We are delighted to announce a partnership with the City of Dublin ETB to offer further education courses for adults with Down syndrome.
Barry Sheridan, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland welcomes the partnership with City of Dublin ETB and the potential that it brings for adults with Down syndrome in the Dublin area. “It is wonderful to see more opportunities for further education opening up for our members in Dublin. We welcome the investment and commitment of City of Dublin ETB in the further education of adults with Down syndrome. Life-long learning is vital and Down Syndrome Ireland is dedicated to developing adult education as a pathway for all of our members.”
Cora Rafter, City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Service said: “City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Service is really excited to be involved for the first time in this partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland. Both organisations are passionate about creating opportunities for life-long learning. With the investment in this programme, City of Dublin ETB are demonstrating our belief that adults with Down syndrome can continue their literacy development and enhance social inclusion, which is one of the central aims of our service.”
Down Syndrome Ireland and City of Dublin ETB are collaborating to deliver the Latch On course. The investment by City of Dublin ETB will enable students to access a suitable course in a mainstream further education setting. Latch On is a two-year, part-time course that supports adults with Down syndrome to develop and maintain their literacy skills. The course was developed by the University of Queensland, Australia and has been delivered by branches of Down Syndrome Ireland since 2011.
- Latch On will be delivered in five sites across Dublin:
- City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Centre Finglas
- City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Centre Ballymun
- City of Dublin ETB Parnell Adult Education Centre
- City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Centre Coolock
- City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Service at KLEAR in Kilbarrac
Lisa Martin, our Head of Adult Education said: “The Latch On course is a fantastic opportunity for students to build on literacy skills gained in secondary school and is an opportunity for older members to regain confidence in their communication skills that may have been lost over the years. It is an inclusive course that incorporates Universal Design for Learning to enable learners to reach their potential. All forms of literacy are valued and explicitly taught, including, reading, writing, speaking and viewing.”
For more information, including details of how to apply for the course, please read this course overview brochure.
