July-September 2026 Highlights

Glór was officially launched on July 1st and continues to roll out nationally across Ireland. This Speech and Language Therapy Programme is funded by the HSE and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality through Down Syndrome Ireland. 

This free support is designed to deliver expanded, specialist supports from early childhood all the way through adulthood, including early intervention and speech and language therapy. 

The Kerry branch received the keys to their new property in Blennerville. Over the coming months, this new space will be transformed into The Mill Café, in partnership with Kerry County Council. 

At the heart of the café will be branch members from the Kookability for Employment & Independence programme at MTU. This new café will give members the opportunity to transition from learning into meaningful employment.

Kildare branch member Conor O’Donnell sat down with European Movement Ireland to discuss the importance of ensuring people with Down syndrome are fully included in society. 

Conor explained why advocacy is vital, highlighting challenges including public transport, housing, and employment. “Being able to advocate, being able to speak up for themselves, and no matter what they go through in life. Nothing about us without us!” 

We submitted a joint Pre-Budget Submission to be considered for Budget 2027.

Partnering with The Down Syndrome Centre, The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, Hub21 and The Down Syndrome Centre Midlands, we put together our key asks to the Government for people with Down syndrome, reflecting the daily experience of organisations working across Ireland.

We were delighted to be chosen as one of the charities for Woodie’s Heroes again this year. Our amazing Dublin branch member Maisie was our ambassador, and she and her family helped us celebrate and share the fantastic news!

Since 2015, the campaign has raised over €4.7 million for Irish children’s charities thanks to the generosity of Woodie’s customers, colleagues, and suppliers.

We were excited to launch our brand new podcast, making our trusted information and resources even more accessible for families, caregivers, educators and professionals. You can listen on Shopify and Apple Podcasts.

Our first series focuses on Education, with practical episodes covering topics across both Primary and Post-Primary school. There will be more series on other topics coming in the future!

The Tour de Munster was a success again this year, with organisers, volunteers, members and, of course, the cyclists, coming out and giving it everything. From bucket shaking and bake sales, to raising money online, those who fundraised gave so much time and energy all for one reason – our members!

A big thank you to all the branches who gave their time to help, fundraise and ensure that this was another event to remember!

Kerry branch member and National Advisory Council advocate, Yann O’Carroll, was featured on billboards nationwide as part of an MTU marketing campaign. 

Yann completed the EmpowerEd Path 4 programme, where he studied advocacy, human rights, communication, IT and personal development, as well as completing work placements. “It’s exciting. I enjoyed my time on Path 4 in MTU. I was confident and happy to help out for the photo shoot.”

We now have a new partnership with Outside the Box Learning Resources; publisher and distributor of training materials, assessments, therapy resources and CPD materials for education and healthcare professionals, parents, carers and more.

We have handpicked a range of high-quality resources designed to support every learner. Members can now access a 10% discount on their products with our exclusive codes sent via email.

In September, we were proud to announce the formal establishment of the new Cross-Party Oireachtas Group on Down Syndrome at Leinster House. The Group brings together members from across political parties to focus on the issues affecting people with Down syndrome in Ireland and their families.

It is the start of a structured programme of work across the whole life course; early intervention, communication, education, employment, transport, housing, independent living, lifelong health, ageing and future planning.

Across the country, our Further Education and Training Team have been busy with our Library Clubs run in conjunction with local libraries. This initiative offers a wonderful opportunity to bring our members together to enjoy books, share stories and build friendships.

Library clubs are not just about enjoying reading material, but also about promoting communication skills, encouraging an interest in literacy and building confidence.

Dr Dennis McGuire returned to Ireland in September to host a series of conferences in Sligo and Limerick for both families and professionals. Dr McGuire shared valuable insights into the behaviours, communication styles and emotional wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.

The days saw people from across the country come together to focus on the transition to adulthood and the unique social, emotional and practical challenges that arise during the teenage and adult years.