Further Education and Training
The Department of Further Education and Training works towards making Ireland a country where there are inclusive and improved education opportunities and options for all school leavers and adults with Down syndrome.
One of our key goals is for school leavers and adults with Down syndrome to have the opportunities to reach their full potential. We provide information, advice and guidance to school leavers and adults with Down syndrome, their families, carers and education staff.
What is Further Education Training?
Further Education and Training (FET) covers any education and training after second-level education (post-primary) and up to third-level education (higher level education).
Useful links
Useful links on Further Education and Training
This website hosts a wide range of resources for students with Down syndrome and other disabilities, their families, carers and schools to support them in identifying post-school aspirations, choices and pathways to Further and Higher Education and Training, and to the world of work.
This booklet offers information on post-school Further Education options for school leavers and other adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
This website will help you find courses nationwide.
Useful links on Higher Education
This Easy Read booklet gives an overview of courses at universities and other Higher Education courses.
This booklet offers information on post-school Higher Education options for school leavers and other adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
Useful links on Rehab and Day Services
This booklet offers information on post-school Rehabilitative Training and Adult Day Services options for school leavers and other adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
This website offers information on training programmes and support services that the National Learning Network provides in 50 centres around the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
The end of formal schooling often marks the beginning of adulthood for many people, whether they have Down syndrome or not. It brings with it, new adventures, as well as new challenges, difficulties and uncertainties, as well as many questions.
Families may begin to look to the future, and ask questions about the best option for their son or daughter.
Many adults with Down syndrome are now leaving home, living independently with varying degrees of support, obtaining employment, forming relationships, and generally getting the most out of life.
One of our key goals is to create a society where school leavers and adults with Down syndrome have opportunities and options to reach their full potential.
Acknowledging the value of lifelong learning and access to quality education for adults is core to everything we do.
Below are some of our most common questions:
What are the options after post-primary?
- Talk your son/daughter about areas of interest
- Talk to the Career Guidance in your child’s school
- Talk to the HSE Disability Officer
- Contact the DSI Further Education and Training Department
My son/daughter didn’t do his/her Leaving Cert. Can they still go to college?
Yes. Not having a Leaving Certificate is not a barrier to going to college. There are options, depending on where you live. To find out what the options are, you can:
- Talk your son/daughter about areas of interest
- Talk the Career Guidance in your child’s school
- Talk to the HSE Disability Officer
- Contact the DSI Further Education and Training Department
Literacy Resources: Level 1 and 2 Resources
The Further Education and Training team have compiled lesson plans and resources on Padlet.
Media Literacy
College Preparation
Using Public Transport
DSI Work Skills Videos and Exercises
Sásta-nable Living
Transport Campaign
Down Syndrome Ireland works with our National Advisory Council (NAC) and Regional Advisory Councils to learn about how we can improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. They are a panel of adults with Down syndrome who advise DSI on how we can best support all people with Down syndrome. One of their top issues is transportation. Down Syndrome Ireland is actively working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on a national transport campaign after listening to the needs of our NAC and our members.
MEET THE TEAM
