The Down Syndrome Centre North East

The Down Syndrome Centre North East is a non-profit organisation which provides subsidised, essential services for the Down Syndrome Community in the North East region covering counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth & Meath. The DSC NE is managed on a voluntary basis by a group of parents of children with Down Syndrome.

The core ethos of DSC NE embraces – we want to create a brighter future where children and adults with Down Syndrome are given support to reach their and live and lives.

Our goal is to provide family-centered support services to meet the individualized needs of all children and families; providing support services, education, information and advice. The heart of the centre is our family room and coffee dock which provides space for individuals to come together to form friendships, share experiences and form a peer support network. Siblings are welcome to play in the family room whilst waiting on their brother/ sister receiving therapies and will have a chance to connect with others who have a sibling with DS.

DSC NE also provides a range of social activities and information seminars for parents and families of children and young people with Down Syndrome. The services provided focus on the entire family and includes activities such as; baby massage, music and dance sessions, parenting information sessions, nutritional information sessions, fitness and wellness programmes and a parent toddler group. A range of individual clinical therapies tailored to the needs of each child is provided & include; occupational therapy and music therapy. We are working towards having Speech & Language therapy in place by Quarter 4, 2019. In addition, a small group early intervention programme for Children with DS aged 2 - 6 years runs in line with the preschool term.

It is our aim to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and promote acceptance, inclusion, integration and an appreciation of diversity within the wider community. This is achieved through the provision of talks in primary, secondary schools and third level institutions and the facilitation of training for teachers, special needs assistants and the wider community to inform and educate about Down Syndrome. We will challenge the stereotypes associated with DS and highlight the potential of children and adults with Down Syndrome.

In the future, our services will expand to work with young adults to develop the confidence and independence required to participate in education, training and employment in order to realise and achieve their individual goals.