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Stephen Faley is the co-chairperson of the Regional Advisory Council. He has an interest in politics and recently completed a retail training programme in Primark/Penneys.

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My name is Stephen Faley. 

I am a member of the Kerry Down Syndrome Regional Advisory Council. 

My role in the Regional Advisory Council is Co-Chairperson. 

On January 16^th I welcomed Sean Kelly, MEP to the Kerry Down Syndrome Job Ready Group. 

All the students asked questions about his work in the European Parliament; 

I was proud to be Co-Chairperson because I had the task of starting the Kerry Regional Advisory Council Meeting. 

I am interested in politics because there are things politicians need to help us with. 

I have learned these skills In Latch-On and My Opinion my Vote and in Work Skills. 

I had a 6-week work experience placement in Primark/Penneys, Tralee before Christmas 2025.  I hope to work there again because I liked my work experience there.

Anthony loves working and enjoys his job at Global Ireland. He is responsible for shredding posters, which allows them to be recycled and used again. He’s made some great friends at work, too! ‘They are all my friends in work,’ he says, which makes his job even more enjoyable.

Outside of his job, Anthony is a talented artist. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending his time creating new works of art.

‘My day off, on Wednesday, I stay at home and colour.’

He attends regular art classes in Dublin to enhance his skills and explore new techniques. One of Anthony’s artworks is proudly displayed at Down Syndrome Ireland’s national office.

Anthony also loves to travel and explore new places. He recently went on a trip to Transylvania with his sister, Annette, where they visited Dracula’s castle and even had an encounter with a bear! He’s already planning his next trip, saying,

‘My dream is to see Liverpool again and travel.’

Anthony proves that you can have a fulfilling job, do what you love, and explore the world! We can’t wait to see what he creates next and where he goes! 

Orla is an incredibly talented and successful person, who always dreamt of being on the big screen! ‘When I was a child, growing up, my dream job was to be an actress, I eventually got that dream.‘

Speaking about where their love of acting came from, Orla said,

‘The reason why I love acting is to bring joy to other people who like seeing people on stage or on TV and film. I started very young. I was in school plays.’

Orla has since gone on to star in multiple productions such as RTE’s Clean Sweep, Netflix’s Bodkin, and the film Aretha, and has worked alongside stars Barry Ward, Charlene McKenna and Fionnuala Flanagan.

When Orla isn’t busy on set, they are advocating for the rights of people with Down syndrome. Orla is a part of the National Advisory Council (NAC), a panel of adult members who guide Down Syndrome Ireland. They campaign and advocate for people with Down syndrome across the country on issues including transport, voting rights, employment and education. Speaking about the NAC, Orla said,

‘We talk about different topics such as mental health, voting or housing, and why that’s important.’

Orla is a huge advocate for inclusion, stating that

‘inclusion is important for everyone regardless if you have a disability or not, it’s just being accepted. Even though some people don’t understand Down syndrome, just put yourself in our shoes and think of how important it is to be included.’

We’re excited to see what amazing things Orla will do next, both on and off the screen!

Dylan is a dedicated and hardworking man, who loves working and has not one, but two jobs!

‘I have two jobs, in the Maldron Hotel and UTS’.

Dylan works in a restaurant in the Maldron Hotel, serving customers and helping keep everything tidy and running smoothly. He also works in UTS Technologies, where he works closely with parking meters and test tokens to ensure they’re all functioning correctly. When speaking about his colleagues at both workplaces, Dylan said,

‘My team and colleagues are perfect, helpful and nice’.

Dylan’s employment was facilitated through the support of Down Syndrome Ireland’s employment team. He also regularly attends Skills Academy at the national office, where he receives guidance on developing essential work skills.

‘Every Wednesday, I am in Down Syndrome Ireland for Skills Academy, [which] teaches me about work skills. The employment team, they [help with] looking for a job’.

Beyond his professional life, Dylan loves singing, dancing, and music, with a particular love for the boyband JLS.

‘I love going to dancing, I like to do singing, I would like to meet JLS’

Dylan’s dedication and positive attitude are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the continued success he achieves in his future!  

Maisie is a kind and caring little girl, who is full of life! She loves to laugh and play, and her smile can light up any room!

When Maisie was born, she had a hole in her heart, which was a worrying concern for her parents. She initially struggled to put on weight and had to be fed through an NG feeding tube. Maisie’s mother, Emer, describes her as ‘resilient’, and at just three months old, Maisie underwent heart surgery, which was a success! 

Seeking advice and support in those early days, Emer reached out to Down Syndrome Ireland and connected with Annette O’Neill, our Member Support Officer,

 ‘I had heard of Down Syndrome Ireland. I reached out, I was talking to a lovely lady Annette. She gave me such lovely advice, she was very kind and reassuring.’

Now at 4 years old, Maisie is thriving and keeps her parents on the go with all her fun adventures! They are determined that she follows her dreams and pursues her passions as she grows up and they will support her at every step of the way.  

Their dream is for Maisie to always be happy, and they hope everyone will see how amazing Maisie is and not underestimate her or any other people with Down syndrome. They want everyone to know that Maisie and her friends are capable of anything!

‘I do dream that other people will see beyond her disability. Don’t underestimate Maisie or her peers, they are so capable. I am really really excited about Maisie’s future’, says Emer.

We can’t wait to see what amazing things the future has in store for Maisie!