Human Development

ILAS is interested in the life course as human development, considering how different individuals and groups move through life, developing as members of social networks and adapting to changing environments.

Human development is, therefore, a life-long process that encompasses elements of agency, where people make their own choices, and interdependency, involving the lives of others. In ILAS we are particularly interested in supporting individuals’ empowerment, and understanding how different coping and adaptive capacities can be supported and enables at different points of the life course.

One example is CDLP's Real Productive Justice project, which explores the legal regulation and real-life experiences of disabled people in Ireland making reproductive decisions. Disabled individuals were invited to share their stories about making, or being denied the opportunity to make, reproductive choices. The project focuses on four aspects of their reproductive experiences: pregnancy and birth, parenting, abortion, and fertility and contraception.

Another example is ICAN researchers collaborating with a network of international researchers on the EU-funded European Cooperation in Science and Technology project CA19104. This research network aims to enhance the empowerment and social inclusion of autistic individuals and those with intellectual disabilities through the support of assistive technologies. Social inclusion is a crucial element of well-being, and this work particularly aims to improve access to education and employment opportunities. By addressing these areas, we strive to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.