معرفی
Deirdre Forde is an Assistant Professor in Teacher Education at Maynooth University's Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education (School of Education). She is a chartered child and educational psychologist specializing in Inclusive and Special Education, serving as Programme Leader for the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education. Her work bridges educational policy, clinical practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Deirdre holds qualifications in primary teaching and has extensive experience across mainstream and special education sectors, youth services, and clinical psychological support. She leads research projects such as the ALL means ALL OpenTextbook initiative and the UNITES Project evaluating home visiting programs. Her professional memberships include the Psychological Society of Ireland, British Psychological Society, and leadership roles in the ALL Institute and Inclusive Education Special Interest Group (ESAI).
Research focuses on inclusion/exclusion dynamics, neurodiversity, disability policy, and early childhood curriculum development. Notable outputs include studies on educational equity, policy analysis, and participatory approaches in teacher training. She actively engages in outreach to enhance inclusive practices in schools and community settings.
