EU Project Experience

No experience

This organisation is new to EU funding and will be supported by the Access Europe team.

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EU Funding Goals

Our services assist the Irish Government in implementing the National Policy on Access to Services for Children & Young People with Disability & Developmental Delay, alleviating waiting lists for essential support for children with Down syndrome such as Occupational therapy, Speech and Language therapy and physiotherapy. These services are consistent with EU action plan for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular, inclusion of persons with disabilities.

We provide clinically approved therapies for children with Down syndrome at the earliest opportunity, equipping them with motor and cognitive skills that foster social inclusion and enable their education in mainstream schools. Through our sister organisation the Together Academy, which is part of our charity, we also support equal opportunity in the Labour market by training young people with Down syndrome for the hospitality industry. This also includes a successful job placement scheme.

Through European Partnerships we would like to share information and promote collaboration to improve life for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Our objective is to promote the complete development of people with Down syndrome, regardless of racial, linguistic, religious, philosophical, or political considerations.

The following points are crucial for the protection of the rights of individuals with Down syndrome:

• Implementation of health and early care programs
• Establishment of diverse education initiatives
• Ensuring accessibility to employment opportunities
• Integration of individuals with Down syndrome into the community
• Supporting research, development, and implementation of new technologies
• Promoting positive social images to eliminate stigma and discrimination.

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Strengths

Since 2014 The Down Syndrome Centre (DSC) has provided professional multidisciplinary clinical, educational and training services to children with Down syndrome from birth to 18 years and their families. We operate full-service centres in Sandyford and Swords and have affiliate centres in Cork, Carrickmacross and Portlaoise.

Our mission is to provide approved approaches at the earliest opportunity in the child’s development to enable them to reach their full potential throughout their journey to adulthood. Our clinical team also supports families through professional guidance on being the parent or sibling of a child with Down Syndrome.

Workshops and webinars cover essential topics such as understanding Down syndrome, communication, behaviour management and fostering social inclusion. Our centres also provide a space for peer support and networking opportunities, building a community where families can share their stories with others who understand and can empathise.

Our services are in line with the HSE Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme (PDS) and support special and mainstream schools in delivering special needs education and promoting inclusion.

Our multidisciplinary team of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapist provide personalised services to our children users that evolves with their growth. DSC services are consistent with the HSE’s Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People programme (PDS) which envisages services being provided by the community and voluntary sector and Children’s Disability Network Teams are referring children to us, thereby alleviating waiting lists.

Our services also help the State meet obligations to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRP) and European Pillar on Social Rights.

Services for children

• Initial and Review Assessments
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy / Joint Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Lámh Training
• Therapist School Visits
• SKIP (Special Kids Education Programme) S&L & OT Therapy led programme to prepare children for mainstream school)
• Team 21 Tots (parent and toddler group led by Montessori teacher)
• Stepping Stones (OT & S&L led early development programme for 6-18 months)
• Typing Club
• Baby Massage
• Bicycle Club
• Teens Programme (Therapy-led programme life skills programme)
• Music Therapy
• Youth Club
• OT and S&L led Summer and Easter Workshops/Camps For families
• Parent Advice Clinic
• Sibling Workshops (peer support and education)
• Special Needs Trust Planning Workshop Webinars
• Parents’ Stammer Evening
• Introduction to Assisted Devices
• Navigating Behavioural Challenges
• Puberty & Sexuality
• Transition to Primary School

Impacts

• Timely achievement of developmental milestones such as cognitive, linguistic, motor and social skills
• Identifies and reduces risk of secondary health issues such as underdeveloped muscle tissue, body misalignment, obesity and heart disease
• Increased independence
• Fosters positive self-image and sense of belonging
• Improved well-being and quality of life
• Sets the foundation for improving outcomes in education, employment and social inclusion
• Empowers families to understand and meet the unique needs of their children