Down Syndrome Ireland Hosts Tell It Right Conference
Down Syndrome Ireland Hosts Tell It Right Conference; an Information Session for Maternity & Neonatal Staff
Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) recently partnered with the UK’s Down Syndrome Association (DSA) to bring their Tell it Right training to Ireland. This training aims to ensure all babies with Down syndrome and their parents are treated with the utmost care and respect by medical professionals.
The conference launched a significant new partnership between Down Syndrome Ireland and the Down’s Syndrome Association. Together, we will combine resources and support people with Down syndrome and their families across the country.
Down Syndrome Ireland CEO, Aidan Stacey says, “The moment a parent receives a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child, is a critical point in their journey. It is a moment where the words we use and the care we provide can make a profound difference. Our goal at Down Syndrome Ireland is to ensure that every interaction in healthcare during this time is founded on up-to-date information, respect, and care.”
Julian Hallett, Services Development Manager, DSA, said, “The Down’s Syndrome Association is delighted to be working so closely with Down Syndrome Ireland in this hugely important step towards ensuring that all new and prospective parents feel well supported during all stages of their pregnancy and birth. We know that professionals involved in their care want to do the best possible job and this training equips anyone working within the field of antenatal, maternity and post-natal care with the skills and information to feel confident in meeting the needs of pregnant women and new parents.”
More than 100 attendees gathered on Thursday, October 23rd at the Keadeen Hotel, Co. Kildare. Attendees included maternity, paediatric, and neonatal medical staff, along with speech and language therapists, child disability specialists, social workers and more.
In addition to the Tell It Right training from the DSA’s Julian Hallett and Lindsay McCulloch, the day also featured powerful, first-hand accounts from parents, Dr. Maria Pertl and Laura Daly, who received pre- and post-natal diagnoses. Fiona McGrane, Clinical Nurse Specialist for children with Down syndrome, also delivered a key talk.
DSI Kildare branch members, Derek McSweeney and Mark O’Meara also spoke on the day, discussing their lives as adults with Down syndrome. They discussed the importance of their friendship, their college courses and jobs, and their families’ experiences surrounding their births.
The day concluded with Silvia Segales-Angel, Early Intervention Specialist, DSI, launching our New Parents Guide. Created to support new and expectant parents who are having a child with Down syndrome, this guide will be available in all maternity hospitals and neonatal units across Ireland in the coming months.
Read more about our New Parents Guide here.