Digi Academy, an education initiative led out of the ADAPT Centre by Dr Esther Murphy, has been shortlisted for the Social Impact Award at the 2025 Association Awards Ireland. This recognition highlights transformative projects that deliver meaningful change in society and Digi Academy’s inclusive digital education model is a shining example.
DigiAcademy is a groundbreaking human centric AI driven accessible digital and work ready skills solution transforming education and employment pathways for people with intellectual disabilities and autism through a scalable unique peer led approach. Recognised as a best practice model in delivery of accessible skills training by the European Commission with pilot partnerships with NGOs, HEIs and corporates, DigiAcademy’s vision is to unlock talent to enhance and create authentically inclusive education and work environments.
The initiative opens up access to the world of cutting-edge research through interactive, researcher-led workshops on AI, data ethics, immersive tech, and more.
A key feature of Digi Academy’s impact has been its commitment to universal design and co-creation and development of employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities as digital educators of the programme. Led by Dr Esther Murphy, the programme has worked in partnership with organisations and learners to co-design accessible content and digital experiences that reflect the real needs and voices of those often most digitally disenfranchised in our society.
Other finalists in the Social Impact Award category are the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, the Law Society of Ireland, and Women in Technology and Science Ireland. Winners will be announced at a special event on the 12th of June. The full shortlist is available here.
