More cuts in Education for children with Special Needs
reproduced from special needs parents
The Special Needs Parents Association is calling all parents to attend a demonstration next Wednesday 26th June at 6pm, outside Leinster House, Kildare Street.
Yet again it is time to Fight Back!
The Spin
Prof Sue Buckley to present to Education Subcommittee of the Dáil
We are really pleased to announce that a collaboration between the Dublin, Donegal branches, and the Down Syndrome Education Equality Advocates has resulted in the Chair person of the Dáil Education Subcommitee agreeing to a presentation by Prof Sue Buckley of Downs Ed International on the 11th September. Sue is one of the World's leading authorities on the subject of educating people with Down Syndrome.
Important Starting School Survey 2013&14
Starting School 2013 & 2014
Patricia Griffin, education Officer with Down Syndrome Ireland, is looking for the numbers of children with Down Syndrome starting primary school in September 2013 and September 2014. This information will help in the campaign to get Down syndrome re-classified as a Low Incidence disorder and get more resources allocated to our children.
Please help us provide these numbers by filling out these short surveys
AGM
The AGM was at the weekend 8th June in Waterford.Thanks to the Waterford branch for their great hospitality. 22 delegates came from the Dublin Branch thank you to each and every one of you. Mary Doherty (Louth/Meath) was voted in as president, Fran Kane from Dubin as national secretary, and Des Mulhall from Laois as national treasurer. National council appointments (Cork - Liam Ahern, Donegal - Gina Grant, Dublin Sylvaine Ni Cheallachain, and Bernie Dixon, Risteard Pierce - Kerry, Kildare Gerry Doran, Louth/Meath - Jackie Gaines, and Terry Quinlan from Waterford.
Claire Leonard stepped down as president after years of esteemed service to DSI.
We'll post more on motions when the minutes are published.
Announcing the Educate, Communicate, Achieve Conference 2013
Down Syndrome Dublin are delighted to announce a three day conference in Dublin on the 12-14th September. We've listened to what the NCSE had to say and we've invited Sue Buckley (one of the world's leading researchers into Educating Children with Down Syndrome) to talk to teachers/home teachers/learning support/resource teachers and montessori teachers on the 12th, Speech & Language Therapists on the 13th 9-1pm, and parents of older children/adults 5-8pm on the 13th, and parents 9am-5ish on the Saturday. Everyone can book a place online at http://www.dsdublin.ie/conference2013,
Book Hotel Accomodation at http://www.dsdublin.ie/hotel2013
If anyone needs creche facilities email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Download the Conference Flyer Here
We urge all of you to strongly encourage your child's teachers, montessori teachers and speech & language therapists to attend. Don't take no for an answer and don't be put off by we can't get a subistitute teacher so early in the academic year.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Flora Mini-Marathon
A huge thank you to everyone who ran/walked or Jogged for Down Syndrome Dublin in the Flora Mini Marathon. It was a hot one, we had 15 more runners than last year, we're not sure how much money we raised yet, but we'll let you know, and we promise to put the money to good use
Latest Research - Brain Cells give insight into Down Syndrome
Brain cells have been grown from skin cells of adults with Down's syndrome in research that could shed new light on the condition.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22655578
Puberty Talk Rescheduled
Childrens Ombudsman criticises Dept of Education for failing children with Down Syndrome
The department's actions had "adversely affected" the capacity of children with the condition to engage to the fullest possible extent in mainstream primary schooling, according to a new report.
Ombudsman Emily Logan said there was "a potential for loss of opportunity given the lack of adequate consideration given to the cluster of needs for such children".
The ombudsman's criticism is in response to a complaint made by the mothers of two children with Down Syndrome attending mainstream primary schools.
Yoga Classes
The Elbow Room are running a FREE 4 week course specifically designed for chlidren with Down Syndrome aged 9+. - parents are encouraged to join in. The course runs on a Monday from 5pm to 6pm, and starts on the 20th May. The class may help with: