Down Syndrome Ireland ‘Laois Branch’ was proud to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in Eats and Treats, Lyster Square, Portlaoise last week.
The event allowed members of the public to drop in for a tea or coffee and a free cup cake throughout the day.
“Down Syndrome Ireland ‘Laois Branch’ is celebrating our 21st Anniversary this year also and has made great strides forward over those years,” the branch PRO Michael Gorman said.
Laois Down Syndrome now has its own Family Centre in Gort Na Noir, Abbeyleix, a central location, which makes it easily accessible from all parts of the county for our members.
The Branch is one of 25 Branches around the country under the umbrella of our National Body Down Syndrome Ireland.
Without the huge support and generosity of the people of Laois none of the services and supports we supply to our members would be possible as we receive no funding from any other source.
“Our families would never be able to afford the multitude of services and supports required for their family member otherwise. We operate a ‘Cradle to Grave’ philosophy whereby we look after our members throughout the life cycle,” Mr Gorman said.
“We are also using World Down Syndrome Day to highlight the woeful inadequacy of services and supports to families from state bodies such as the HSE, despite the fact that the most vulnerable people in our society are supposed to be equal citizens of the state,” Mr Gorman said.
An example of the heavily rebated services and supports which the branch supplies to its member families which includes regular social events are: Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Chiropody, Reflexology, a Counselling Service for Mental Health issues, Cycling, Swimming, outings etc.
Support
“Down Syndrome Ireland ‘Laois Branch’ would like to thank most sincerely Eats and Treats and all those who came in throughout the day to help us celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This great show of support from the public in Laois is very much appreciated and valued by our member families,” Mr Gorman said.
The Laois branch is hoping to eventually develop a local centre, following a promise of €10,000 in funding from solicitor Gerald Keane, where they can provide training for young adults with Down Syndrome to improve their prospects of securing meaningful employment.
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