Vivian is an academic, a human and disability rights advocate and change maker. He is currently an Adjunct Teaching Fellow in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) School of Education and the Research Officer with the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD). His Ph.D, titled the “Social Engagement Experiences of Disabled Students in Higher Education in Ireland”, focused on the areas of disabled student social engagement, transitions, voice and belonging. He has presented his published work and ideas for change across the EU. He obtained a Masters in Management from Smurfit Business School where he focused on the employment of graduates with disabilities. He believes in research for impact and has used his research to influence national policy development and bring about social change at a local and national level. He has worked to empower other disabled people to advocate for their rights and the rights of others and is the current Chair and founder of the TCD Forum for Disabled Staff & Postgraduate Students and the National Disabled Postgraduate Committee. He is a former member of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Group and the National Disability Stakeholders Group.
A TCD Equality Champion and a Disabled Leader awardee he has focused on ensuring the voice of disabled people is represented at the decision making table. Highlighting the systemic and ableist barriers that prevent disabled people equal access to employment, education, and political participation and engaging in society as they would wish.