Courts / Dublin / Report

NCAD head to say mother of art student with down syndrome told her she would 'bury her'

Date
2024-11-20
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, the head of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) was called to give evidence about a dispute involving Ellie Dunne, a 25‑year‑old art student with Down Syndrome. Ms Dunne's mother, journalist Katy McGuinness, testified that the college had failed to provide reasonable accommodation during her daughter's first semester and that the college required her to re‑sit a failed module. Ms Dunne said she relied on her home support worker, Natalie Scherwatt, rather than an NCAD‑assigned support worker, and that she felt "scared" during a field trip to Meath Street. She also described the college's support staff and tutors as "nice" but identified director Sarah Glennie as "rude" to her mother. McGuinness claimed the college's relationship with the family broke down after a document allegedly bearing a forged signature was presented.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: NCAD head to say mother of art student with down syndrome told her she would 'bury her'. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Ms McGuinness said "everyone was hostile" because her family's relationship with the college "broke down" when they first saw a document on disability supports which they contend bears their daughter's "forged" signature. CNI source report

Case subjects

Down Syndrome

Applicant

Outcome: Mr O'Neill declined the motion and adjourned the case.

Ellie Dunne

Applicant

Outcome: Mr O'Neill declined the motion and adjourned the case.

Natalie Scherwatt

Applicant

Outcome: Mr O'Neill declined the motion and adjourned the case.

Places mentioned

Address Area
  • Meath Street
Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Meath Street

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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