We held a “Louth/Meath Employment Morning” on the 17th of February.
Adults with Down syndrome, parents/family members & key/support workers were welcomed on the day.
It took place from 10am-1pm in the D Hotel, Marsh Rd, Drogheda, Co.Louth, A92 HF5F.
The morning gave us an opportunity to tell you about our Employment Programme, but also to find out the interests of members locally in relation to work.
Schedule: 10am – arrive, tea, coffee & scones
10.30 – Employment talk for adults with Down syndrome, parents & support workers -Q&A & discussion about local employers -Complete employment questionnaires to gather info & create a database of job seekers
11.30 – Employment skills workshop (for adults with Down syndrome only)
1.00 – Finish
Please email employmentdslm@gmail.com for more details
Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch in conjunction with the LMETB are offering online Art & Crafts Classes and online Cookery Classes to our Adult members.
Art & Craft Classes start AUG 4/5TH and the Cookery Classes will be starting soon.
The Regional Advisory Council held its first formal meeting on September 4th in Conyngham Arms hotel Slane.
The newly formed Regional Advisory Council(RAC) is an independent self-advocacy group for adults with Down syndrome in the North East area. The 14 member council, consisting primarily of people from Meath and Louth but also some from Westmeath and Cavan, is the first of its kind within DSI’s 25 branches. Based on the successful National Advisory Council developed over a number of years, the RAC offers an opportunity for the branch members to have a structured input into the plans and activities of DSI in the region.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Council, Louth Meath branch chairperson Paul Radford said:
“We are proud to be the first branch in Ireland to commence the Regional Advisory Council initiative. We have known for a long time, as both parents and committee members, that people with Down syndrome have their own voice and opinion about how they want to live their lives. The RAC will ensure that those voices are listened to, those opinions respected and acted upon.”
Council facilitator and DSI National Advocacy Officer, Helena Connors said:
“We are delighted that the Louth Meath branch are taking the lead on the RAC programme and we hope to follow suit with other branches across our countrywide membership. Over the next two years, the Regional Advisory Council members will engage in structured self-advocacy and organisational skills training that will enable them to be confident and effective self-advocates. They will be electing their own officers and speaking out on the issues of concern to themselves and the communities in which they live. Watch this space!”
Allyson Maher Helena Connors DSI council ficilitator national advocacy officer , Megan Mc Cormick ,Brendan O’ Shea and Niamh Mc Nally at the newly formed regional advisory council Launch at the Conyngham Arms Slane Photo Jimmy Weldon
Conor O’ Dowd, Fintan Bray,Mike Egan Louth Meath resource officer,Tomas Nally and Cathal Byrne at the newly formed DSI regional advisory council Launch at the Conyngham Arms Slane Photo Jimmy Weldon
Annmarie Whelan, Fintan Bray and Elearnor Murray at the newly formed DSI regional advisory council Launch at the Conyngham Arms Slane Photo Jimmy Weldon
Paul Radford Chairperson, Liam Foley,Helena Connors DSI council ficilitator national advocacy officer, Fintan Bray, Mike Egan DSI Louth , Meath resource officer at the newly formed regional advisory launch at the Conyngham Arms Slane
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SOUGHT FOR ADULT EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME
Down Syndrome Ireland’s Ability programme was launched in September 2018 and is aimed at providing further education and preparation for employment for our over 18s. The programme has been developed in conjunction with Accenture, a global management consultancy firm and with the support of funding from Pobal.
In its complete format, the programme runs for 4 days per week from September to June for 2 years with modules in Practical Literacy and Technology;Decision Making, Rights and Responsibilities; Work Skills and preparation for employment.
Louth/Meath branch will run and subsidise the programme from September 2019 if there is sufficient interest. Location will depend on the level of interest. It is an option to run just parts of the programme and this may suit members who have already completed Latch on and Mote programmes who would prefer to do the only Work Skills module. Again, it will depend on demand.
Planning for a class in September 2019 must begin NOW. If you are interested in any way or would like more details, please contact;
