School Leaver & Adult Education Options
Education and Training Boards (ETB) Collaboration
Down Syndrome Ireland works in collaboration with ETBs (Education and Training Boards) to empower school leavers and adults with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. The DSI Further Education and Training Team trains and supports ETB staff. We work with ETB staff to ensure they have the knowledge and skillset to support learners with Down syndrome in their Further Education and Training journey.
Up to 2021, Adult Education courses for adults with Down syndrome were primarily run in DSI branches. Now, the majority of Further Education programmes attended by adults with Down syndrome are run in ETBs. Adults attending ETB-run courses do not have to pay or fundraise for these courses.
ETBs offer a range of learning opportunities for school leavers and adults such as literacy, technology, horticulture, personal development, sustainability, culinary arts and advocacy.
It can be overwhelming trying to find out what courses are available in your local area. Be sure to contact us and we will help you navigate this.
You can also:
Contact your local ETB’s website. Find your local ETB.
Make an appointment with your local ETB Information Officer. It is free to get advice from an ETB Information Officers.
For support, you can contact any member of our team.
Down Syndrome Ireland Supporting ETBs
Collaborations include:
1. Living it Up
KWETB students on the Living It Up! Programme study a range of modules such as reading, writing, food choice and health, technology and numeracy.
The objectives of the Life Skills Programme:
- To develop and maintain learners’ reading and writing skills
- To develop and maintain learners’ numeracy skills
- To develop and maintain learners’ communication skills
- To develop learners’ digital literacy skills
- To develop learners’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills
2. Sásta-nable Living Programme
This programme, funded by the ALL Strategy, is a result of a partnership between Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education ETB (Balbriggan Adult Literacy Service) and Down syndrome Ireland.
The collaboration was born from a shared vision to bridge educational gaps of the divergent learner, with a focus on Sustainability. At its core, the programme embraces an inclusive approach, aiming to meet the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome or Intellectual Disability.
The curriculum meets all learning outcomes, beyond fulfilling QQI standards of the General Learning Level 2 Full Award Programme (P2GLO). Six modules were chosen (including two core modules Listening & Speaking and Shape & Space).
By combining educational expertise with the mission-driven approach of Down syndrome Ireland, the programme not only delivers impactful learning experiences but also sets a course towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
3. Work Ready Programmes
The Work Ready Programme is a set of 5 modules which have been designed in a collaboration between City of Dublin ETB and Down Syndrome Ireland.
The collaboration was funded by the Adult Literacy for Life, Innovation and Collaboration Fund. The modules are available for providers of education and training, to deliver to learners who aspire to learn industry specific skills, that will benefit their progression to work in areas such as hospitality, retail and administration. The modules include:
- Working in an Office
- Working in a Hotel/Restaurant
- Working in a Hairdressers
- Working in a Café
- Working in a Supermarket
The modules are aimed at level 2. They have had learner voice embedded throughout, thanks to our learner focus group. The content of the modules has been advised and reviewed by our industry partners, to ensure they are relevant and current.
Each of the 5 modules has a dedicated student workbook. There is a tutor handbook which includes all module descriptors and additional information for tutors.
