Down Syndrome Sligo

05/02/2026

Don't miss out on our upcoming webinars and seminars! 💻

The Transition from Post-Primary School to Adult Education and Employment - 11th February

Exploring Options After School with the National Learning Network - 3rd March

ETBI Further Education and Training Information - 10th March

Supporting Inclusive Learning for Students with Down Syndrome (For Post-Primary Teachers) - 3rd March

Register now on our website here: https://downsyndrome.ie/resources/upcoming-webinar/

30/01/2026

Sexuality is an important topic for parents/carers to get their head around. This Australian webinar comes recommended, it's on Feb 25th 3.30pm our time.

The short movie Grace (25 minutes) is also well worth watching on this topic: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/grace/731448360156

https://events.humanitix.com/mytime-education-series-understanding-and-supporting-sexuality-for-people-with-disability

This MyTime Education Series webinar will explore sexuality and relationship education for people with disability,

28/01/2026

We are lucky to have access to Silvia through her Early Years position with Down Syndrome Ireland.

Pablo Pineda is a Spanish actor, educator, and self-advocate with Down syndrome. He was the first person with Down syndrome in Europe to complete a university degree.

I find Pablo so inspiring, and I learn so much from him every time I hear him speak or read his work.

One message he shares again and again with families and educators is how important it is to support children with disabilities to become as independent as possible.

And this starts very early.

When we encourage babies to use a spoon, toddlers to put toys away, or children and teenagers to take on small responsibilities at home, we are building confidence, independence, and real-life skills that will support them to become as autonomous as possible later in life.

23/01/2026

Next bookclub date is Feb 3rd, feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

You can go and try it out, zero commitment needed. Contact Shannon at Sligo County Library for more info.

There is also a monthly club in Tubbercurry library, contact them if that's closer/more convenient.

22/01/2026

Seeking ideas 💡

We're looking for venue suggestions for our next café meet-up for parents/branch family members.

Needs to be:
😊Central- In or near Sligo town.
🚗Parking available.
👶Child/baby friendly.
♿️Accessible - Wheelchair and buggy friendly.
🔌 Plug outlets available (for a laptop / health device).
🌌Spacious - would have guaranteed space whether 6 or 16 people turn up.
🥮Nice selection of tea, coffee, cakes etc.

Suggestions welcome!

We run these 5/6 times a year and they're open to anyone who has someone with Down syndrome in their family. It's an informal way to get together, get to know each other and talk to our Coordinator Ríona about what our branch and Down Syndrome Ireland can offer.

20/01/2026

Please provide your thoughts to Fidelma in Down Syndrome Ireland on education - complete the survey below.

Have Your Say on the Future of Education in Ireland.

The National Conversation on Education was recently launched on January 14th, and is an opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s future education system.

DSI will be making a submission on behalf of all of our members and we would appreciate your help by completing a survey. This will give us the information we need to ensure that our submission presents the issues highlighted by members, and informs the long term strategy for the future of education in Ireland.

To have your say, please click the survey link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCLLK66

If you have any questions, please email DSI's Head of Primary and Post Primary Education, Fidelma Brady at fidelma@downsyndrome.ie.

20/01/2026

Join us for our upcoming webinar on the transition from post-primary school to adult education and employment.

Sinéad Flynn, Head of Adult Education, and Aoife Gaffney, Head of Employment, will talk about some of the options available after school and offer guidance on preparing for the transition. They will give informative and practical tips on how to plan the next steps with confidence and independence.

This webinar is suitable for teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome, their families, carers and professionals.

Date: Wednesday 11th February

Time: 7pm to 8pm

Register by clicking here: https://downsyndrome.ie/resources/upcoming-webinar/

19/01/2026

Drop your Return recycling bottles to St. Josephs, located just past the roundabout on the Clarion Rd, Ballytivnan.

13/01/2026

Looks great for young girls/teens 👍

Dr Fidelma Brady, Head of Education at Down Syndrome Ireland, has endorsed the publication of 'Isla's World - A Girl's Puberty Guide'. This book, written by Eleanor Geoghegan, is suitable for girls with intellectual disabilities, to help them understand the changes in their bodies.

You can purchase a copy here: https://poppermonster.com/product/islas-world-a-girls-puberty-guide-book/

12/01/2026

Thanks to everyone who was involved or donated to the St. Stephen's Day charity ride out, it's wonderful to have such fabulous local support.