News
You will find upcoming webinars and seminars here.
Decision Making Support for Adults with Down syndrome – June 16th
We will be hosting an informative webinar with the Decision Support Service (DSS) on June 16th at 6pm. This session is for adults with Down syndrome, with the aim of helping them understand their rights and the different types of arrangements that are available if necessary to support decision-making in their lives.
There will be explanations about what the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 says and does, when someone might want or need a formal arrangement, and how these supports can help people make their own choices while protecting their rights and independence. The webinar aims to “fill in the gaps” around understanding the Act and the functions of the Decision Support Service and how best to use the supports available.
For any questions or queries, please contact GinaGrant@downsyndrome.ie
Supporting Grief Through Lámh and Other Forms of Non-Verbal Communication – June 17th
Following on from our recent grief webinar with Denis McGuire, we are pleased to invite families to a gentle and practical online session focused on supporting communication around grief and loss potentially using Lámh signs and other forms of non-verbal communication on June 17th at 8pm.
The session will include discussion, demonstrations of useful signs, and opportunities for families to reflect on ways to support communication during times of grief and change. Our aim is to create an informal and welcoming space where families can learn together, share experiences, and feel supported.
The session will focus on exploring different forms of communication that may help individuals with Down syndrome express feelings, ask questions, and better understand difficult situations connected to illness, death, and bereavement.
For any questions or queries, please contact GinaGrant@downsyndrome.ie
Understanding the Decision Support Service – June 23rd
We will be hosting an informative webinar with the Decision Support Service (DSS) on June 23rd at 6pm. This session is for parents, siblings, guardians, professionals, and supporters of people with Down syndrome.
This session will focus on understanding the different decision support arrangements available under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (ADMCA) , including how and when arrangements may be made, the process involved and how such arrangements operate in practice. The webinar will also explore many of the practical questions and concerns families and supporters are currently facing.
For any questions or queries, please contact GinaGrant@downsyndrome.ie
There are no upcoming seminars currently. This is updated regularly.
The DSI online educational seminars have been developed by members of our Member Support Team – Nicola Hart (National Research and Support Specialist) and Fidelma Brady (Head of Education)
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Path 4 – Programme for Access to Higher Education
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Health Passport Webinar
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The Future’s Even Brighter – Further Developments in Down Syndrome Research 2026
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The Future’s Even Brighter – Further Developments in Down Syndrome Research 2025
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National Learning Network – Options for School Leavers and Adults
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DSI and ETB Guidance Service Webinar
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Navigating the Sensory Challenges of Christmas
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Maths for Life Webinar 2025
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NCSE/DSI Information Webinar 2025
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Essential Planning for Primary and Post-Primary Schools
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Communication Between Parents and Primary/Post-Primary Schools
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Choosing a Post-Primary School
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Choosing a Primary School
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Choosing a school
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Understanding, Changing and Teaching Behaviour at the Post-Primary Stage
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Strategies to Promote Positive Behaviour in Young Adults
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Mental Well Being
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Introduction to Behaviour
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Managing Vision & Hearing Issues
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Language & Communication
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Strategies and Supports for Children Transitioning to Mainstream Primary School
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Using Numicon as a Resource in Teaching Numeracy
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Numeracy Acquiring Basic Maths Skills
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Accessing the Curriculum
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Options & Pathways through Senior Cycle
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Managing the Transition from Primary to Post Primary School
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Pathway through Junior Cycle
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Specific Learning Needs of the Student with Down syndrome
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In-Class Behaviour Management
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Literacy & Numeracy at Primary School
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Post-Primary Student Information Presentation
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Primary Student Information Presentation
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Educational Programmes for Children with DS & ASD
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Educational Programmes for Children with DS & ASD
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Educational Programmes for Children with Ds & ASD
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Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Managing Behaviours at Pre-School & Primary School Stages
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Managing Behaviours at Post Primary & Young Adult Stages
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.
Video Resources
MEET THE TEAM
Welcome to our Resources page. Here, you’ll find a wide range of helpful materials covering many aspects of life with Down syndrome. Whether you’re a parent, family member, educator, or healthcare professional, we’ve gathered information to support you and help individuals with Down syndrome thrive.
