I qualified as an Art Teacher in Ireland in late 70s. I came to England in 1979 to study history of art with the intention of returning to Ireland after a year to start my teaching career. But life took me in a different direction and I ended up getting married and working in the UK.
As my teaching qualification back then was not recognised by the Department of Education in the UK, I never taught in state schools. However following a two-year job running a heavy workshop in the Occupational Therapy Department of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, I took up a post working for the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for Disabled People (QEFD) in Leatherhead where I established and managed a thriving Arts Centre for 20 years.
It was towards the end of my time at QEFD that I encountered and fell in love with assistive technology, which is basically software and computer equipment that enables people with disabilities to study, live and work on a par with their non-disabled peers.
introducing the committee associates
Seamus Cuddihy
Photos and text supplied by Seamus Cuddihy
Shellakabookee by Seamus Cuddihy
6
From QEFD I went to work for another national charity called AbilityNet as an assistive technology assessor, trainer and consultant.
I set up my own assistive technology consultancy in 2007 called IT Your Way and now specialise in assessing and training people with disabilities in all walks of life.
I have seen hundreds of students at university over the years, a great number of which struggle with dyslexia, for instance. Many people with dyslexia are strong visual learners and it's amazing how many have a leaning towards the creative arts.
It has been a privilege to train many fine art and sculpture students on their assistive technologies at Wimbledon School of Arts, Central St Martins, Camberwell College of Art, etc.
I have been creating my own sculptures on and off for the last 15 years and it was around that time that I joined the Surrey Sculpture Society.
It was encouraging to discover other sculptors in the area and the Society provided me with an outlet for showing my work at the various exhibitions.
My experience over the years has been working with clay plus making and casting from my own moulds and power woodcarving.