PPI Projects
Patrick Fitzgerald is the Research Foundation’s co-researcher and co-designer. He helps make projects more creative, inclusive, and easy for everyone to participate in. Patrick uses his experience to ensure that people with disabilities can have their voices heard. His work shows how important it is to include everyone and value their ideas. Some of Patrick’s work includes:
- PPI Summer School – University of Limerick
When: June 2024
What: Patrick spoke at a summer school for researchers.
What He Did:
- Talked about his paid job as a co-researcher.
- Shared about the Engage Toolkit from Liffey Services.
- Asked researchers to hire more people with lived experience.
- Spoke to 140 researchers.
2. Our Place Project – Co-Designer & Artist
What It’s About: Using sound art to discuss rights and happiness.
Who With: Artists Alan James Burns, Dr. Sinead McCann, Liffey, Kerry, and North East Services.
Patrick’s Work:
- Helped plan workshops and sound tools.
- Co-Facilitated the workshops
- Created an accessible Survey for evaluation
- Co-designed the interim and final reports for ReThink
- Helped set up the show at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA).
- Went to Culture Night in Kerry.
- Helped others learn and earn money for their art.
Patrick says, “It is an opportunity to express ourselves, connect with others, explore art ideas through sound, and to enjoy the freedom to create.”
3. ReThink Ireland Impact Event
When: June 2024
What: Patrick joined a big event to talk about how projects make a difference.
What He Did:
- Learned about how to measure success.
- Talked with others about growing projects.
4. Award for Research Study Day
Project: ‘Co-Designing an Accessible Personal Plan’
Award: Won a national prize for making research more inclusive.
Patrick’s Work:
- Helped show how important co-design is.
- Helped make sure plans are made with people, not just for them.
5. Co-Design Presentation at Research Study Day
Event: Research Study Day at TUDublin
With: Dr. Emma Murphy
What He Did:
- Shared what he learned, like line-by-line coding.
- Talked about making research open for more people.
6. Right to Connect – From Co-Designer to Teacher
What: Patrick started teaching others digital skills.
What He Did:
- Helped make a Self-Assessment Tool for certificates.
- Made nine animated videos to show new skills.
- Taught people how to use social media and stay safe online.
7. Global Accessibility Awareness Day – Google HQ
When: May 2024
What: Visited Google to see new accessible tools.
Why: Learned about games and communication tools for independence. Shared with the Google team some of the accessible tools we use for research and the digital inclusion projects.
