SETU Waterford campus has launched its ‘Autism&Uni’ Toolkit — a practical, step-by-step guide to navigating university life for students this September 2026.
Through inclusive education and high-quality research, South East Technological University drives innovation, empowers communities, and delivers transformative impact for the south east of Ireland.
With campuses across the south east of Ireland in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny, the University supports over 18,000 learners and employs more than 2,000 staff.
In the disability service on campus, it was important to continue to evolve in our supports for students with disabilities and to provide a new support to autistic (neurodiverse) students. The addition of the ‘Autism & Uni’ toolkit is a very important step in supporting these students to thrive on campus. I adapted it with their needs in mind and informed by their lived experiences.
The toolkit is designed universally to help any student navigate life at university and covers supports in areas of academic/financial/social and emotional well-being. Its aim at SETU is to provide these students with autonomy and confidence on campus and to signpost all the supports available to them as they enter university, throughout their course and eventually onto graduation and careers.
The toolkit has enabled SETU to highlight further the experiences of current autistic students at our university, to continue to raise awareness and continue fostering acceptance of autism and neurodivergence. Without Marc’s research and sharing of this toolkit, I could not bring the SETU toolkit to fruition. I was mindful of maintaining the integrity of the toolkit throughout the process.
I have received some excellent feedback while working on the toolkit and also at its completion. This was provided by incoming students, current students who contributed to the project, my colleagues Diana Kaltcheva and Megan Tubbritt (Graduate Ambassadors) for their help and work on this project and also teachers in our locality along with SETU staff.
‘I found it brilliant! Really intuitive to get around and it answered questions I had and ones I didn’t even think of! The videos were helpful and well placed and now I know exactly who I can go to with each problem I might have. It was empathetically written and really informative and gives me such a comprehensive look into life at SETU as a whole, something that’s really going to benefit any autistic student’.
Alex, an incoming autistic student 2026
‘I think it is excellent. It really is a fantastic resource. It is a great initiative’
Mark O Brien, Principal of Good Counsel College
‘I feel it’s an excellent source of information for students. The info is presented in a clear and concise manner. The student stories feel relatable, positive, and I particularly felt this feature was really good.’
Robin Croke, Access Office, SETU
Thank you Dr Marc Fabri and all contributors to the Autism & Uni Toolkit project.
Ann-Marie Thornton
Disability Advisor, Student Life & Learning
SETU Waterford
Ireland
