News
You will find upcoming webinars and seminars here.
Open Conversation on Adulthood, Rights, Opportunities and Changing Perspectives – August 20th
Join us as we explore what adulthood means for people with Down syndrome and how supports, services and opportunities are evolving.
Gina Grant, Branch Advocacy Co-ordinator, Down Syndrome Ireland, will discuss the landscape of Adult Services and how the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act has helped shift perspectives towards greater autonomy, choice and the right of individuals to have their own voice in decisions about their lives.
Sinéad Flynn, Head of Adult Education, Self Advocacy and Community Engagement, Down Syndrome Ireland, will discuss adult education including Education and Training Boards (ETBs), National Learning Network (NLN) and Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH 4) options. She will discuss the important influence of regional and national councils in shaping opportunities, inclusion and lifelong learning.
This will be an open conversation with an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and explore how we can continue to support meaningful adulthood for people with Down syndrome.
Date: Thursday August 20th
Time: 5pm
For any questions or queries, please contact Ginagrant@downsyndrome.ie
Supporting Children with Down Syndrome in Early Years Settings – September 7th & 14th
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.
Click here for the Zoom link for both webinars.
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.
Dr Dennis McGuire Seminars – September dates to be announced
Dr Dennis McGuire, renowned Down syndrome specialist, returns to Ireland in September to host informative seminars for both parents and professionals.
Locations and dates to be announced.
Health, Ageing, and Future Planning Conference – November 13th
Venue: AIB conference facilities, Molesworth Street, Dublin city centre, D02 W260
Date: November 13th, 2026
Further details to be announced.
Our online webinar recordings have been developed by members of our Member Support Team – these resource topics range from Primary, Post Primary and Further Education; Advocacy; Health; Employment; Research; Speech & Language and more.
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Understanding the Decision Support Service
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Decision Making Support for Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar
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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 2026
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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).
“I learned a lot in college and made new friends. It’s an exciting time. It gave me a lot of independence in life. I loved the routine and meeting my friends every day.”
Eric, member of the Dublin branch
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 the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) 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
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.
