!