Latest Information – Page 10 – Down Syndrome Ireland

Tons of Fun Tots welcomes an unexpected guest …

18 December, 201918 December, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

There was great excitement at the Tons of Fun Tots playgroup during its last session when a certain someone in a familiar red suit paid an unexpected visit to some of the youngest members of the DSI Louth Meath Branch.

We had a room full of excited boys and girls, all dressed up for Christmas, and ready to party with their teacher, Triona Cussen. We were practicing “good sitting” and singing some seasonal classics. All the boys and girls were attentively watching Triona demonstrate some Lámh signs along with the songs when who should come in the door … only Santa Claus!

Some of the children were very excited to meet the man himself while others were a little more hesitant but Santa made sure he had a little something for everyone in his sack.

Suffice to say it was a great morning and a wonderful lead up to the Christmas season.

A special word of thanks to Mickey Rooney and all the staff in St Mary’s GAA, Ardee as well as the transition year students from Ardee Community School. The Christmas party was a huge success, enjoyed by both the babies and parents alike.

A Happy Christmas to you all.

Tons of Fun Tots is a play & educational group based in Ardee for pre-school children with Down Syndrome. The group is suitable for babies/wobblers/toddlers from 6 months to preschool/school age. However, new mums/dads & younger babies are always welcome. The group is a formal, but fun-based, learning environment for infants and young children and introduces them to lots of songs and rhymes using Lámh which helps develop their social skills and build a close circle of friends. It is also a valuable resource for parents, providing an opportunity for them to see Lámh being used in a setting that is both informal and more importantly, fun.

For further information on Tons of Fun Tots, please contact:

Brendan Stephenson at secretarydslm@gmail.com or Andrea McArdle 086-3709831 https://dsilmb.ie/more/tons-of-fun-tots/

Congratulations to Jack Egan

27 November, 201927 November, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

Our member Jack Egan has some news. He has qualified for the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Antalya Turkey, taking place from the 31st March till the 7th April 2020.

IDSSO are sending a team of 12 athletes to represent Ireland.

Jack is planning on doing a skydive to raise funds for the team and we will give the details when it is all arranged.

Christmas Party Invite

13 November, 201913 November, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

We have sent out our invitations for the Branch Christmas Parties by email. Enclosed were:

1. Invitation to the Children’s Christmas Party (for 0 – 12 year olds) on Sunday, 15th December 2019. RSVP by Saturday 7th December, and the invitation to the Christmas Party for Teenagers/Adults on Saturday 14th December 2018. RSVP by Monday 9th December. Members families of young teenagers can choose which is the most appropriate party for their teenager

2. Membership Renewal Form 2020. The membership fee this year is €20. Membership for children under 2 years of age is free. Please ensure that you return the attached form with your membership, so that we have up to date information for all our families. Families availing of any service or activity are required to have current membership.

The Louth Meath Branch send regular emails, at least 2 each month, so if you do not receive these emails please contact the secretary to update your contact details.

Down Syndrome Ireland Christmas Cards are available from Committee Members and will also be available at the Branch Christmas Parties.

We wish to thank all committee members, officers and everyone who organised events or activities for the branch during the year – these are parents of people with Down Syndrome who give of their time, on a voluntary basis to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome in counties Louth and Meath area

https://dsilmb.ie/event/childrens-christmas-party-for-0-12-year-olds

https://dsilmb.ie/event/christmas-outing-for-teenagers-young-adults-2/

https://dsilmb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Down-Syndrome-Ireland-Membership-2020-1.pdf

DSI Christmas Cards for 2019

31 October, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

The Branch has received its allocation of DSI Christmas Cards for 2019.

Cards are available for purchase from Brendan on secretarydslm@gmail.com, 083 8972044, Ellie on email elliecosgrove@hotmail.com, 087 6671393 or from any Committee Member.

Cards cost

Member designed cards (4 designs per pack) in packs of 12 @ €6.00 per pack

Small box of 10 cards (1 design per box) @ €7.00 per pack

Small Cello Packs of 10 cards (1 design per pack) @ €7.00 per pack

* NEW * Christmas Bonus Box of 30 Assorted Cards (16cm square) @ €8.00 per pack

DSI Launches New Education Booklets

15 October, 201915 October, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

Down Syndrome Ireland are delighted to launch vital new resources for parents and teachers of children with Down syndrome in a variety of educational settings.

Our Supporting students with Down syndrome in post primary school booklet provides educators and parents alike with information and advise on how to help students with Down syndrome thrive in mainstream education settings.

There is information about Down syndrome, about the learning profile and about various issues which might interfere with a student’s ability to access the curriculum. Topics covered include literacy; numeracy; movement, sport and leisure; managing behaviour and social and emotional development. It also provides a pathway to Junior Cycle. With each chapter, there are suggestions of practical, manageable ways to help.

Our Supporting students with Down syndrome in special schools booklet provides parents and educators with information and advise on how to help students with Down syndrome thrive in special education settings. It also provides suggestions for intervention for children with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The move from primary to post primary school can often be difficult for any student. For a student with Down syndrome, that bit of extra thought, planning and preparation will help ease this transition – to the benefit of both the new arrival and the school. Our Supporting Students with Down syndrome transition from primary to post primary school booklet outlines some simple initiatives and practical steps teachers and parents can take to support students.

A very useful tool to help ease the transition from primary to post primary school is preparing a ‘Getting Ready for Post Primary School – My Workbook’. Print off this workbook and personalise it with information, pictures and other useful tips and it can be used to prepare students for the move.

All four resources were launched this week at the first of our six Managing Behaviour & Transitions for the Student with Down syndrome education conferences taking place around the country. If you are interested in attending any of our upcoming conferences, please visit here.

The booklets were produced by Down Syndrome Ireland thanks to funds raised through our HB Fundays campaign with HB Hazelbook Farm.

https://downsyndrome.ie/dsi-launches-new-education-booklets/

CCSP Scheme update

15 October, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

It has been announced that the Government will be extending the CCSP scheme until August 2021. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has confirmed that anyone registered at the close of the current registration window (October 25th) will be allowed to roll over into the following year.

The Government is also extending the maximum enhanced hours to 45 hours per week and maximum standard hours to 20 hours with effect from Sept 2020.

We’ll update you when we hear more.

https://downsyndrome.ie/ccsp-scheme-update/

Down Syndrome Ireland Talent Day Football Registration

25 September, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

Down Syndrome Ireland Talent Day Football Registration

Keeping fit and healthy is a fun thing to do. Refining your football skills by playing Football with peers, promises to lift the spirits and form lifetime friendships.

A unique opportunity has arisen for our Irish players with Down syndrome.

The Trisome Games 2020 are being held in Turkey from 31 March to 7 April – hosting teams with Down syndrome from over 50 countries in 8 sports.

Down Syndrome Ireland in association with the FAI, are considering entering a Futsal team to represent Ireland at this prestigious event.

For Ireland to be able to compete at an international level, we are looking for skilled, talented and athletic players. If you play football regularly and are 16 or over you are invited to complete the entry form in the link below and to attend one of the 4 open talent days listed below.

https://www.fai.ie/domestic/down-syndrome-ireland-talent-day-football-registration?fbclid=IwAR1KxVfX1HNEHH9Jdyt1Na8ZwEUw6YDx2damu75E4q2Ugax7snKYl9J3YM4

Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects

25 September, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

The HSE is looking for up to 180 adults with a disability to participate in the Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects over the coming two years, DSI heard at a conference around the pilot scheme this week. The closing date for expressions of interest for Phase 1 is October 16th 2019

Aisling Hunt, Personalised Budgets Project Manager, appeared at a conference hosted by the Disability Federation of Ireland and outlined the full scope of the upcoming demonstration projects.

The HSE is looking for participants who access day services, residential services, respite services, rehabilitative training and personal assistance across the country.

How is the HSE going to test the Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects:

The HSE is looking to test three difference models;

a person managed fund
a co-managed fund with a service provider and
a broker managed fund.

The Project will run in two phases. Phase 1 will open for expressions of interest in late August and will commence from October 2019. Phase 2 will commence from April 2020. The HSE is seeking 90 participants in both phases.

Who can apply to participate in Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects:

As we previously outlined to our members here, only adults with a disability that are currently in receipt of HSE-funded disability services, either directly provided by the HSE or through disability service providers can apply.

Young people leaving school in 2019 and 2020 that have a commitment to a funded day service can also apply.

Who cannot participate at this time?

Children with a disability
Older Persons Services
Individuals not in receipt of HSE disability funded services, either directly provided by the HSE or through the non-statutory sector
Adults currently in receipt of HSE funded services where the associated funding cannot be unbundled

How long is the Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects going to run for?

The project will run for two years. It is anticipated that each successful applicant will participate in the demonstration projects for at least 12 months.

What can participants spend their money on:

Participants can only spend their direct payment on specific personal supports funded by the HSE. These supports will be agreed and identified in each participants’ Personal Support Plan.
Participants cannot use the direct payment to pay for informal care from a spouse, partner or close relative.
Participants cannot use their direct payment to pay for therapeutic services which are available from the HSE in the community.
Participants cannot use their direct payment to pay for supports that would normally be provided by another Government Department or Statutory Agency e.g. transport.
Participants will be asked to keep records on what they spend their personalised budget on and how it matches what was agreed in their personal support plan.

If you would like to be considered?

If any of our members would like to be considered to participate in the Project, please contact the Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects Office and additional information regarding participation will be forwarded to you.

The closing date for expressions of interest for Phase 1 is October 16th 2019. No applications for Phase 1 will be considered after this date. Phase 2 will commence in April 2020.

Postal Address

Personalised Budgets Demonstration Projects Office
Community Strategy and Planning
Health Service Executive
Block D, Parkgate Business Centre
Parkgate Street
Dublin D08 YFF1

Via email to – pbdemo@hse.ie

Via telephone – 01 6352885

https://downsyndrome.ie/personalised-budgets-an-update-from-the-hse-on-the-demonstration-projects/

Regional Advisory Council

16 September, 2019 by Stephenson Brendan

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!”

https://downsyndrome.ie/a-national-first-for-the-north-east/