More Information
The following information may assist teachers in the learning and teaching of pupils with Down syndrome.
About Down Syndrome
Where can I get information about Down syndrome?
Sources of Information
There are a wide variety of sources where one can access information related to Down syndrome, some of which are outlined below. The following links will lead to other sources:
SESS information sheet on Down Syndrome (PDF - 173 KB)
Signposts: A Resource Pack for Teachers (PDF - 536 KB)
Down Syndrome - Suggested Reading Material (PDF - 112 KB)
Other websites related to Down Syndrome
Voices of people with Down Syndrome, and their families
Educational Provision for Pupils with Down Syndrome in Mainstream Primary Schools (PDF - 110 KB)
Tips
for learning and teaching of pupils with Down syndrome
Tips for Learning and Teaching
Tips for learning and teaching are not mutually exclusive to Down syndrome and should be used by teachers after an assessment of the learning and teaching needs of each pupil.
Information and tips related to the learning and teaching of pupils with Down syndrome
Individualised Planning
Issue 3 of the SESS Newsletter 'CABHAIR' has a brief case study and an individualised education plan for 'Cassie', a 14 year old pupil with Down syndrome. As the primary focus of an plan is on the pupil, the plan will reflect the individualised needs of the pupil concerned.
Case study from 'CABHAIR' (PDF - 115 KB)
Conferences
related to Down syndrome
World Down Syndrome Congress in Dublin
In August 2009 Down Syndrome Ireland will be hosting the 10th World Down Syndrome Congress in Dublin. The theme for the congress is 'Lifelong Living and Learning'.
World Down Syndrome Congress website
Resources
to assist in the learning and teaching of pupils with Down syndrome
NCCA Guidelines
'Guidelines for Teachers of Students with General Learning Disabilities' is produced by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). These guidelines offer support for the learning and teaching of pupils with mild, moderate, severe and profound general learning disabilites. The guidelines are related to subject areas at both primary and post-primary level.
Guidelines for Teachers of Students with General Learning Disabilities
The SESS is currently working with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick to produce a support pack for primary teachers of pupils with Down syndrome. It is hoped that the pack will be available in the next academic year.
SESS Supports
SESS Supports Related to the Learning and Teaching of Pupils with Down syndrome
The SESS aims to provide support to schools and individual teachers in as flexible a way as possible. Through these supports, teachers can be facilitated in availing of professional learning opportunities that enables them to effect a pupil-centred approach to meeting the needs of pupils with Down syndrome.
For example, support might be financial, advisory or facilitative in nature, in response to an individual teacher, school, or professional group identifying particular professional development needs in relation to the teaching of pupils with Down syndrome.
More information on SESS supports
As part of its Supports Scheme, the SESS also subsidises the online course 'Down Syndrome: Enhancing Learning and Teaching' by ICEP Europe. The number of subsidised places is limited for the Spring course and the full fee applies once these places are filled. This course has been deemed a preferred programme of online continuing professional development by the Special Education Support Service.
More information on ICEP courses