Meet our World Down Syndrome Day Heroes 

World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21, and this year’s theme is Together Against Loneliness. 

We’re highlight some of our incredible members who are tackling this head on. Each of them plays a huge part in their community, bringing people together and advocating for inclusion and equality.  

Ben is a familiar and friendly face in Waterford, where he has become an integral part of the team at Mr. Price.  

Ben gained employment in the store through Down Syndrome Ireland’s Employment Programme which supports adults with Down syndrome to find meaningful work.  

Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment, Ben’s favourite part of the day is working on the tills, not just for the job itself, but for the opportunity it gives him to connect with his local community.  

A natural social butterfly, Ben prides himself on making new friends and sharing a chat with every customer who passes through his lane. For Ben, his job is about more than work; it’s about the joy of meeting people and the bonds he has built with his colleagues. 

Gordon has turned a lifelong love of music into a flourishing career. After completing a specialised DJ course two years ago, he has become a sought-after act for birthday parties and local events.  

Gordon has also gained employment through Down Syndrome Ireland’s Employment Programme, in insurance company Fidelis. However, this of course doesn’t get in the way of his side hustle, as a successful DJ by night, playing clubs, parties and discos in Dublin.  

His philosophy is simple: he wants to make people happy through his sets. However, Gordon’s ambitions don’t stop at local celebrations. He has his sights set on the international stage, dreaming of bringing his music to the world’s most iconic festivals, such as Tomorrowland and Coachella.  

Gina Daly’s journey with Down Syndrome Ireland began with a stroke of “meant-to-be” luck: she discovered she was pregnant with her son, Gene, on March 21^st, which happens to be World Down Syndrome Day.  

Since then, Gina has become a vital voice for children with Down syndrome families. Through her significant online presence, she provides a soft landing for expectant mothers, offering them reassurance and comfort by simply showing her everyday life with Gene.  

Gina is a firm believer in the power of community and the tangible impact of Early Years Intervention, credited with helping Gene thrive as he transitions into playschool. 

Una is a powerhouse of self-advocacy who is passionate about showing the world “what Down syndrome is all about.”  

Living independently with housemates, Una enjoys the freedom of managing her own schedule, from deciding what’s for dinner (she’s a big fan of the air fryer) to staying up late or heading out to meet friends.  

Professionally, she works with Inclusion Ireland and sits on the National Advisory Council for DSI, where she tackles major policy issues like public transport.  

After completing a course on independent living, Una is now on a mission to encourage others to “get out there,” advocating for the skills and confidence needed to lead a self-directed life.

Keep your eyes peeled on our socials for more on our heroes.

If you’d like to learn more or feature our ambassadors, email communications@downsyndrome.ie