Alternative Eye College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, University of Galway

In Survivor’s Guilt listeners hear from Lebanese Syrian Armenian student Maria Keshderian whose advocacy journey has taken her from her homeland in Lebanon to volunteering in Armenia to studying on the MA Public Advocacy & Activism at University of Galway. Maria reflects on the experiences of growing up in an Armenian village in Lebanon, how she narrowly escaped injury in the 2020 explosion in Beirut and her work with a non-profit organisation supporting women and girls in Armenia. We also hear why she chose Galway to further her education, her experiences at university as a Middle Eastern woman and why she feels right at home in the city, concluding the episode by choosing her favourite song (the song in this upload is abridged for rights reasons).

Double Empathy explores the world of neurodiversity with academic Dr Sinéad Conneelly who lectures with the School of Psychology, NUI Galway. She shares her experience of having autism from both a learning and teaching point of view, the impact of getting a diagnosis in adulthood, the importance of being a role model for her students and her active campaigning for an Autism Friendly Campus, all concluding with her favourite song. For rights reasons, the music at the end of this podcast is shorter than in the original broadcast.

In Freedom, listeners hear from MA student Yvonne Fahy who, following her move back to Galwayfrom the USA, ended up in a wheelchair after a serious car accident. Yvonne reflects on the impactof this life-changing event on her relationship and the obstacles she has had to navigate on hereducational journey. We also hear about her experience campaigning on the importance ofUniversal Design for people with disabilities and her activist work with Access for All. And, of course,the episode finishes up with her favourite song. For rights reasons, the music at the end of this podcast is shorter than in the original broadcast.

Alphabet Soup features recent graduate Dominick Whelan who shares his experience of having working memory disorder and dyslexia. He reflects on the impact of getting a diagnosis late in his educational journey and how he has learned to adapt his coping techniques both at university and working in the award-winning Kai restaurant. He also talks about his work the Galway City Council campaigning on issues of disability and access as well as picking his favourite song. For rights reasons, the music at the end of this podcast is shorter than in the original broadcast.