Down Syndrome Ireland - Louth / Meath Branch
Down Syndrome Ireland – Louth / Meath Branch
VALENTINES VIRTUAL DISCO DANCE PARTY
We have organising a Virtual Valentines Disco Party for our Adult and Teenage Members.
When: Sunday 14 February 2021
Time: 6 – 8PM
Where : Zoom Platform
The Party will be Hosted By Shay Casserley & Linda Farrell who will be assisted by Philip Connolly & Stephen Farrell.
Preschool Speech Sound Practice
Olive Buckeridge is running a Speech Practice Group for Pre School Children on Zoom.
These are not intervention groups they are an opportunity to practice speech sounds. They are very general and they do not replace speech therapy sessions.
She will be running this online speech group on Thursdays at 2pm which will focus on a different sound weekly.
(Please note this is not a speech and language therapy session)
The Log-In details have been sent out by email. If you have not received the email please contact Brendan on secretarydslm@gmail.com to receive it.
This week we will be focusing on the b sound and Olive has sent a little workbook in advance.
Our Regional Resource Officers help people with Down syndrome and their family’s access support locally. Regional Resource Officers provide vital support and a point of contact for new parents as well as families who need help and support at local level at every life stage. Our Regional Resource Officer for the LouthMeath Branch is:
Mike Egan started working with the Louth Meath branch of DSI as a part-time Regional Resource Officer in November 2016, having had over 10 years front-line and management experience in adult learning disability services. His role in the Louth Meath branch is to act as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, Mike works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages.
He has a particular interest in the possibility of individualised funding/personal budgets for people with Down syndrome to enable them to reach their full potential and be active, included members of the community. Mike has an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, an MSc in Education and Training Management and, more recently, has trained as a mindfulness teacher for stress reduction and other benefits.
Mike can be contacted at:
mike@downsyndrome.ie
085 8618866.
These activities are designed to promote your baby/toddler/child’s communication development. These activities can be easily carried out at home as each activity is nice and short. You can do one, some or all of these activities. You may choose to do them daily or weekly, it’s completely up to you!
All you need for these activities is a little bit of space and toys/objects that you have in the house.
Activities to Promote Communication 1
We are going to focus on eye-contact, naming, action songs, cause and effect and teaching some important songs – “Hello song” and “The Clean-up Song”.
https://downsyndrome.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Activities-to-Promote-Communication.pdf
Activities to Promote Communication 2
If you are still working through the previous activities, don’t worry, you can start the following activities when your child is ready. You can also start these activities if you need a change and are feeling demotivated! Follow your child’s lead.
Activities to Promote Communication 3
This week we will be focusing on positive interaction through song, taking turns, cooking and much more.
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.
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/
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.
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.
