Flinders University’s Up the Hill Program Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Lives
A trailblazing initiative that opens the doors of tertiary education to people with intellectual disabilities has celebrated its 25th anniversary, this month.
One of only two programs of its kind in Australia, The Up the Hill Project, established in 1999, is designed to give people with intellectual disabilities the chance to experience university life, participate in academic topics of their choosing, and immerse themselves in the vibrant social environment of higher education.
Over a three-year period, participants engage in university classes supported by student learning partners, often students pursuing degrees in Disability and Community Inclusion, allied health, or related fields, giving them valuable practical experience as part of their studies.
Academic Project Advisor Dr Fiona Rillotta said at its heart, the program is a powerful testament to the fact that everyone has the right to pursue education, including people with intellectual disability.
“Over the last 25 years, Up the Hill has evolved from a pioneering concept into a transformative force that has enriched not only its participants but the broader university community,” says Dr Rillotta.
“It has created a more inclusive environment at Flinders, diversified the perspectives in classrooms, and sparked new ways of thinking about education.”
Last week’s 25th-anniversary event was attended by over 100 participants, including past and present students, their learning partners, families, Flinders University staff, and notable figures from the disability sector.
Emceed by graduates Ruby Nankivell and Tim Cahalan, the celebration highlighted many of the program’s success stories, with participants sharing their experiences and achievements.
Many of the graduates have stepped into new roles since completing the program. This includes Rachel High, who went on to undertake more study at Flinders University and in 2021 became the first person with Down Syndrome in Australia to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Isaiah Caruso was recently the participant to study a nursing topic, wowing everyone with how he applied his knowledge of anatomy. Isaiah said that Up the Hill has really helped him with knowing what he wants to do in the future, as well as developing confidence in talking to people.
Other graduates have gone on to secure employment in the public service, research and radio.
“Some successes of graduates may seem small, but are actually very big,” says Dr Rillotta.
“Feeling confident to ask questions, to walk into a new room of unfamiliar people, to speak with people you don’t know, to seek out what you need, and to give a presentation, are all skills that take a lot of practice, but which you use in many work and life situations. Taking this forward into life after uni are skills that graduates, just like other university graduates, are equipped with almost without realising they were learning them.”
Beyond individual success stories, the Up the Hill Project has had a profound impact on everyone involved. Over 250 students have participated as learning partners, gaining firsthand insight into the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Flinders University staff have also noted how rich their classes are with more diversity.
The program has seen 45 student graduates throughout its time, with 14 more students currently enrolled.