Tag: inclusive

Three-Quarters of Adults Want AI & Coding Taught in Schools

A new national survey commissioned by STEM South West, the not-for-profit organisation promoting STEM education and careers, shows there is strong public support for preparing the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.

Three-quarters of adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with junior secondary (12-15 years) seen as the ideal stage. Young adults strongly favour early AI education, while older adults and lower-income groups are more likely to prefer optional learning.

These results come on the back of the STEM South West Awards 2025, held last night at Cork County Hall, which celebrated excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (See Winners list below). The awards recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements drive innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sector across the South West region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries.

Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, commented,
“This latest research shows that AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is strong demand for adoption in school. There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape. Tonight’s awards showcase the people and organisations who are already leading the way in preparing our next generation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Good added,

“This evening is all about celebration and recognition. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.”

Reflecting on both the survey findings and the achievements recognised at the STEM South West Awards, Mary Good added:

“These results show that the adoption and education of our students with AI skills is critical. It’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry to work together to future-proof Ireland’s workforce.”

Key insights from the STEM South West AI & Future Skills survey:

  • Support for AI education cuts across demographics, with 75% of adults overall backing the introduction of coding and AI literacy in schools, even among groups most worried about changing job descriptions as a result of AI progression.
  • Younger adults show a pragmatic outlook, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds concerned about job security with advances in AI, yet a strong majority supporting the teaching of coding and AI skills in schools, particularly at junior secondary level (12-15 years).

STEM South West Awards 2025 Winners

STEM in Industry: Company of the Year
The award celebrates organisations creating a proactive, inclusive, and supportive environment for STEM, both internally and through outreach initiatives:

  • Small/Startup (up to 50 Employees): CompuCal Calibration Solutions
  • Small to Medium (50 – 249 Employees): MACOM
  • Large (250+ Employees): Analog Devices

STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year
Recognises educational institutes, departments, and classroom-led initiatives that foster inclusive STEM learning:

  • Primary Level: Firies National School, Killarney
  • Secondary Level: Coláiste Muire Crosshaven
  • Third Level: STEM Teacher Internship Programme

STEM in the Community:

  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Large): Johnson & Johnson
  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Small): Reliance
  • Inspirational STEM Volunteer of the Year: Shane Ruddle, Gilead
  • STEM Initiative of the Year Award: Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork

STEM Person of the Year: Michael Loftus, MTU

Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA and member of the judging panel, said:
“Congratulations to STEM South West and all of the finalists and winners for their commitment of time, expertise, and resources in support of STEM skills development and education. Their efforts will provide opportunity for the next generation and future-proof the talent pipeline to sustain the long-term success of STEM industries across the South West region.”

Initial Hygiene Unveils the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin

Initial Hygiene, Ireland’s leading expert in commercial washroom hygiene solutions, has launched a new offering in washroom waste disposal: its Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin.
Developed over two and a half years, this bin marks a turning point for the disposal of hygiene waste within the toilet cubicle. Whereas most washroom waste units on the market are not necessarily inclusive of all waste needs, either due to their capacity, cubicle orientation or opening type, this new bin can safely and discreetly handle all forms of period and incontinence waste in the cubicle. It is therefore the perfect solution for all washroom types (female, male, accessible and unisex).
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Initial Hygiene Ireland, comments: “We believe that every person deserves dignity when using public or workplace washrooms. No one should enter a washroom without the confidence that they will be able to dispose of their personal hygiene waste in a discreet and dignified way within the toilet cubicle.
“For too long, the design of washroom waste units has overlooked the needs of many users, including men managing incontinence waste disposal to those people who need to use accessible facilities. The Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin changes that. It has been specially designed for dignity in every cubicle by discreetly managing the disposal of both menstrual and incontinence waste.” 
Alongside its new sanitary waste bin Initial Hygiene has also unveiled five new door signs to help raise awareness and educate on the broad range of disabilities and conditions that accessible* washrooms should accommodate.
Accessible washrooms are often assumed to be only for those with visible mobility challenges, which might be due to the historic use of the wheelchair symbol on signage. Initial Hygiene believes that accessible washrooms need better signage to raise awareness of the wide range of disabilities or long-term health conditions that may mean a person needs to use an accessible washroom.
For example, many people with invisible conditions such as, chronic pain, autism, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or those living with stoma bags will often need to use an accessible washroom. By adopting more inclusive signage, public spaces can send a clear message: accessible washrooms are for everyone, regardless of whether their disability or long-term health condition is visible or not.
Colm Moore, continues, “All too often, individuals with hidden disabilities may feel scrutinised when trying to use an accessible washroom. Door signage is a practical way to show what conditions an accessible washroom caters for as well as being a way of helping to educate other washroom users on the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom. Currently, many signs only feature the traditional wheelchair symbol, which does not reflect the needs of those with less visible conditions.
“Everyone deserves a dignified washroom experience, and by introducing more inclusive signage, we can help ensure that accessible washrooms are recognised for what they truly are: spaces for everyone.”
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as research from the Irish Wheelchair Association shows that 66% of people with disabilities have trouble accessing public buildings, including toilets, and 68% believe facilities are inadequate. By supporting greater understanding and visibility of diverse needs, Initial Hygiene’s new signage aims to help building owners, businesses and local authorities create accessible washrooms that are more welcoming, better respected and used appropriately by those who need them.
For more information about the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin and Initial Hygiene’s full range of washroom hygiene solutions, visit www.initial.ie.
*By accessible washroom (also known as a disabled or accessible toilet), we mean a washroom space designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments, with features like extra space for manoeuvrability, grab bars, and accessible fixtures. It will also contain a wash hand basin and hand drying solution, all within the same space.

DIGIT MUSIC wins innovation awards for further development of their inclusive innovation

Digit Music, the cutting-edge platform for hardware, software and sounds, is today proud to announce it has been awarded the highly competitive Inclusive Innovation Award 2022/2023 for its exceptional contributions to inclusive innovation, recognising the company’s excellence in fostering equal opportunity and accessibility in the field of music education. Alongside the initiative and dedication to promoting inclusivity in the industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for all members of the community to access, develop and enjoy the creativity of music.

Fifty pioneering companies across the UK have each been awarded £50,000 to further develop their inclusive innovations through Innovate UK’s Inclusive Innovation Award. The Inclusive Innovation Award recognises that it is vital for all parts of society to engage with innovation as a process that they can both benefit from and contribute to. Inclusive innovation rejects the notion that a product or service should be designed around the ‘average customer.’ By ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are considered from the outset of innovation design, a business can maximise its chances of commercial success by broadening its potential customer base – whilst also mitigating the risk of creating innovations that deepen existing inequalities and widen societal gaps.

As a disruptive force in the music industry, Digit Music has revolutionised the way people learn and create music. Using user-centric principles, the platform has made music creation more accessible than ever before, from complete beginners to professional musicians, Digit Music has something to offer everyone. The award is a testament to the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation that has proven to be an inspiration to the music industry, the community, and beyond.

The Inclusive Innovation Award is a prestigious award presented to the organisation for their significant contributions to advancing innovation while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their respective fields. This year’s award also honours Digit Music’s groundbreaking work in promoting diversity and accessibility in the music industries.

Digit Music’s Founder, Simon Tew, comments: “We are thrilled to receive the Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation award and recognition for Digit Music in making music more accessible. We are proud, not only to be recognised as an innovative company but also one of the first of its kind in this government-facing grant scheme. The grant will mean we can continue on our mission to make music more accessible for everyone, as we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to create music in their unique way.”

The Organisation’s innovative approach to music making has been not only recognised by the Inclusive Innovation Award but also by leading music educators, industry experts, and its ever-growing user base. Through its user-friendly interface and state-of-the-art technology, Digit Music has opened up new avenues for people to learn and express themselves through music.

Inclusive Innovation Award 2022/2023 represents another chapter in Digit Music’s journey to transform the Music Industry into a more accessible, diverse, and inclusive space.