Upcoming Webinars

Join Silvia Segales-Angel, Early Intervention Specialist, Down Syndrome Ireland, for two introductory webinars for early years educators and childminders supporting children with Down syndrome aged 1 to 5 in early years settings. Parents are also welcome to attend.

The sessions will offer practical guidance, simple strategies and reassurance for those working with young children with Down syndrome. The aim is to help educators understand the child’s needs, support early learning and communication, and feel more confident supporting the development of children with Down syndrome in early years settings.

Supporting Children with Down Syndrome in Early Years Settings – September 7th – 7pm

This first webinar will help educators develop a better understanding of Down syndrome and how it can affect early learning and development. The session will focus on how to get to know the child you are working with, understanding their current developmental level, and identifying the next small steps for learning. Educators will learn how simple supports such as routines, visual cues, and adaptations can help children participate and make progress. By the end of the session, participants will have practical ideas to support children with Down syndrome in everyday early years routines, play, and learning activities.

Supporting Early Communication and Language with Children with Down Syndrome in Early Years Settings – September 14th – 7pm

This second webinar will help educators understand how communication and language develop in young children with Down syndrome and how to support these skills throughout the preschool day. The session will explore early communication, first words and signs, ways to encourage children to communicate, and how to create natural opportunities for interaction during play and everyday routines. It will also include practical ideas for using visual cues, gestures, and Lámh signs to support children’s understanding and expression. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident supporting children’s communication and understanding, helping them to take part more fully in their early years setting.

For any questions or queries, please contact silvia@downsyndrome.ie.

Webinar recordings will be available to all registered participants after both webinars have taken place.

Join us for this insightful webinar where four siblings will share their own personal journeys of supporting a brother or sister with Down syndrome.

We’ll hear different experiences and perspectives, including:

• Having a sibling living with support staff and navigating that relationship and support system
• Having a sibling move in with you in their 50s
• Living at home with your family while taking on a bigger role in supporting your sibling
• Having a sibling living in another country from you, when, following a bereavement, your sibling is left living alone and wants to remain living independently

We’ll openly talk about the highs and lows, challenges, barriers and what works well.

This is an open conversation for siblings to come together, share experiences and listen to one another. We will talk honestly about the highs and lows, the challenges we face, the barriers we come up against, and the things that work well.

There is no one-size-fits-all experience of being a sibling and that is exactly why we need to hear from each other.

Every sibling journey is different, and we need to come together to understand where the biggest gaps are and what support siblings need.

Siblings, come join us, share your journey and let’s open the conversation.

Date: Wednesday September 9th

Time: 7.30pm

For any questions or queries, please contact Ginagrant@downsyndrome.ie

Dr Dennis McGuire returns to Ireland this September to host a series of events with Down Syndrome Ireland in Sligo and Limerick for both families and professionals.  

Parents workshops: These interactive workshops are suitable for parents/guardians of individuals aged 15 years and over, and will focus on the transition to adulthood and the unique social, emotional and practical challenges that arise during the teenage and adult years. Drawing on Dr McGuire’s extensive experience and the lived experiences of families, participants will explore practical strategies while learning from one another in a supportive environment. 

Professional workshops: These practical professional development workshops are designed for those supporting adolescents and adults with Down syndrome across disability, health, education and community settings. Combining current best practice with decades of clinical experience, the session will help participants better understand the emotional, behavioural and cognitive profile associated with Down syndrome and provide practical approaches that can be applied immediately. 

Learn more here.

Venue: AIB conference facilities, Molesworth Street, Dublin city centre, D02 W260

Date: November 13th, 2026

Further details to be announced.