Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is a leading advocacy and support organisation dedicated to promoting the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. With a commitment to education, empowerment, and community, Down Syndrome Ireland strives to create a world where individuals with Down Syndrome can thrive and reach their full potential.
Down Syndrome Ireland is delighted to announce its new joint initiative with Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB) with the creation of Ireland’s first specific soft skills training programme for people with Down Syndrome.
John Condon, Head of Adult Education in Down Syndrome Ireland commented: “All people with Down Syndrome have the potential to be in meaningful employment and contribute to community and society.”
In an ever-evolving job market, staying ahead requires not only technical know-how but also a robust set of soft skills. The Skills Academy is an innovative programme that promises to shape the workforce for tomorrow.
One of the key elements that sets this project apart is the collaboration between Down Syndrome Ireland’s Adult Education Team and tutors from DDLETB. These professionals bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the table, ensuring that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date insights.
The program will be forging partnerships with industrial sectors, fostering a sense of community and the development of employment opportunities. This interconnected approach allows students to benefit from a broader network of resources, creating a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the confines of a single institution.
At the heart of the program lies a focus on practical soft work skills. Recognising the importance of adaptability and interpersonal abilities in today’s workplace, the curriculum will focus on key areas such as retail, hospitality, and office work skills. Students are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but are actively engaged in hands-on exercises.
The Adult Education and Employment Departments at Down Syndrome Ireland will offer employment skills training days and stablish connections with potential employers, with the goal of enhancing job prospects for people with Down Syndrome.
DSI provide support to employers around looking at job roles within their organisation that would provide meaningful work for an adult with Down Syndrome. The Employment department provide assistance in creating contracts, documentation and Awareness Training for your team to ensure awareness around working with adults with Down Syndrome.
The DSI head of employment Aoife Gaffney says that people with Down Syndrome want to work and “represent a substantial source of untapped commitment and talent”.
As the employment landscape continues to evolve, adaptability becomes a cornerstone of success. The Skills Academy, through its collaboration with tutors, partnerships with Education Training Boards, and a focus on practical soft skills, emerges as a beacon of innovation in education. It’s not just preparing students for jobs; it’s preparing them for thriving careers in a dynamic and ever-changing professional landscape.
Down Syndrome Ireland is inviting hardware industries employers to collaborate with them for innovative partnerships with the Skills Academy rogram. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact any member of our Adult Education Team at Down Syndrome Ireland.
John Condon
E: johncondon@downsyndome.ie
T: 086 1286025
Aisling Browne
E: aislingbrown@downsyndrome.ie
T: 086 1692319
