Dear Parents/Members,

The last summer camp was such a sucess, demand is huge, so remember to book early.

Your Branch is organising a Playball Summer camp for the 8 – 12 age group for the following dates and times –

Week 1 commences Monday 15^th July

Week 2 commences Monday   22^nd July

Monday – Friday 10.00 – 2.00pm

Location – Carmelite Community Centre, Aungier St, Dublin 2

The last summer camp was such a success that demand is huge so remember to Book Early

What is it with boxes and why do service providers and the government love them so much; when the implication of the "box" can be huge for an individual child. If a child is boxed as having a moderate learning disability, then significant supports are avaiable from service providers, and schools. However,  if a child has mild intellectual disability then the supports available to help a child in achieving their potential are defined by the ability of the parent to "persuade" the authorities that their child deserves it over all the other deserving children. So what can you do about it ?

Down Syndrome Dublin are organising visual acuity testing in Dublin with specialists from the University of Ulster.

Testing will cost approximately €200,  DSD will contribute €100 towards the cost  ( for members of Down Syndrome Dublin only). Members of other branches are welcome to book, DSD members will though get priority. The date will depend on the number of people to be tested.

If you'd like to know more about vision in children with Down Syndrome read this extract from the DSA journal

A deposit of €50 will be required to secure a place. Click here to book an appointment

Please find details below of a survey approved by Down Syndrome Ireland:

We are inviting you to take part in a research project that we are conducting with parents of individuals with Down Syndrome. The purpose of the study is to learn about factors that influence how families respond following the birth of a child with Down syndrome. This study is part of a larger cross-cultural study we will be conducting in at least 8 different countries (Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Thailand and the United States).

Yoga Fitness Dublin in Dun Laoghaire is running yoga classes for teens and young adults with special needs on Mondays at 5.30pm. Please contact them directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 085 - 763 7981 for more information.

http://www.yogafitness.ie/yoga-for-special-needs-teens.html

S&L Survey Results

The committee would like to thank everyone who took part in our S&L survey for children aged 0-18. The results were quiet shocking. It would seem that among our members, 75% of children are only receiving 6 sessions of S&L therapy a year. The committee are currently investigating several possibilities and we will inform members soon of plans to rectify this situation. Watch this space!!!

Do you have a child with a disability or are you involved in providing services for
children with disabilities?