Down Syndrome Ireland

05/06/2026

Ice Cream Fundays is just around the corner! 🍦

From June 15th - 21st, we're asking you to gather your family, friends, and colleagues and host an Ice Cream Fundays party for Down Syndrome Ireland.

Your donations will support early intervention services for children like Tadhg, including Speech and Language Therapy, baby and parent groups, Lámh support, and more.

Sign up today at icecreamfundays.ie

05/06/2026

Adult Education classes at the Limerick branch finished on a high note recently with a surprise visit from local star Paudie Moloney, known for his time on Dancing with the Stars and The Traitors Ireland. 🕺

Yolanda, an adult learner and member of the branch said, 'Paudie is a good dancer, and he should come to adult education more often, also Lauren (his dance partner) is fantastic!’

The afternoon was filled with smiles, laughs, and plenty of photos as Paudie took the time to chat with everyone.

Thanks for stopping by Paudie! 💜

04/06/2026

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers under 23. It offers reduced points college places to students whose disabilities have impacted their second level education.

DARE is currently holding online public consultations to help shape the future of the scheme. Students, families, schools, disability organisations, and practitioners, are all invited to share their views.

Students
8th June
1pm - 2:30pm

Parents and Guardians
9th June
11am - 12:30pm

Teachers and Support Staff
9th June
3pm - 4:30pm

For more information and to register, click here: https://accesscollege.ie/dare/2026/05/25/the-dare-review/

04/06/2026

Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan

More information on the SNA Workforce Development Plan, Circulars, and Guidance Documents can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/special-needs-assistant-sna-workforce-development-plan/

Please forward any queries you may have to Fidelma Brady, Head of Primary and Post Primary Education, Down Syndrome Ireland, at [email protected]

03/06/2026

We're very excited for members of our Cork branch, who recently formed their Famous Ten Book Club in Cork County Council Library! 📖

Book club facilitator Rachel says this chatty bunch are bringing all the positive vibes to their meetings, and we can't wait to hear all about the books they'll be diving into!

If you are interested in starting a book club in your area, please contact Mary Frances, Down Syndrome Ireland Inclusion and Training Officer, at [email protected].

You can learn more about our book clubs here: https://downsyndrome.ie/our-work/further-education-and-training/book-clubs/

✨A warm welcome to our newest book club ✨

‘The Famous Ten Book Club’ is a fantastic group of young adults with Down syndrome who meet every month in our HQ Lending Library. The Famous Ten are enthusiastic readers who love classic stories, music, cooking & sport. Their meetings are lively; everyone gets a chance to share and the support the group give each other is second to none! 😄

The Famous Ten is an apt name for this book club as many of the members will be representing Munster in the Ireland Summer Games this month and we want to wish them all the best of luck!✨🙌

If you would like to know more about our book club service, email [email protected].

Libraries Ireland Cork County Council Down Syndrome Ireland Down Syndrome Centre Cork Special Olympics Ireland

02/06/2026

Have you registered for Ice Cream Fundays yet? 🍦

Host your get together at home, school, or work this June and support Down Syndrome Ireland’s Early Years services. Your donations will support our vital early interventions that help children like Oisín thrive and flourish.

Sign up at icecreamfundays.ie to get your free fundraising pack today! 💜

29/05/2026

Following an announcement on RTÉ News on May 28th, the Department of Education and Youth notified us that the portal for applications for the summer programme for both the school-based and home-based schemes would re-open. All schools are currently being notified of this change.

While the announcement was very welcome, it was unexpected, given that very recent information from the Department indicated that the Application Portal had closed on May 15th and would not reopen under any circumstances.

The Portal will now re-open from June 2nd until June 5th inclusive.

Information for Primary schools can been accessed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/summer-programme-2026-school-based-programme-in-primary-schools/

Information for Post-Primary schools can been accessed here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/summer-programme-2026-school-based-programme-in-post-primary-schools/

A home-based summer programme will also be available for children with complex special educational needs where their schools are not providing a school-based programme. Further information on these can be accessed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/summer-programme-2026-home-based-programme/

Please note that the eligibility and terms and conditions will be the same for this year as they were in 2025 for both the school-based and home-based programmes.

The Summer Programme helpline will operate Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 090648 4292.

Email queries for the school-based programme can be sent to [email protected]

28/05/2026

The heatwave may have passed, but it’s never too late to host an Ice Cream Fundays party! 🍦

This June, you can support children like Nimer by hosting an Ice Cream Fundays party in your community, school, or workplace.

When you sign up, you’ll receive a fundraising pack filled with bunting, stickers, and a coin box to help you get started. Hosting is easy - simply pick up some ice cream and wafers, decorate your space, and invite friends, family, or colleagues along for a sweet treat for a great cause 💜

Register today and get your fundraising pack at icecreamfundays.ie ☀️

Longford Westmeath Down Syndrome

28/05/2026

Donegal branch member Sinead Duffy recently had a very special reunion with her former Special Needs Assistant, Eric Roberts. Now a TV presenter and social media star, Eric met with Sinead during his visit to her school as a guest speaker.

Eric and Sinead worked together back when she was in first year. Now, as she takes on her Leaving Certificate Applied, it was a lovely chance for Sinead to catch up with someone who was there at the very start of her school journey! 💜