The DISABUSE research project was launched by Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor in the Helix on December 4th, with all members of the Erasmus + project team present.

The project DisAbuse will look at suitable prevention and counter strategies of disablist bullying and will be led by DCU's National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre.

The project has been financed by the Higher Education Authority and EU Erasmus+ Programme.

Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O'Connor said at the launch event that "all forms of bullying are unacceptable and we know that they can have a devastating impact on people's lives".

"Diablist bullying is particularly complex and it is important that efforts are made to understand the issue and then to develop strategies to combat it.

"The DisAbuse project will play a significant role here. It brings together experts from Ireland and across Europe to provide a cross-national insight into research, policy and practice.

"It will also provide practical courses in tackling disablist bullying with people with special educational needs and additional needs as well as resources for teachers and professional trainers.

Dr James O'Higgins Norman, director of the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, said the project will aim to "improve socialisation, reduce marginalisation and ease users' lives in school and their migration into adulthood.?

The project's European partners include the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire , Fondazione Mondo Digitale in Rome, the University Institute of Lisbon and the University of Murcia.