Down Syndrome Ireland is an organisation of parents and guardians of people with Down syndrome. It has almost 2,500 member families with 23 branches nation-wide, and is funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members. DSI has grown from modest beginnings in 1971 into a truly national organisation. It is the biggest single group concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.
Aims and Objectives Down Syndrome Ireland aims to provide: family support, improve medical social and educational services for people with Down syndrome, encourage research and disseminate information: improve public knowledge and awareness of Down syndrome; meet regularly and liase with similar organisations abroad; establish a National Centre.
Services
Each of our nation-wide branches organises a wide range of social events, outings, information evenings, speakers and weekly activities such as speech and drama classes, swimming, computer lessons and team sports. The head office of Down Syndrome Ireland offers a number of services to both our members and to the public. An information service and resource library is open to all those with an interest in Down Syndrome. We also offer meeting room facilities, training courses and support for local projects and initiatives. Down Syndrome Ireland offers a number of other services to our members, these include a counselling service, use of a holiday home, provision of a home teacher service, parent support groups, support and information through a wide range of one-off and monthly publications. In addition, on a broader scale, Down Syndrome Ireland acts as a liaison and a lobbying group to improve the lives and those with Down Syndrome and to help them reach their full potential.
