Subject: Please attend Leinster House briefing on education resources for children with Down syndrome on Wed, Jan 30 at 1pm


Dear (Insert T.D./ Senator Name here),

I’m writing to you with regards to an upcoming event in Leinster House which is being hosted by Niamh Smyth, TD on behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland which I would like you to attend on my behalf as my local representative. The subject matter that will be discussed is the need for adequate education resources for children with Down syndrome. The issues to be discussed are:

The need for July Provision for children with Down syndrome: 

July Provision is the extended school year which is not available to the vast majority of children with Down syndrome, leaving them at a huge educational disadvantage.

The importance of Individual Education Plans for teenagers with Down syndrome:

Teachers' Unions the ASTI and TUI have both recently advised members to stop providing these critical planning processes for children with additional educational needs due to resource issues. IEPs are vital to ensure a positive learning environment for students with Down syndrome.

As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, this exclusion from vital education supports is a disgrace and injustice.  Is it the intention of the Irish education system and Government to leave children with Down syndrome behind, and strip them of the right to learn at their pace?

Both of these issues impact a child with Down syndrome at every stage of their learning cycle, I urge you as my representative to please attend the meeting at: 

When: Wednesday 30th January
Where: AV Room, Leinster House
Time: 1:00 – 2.00pm

Please, don’t leave my child behind.

I thank you for your time reading this email and I look forward to seeing you at the event, representing your constituency.

Sincerely,