061 334023 | info@downsyndromelimerick.ie
061 334023 | info@downsyndromelimerick.ie

Adult Education

Down Syndrome Limerick, in conjunction with Down Syndrome Ireland, run adult education programmes that offer an alternative option to the traditional day-service route. School-leavers have the option of studying our literacy and technology course, Latch – On or our active citizenship course, My Opinion My Vote (MOTE).

We also run a bespoke Work Skills course which is designed to help adults with Down Syndrome close the gap between education and meaningful employment in the world of work.

Latch-On

(Literacy and Technology Hands-On)

Literacy & Technology Hands-On (Latch-On) is a two-year literacy programme for adults with Down syndrome, which provides opportunities for adults to commence and continue their literacy development. Latch-On was developed at the University of Queensland, Australia and is for two days a week over two years.

The programme content is designed to allow the students opportunities to access literacy in all its forms from viewing through to reading and writing.

Literacy & Technology Hands-On (Latch-On) is one module of the Ability Programme, which provides people with Down syndrome access to meaningful employment opportunities.

The programme is made up of four modules:

1

Starting a Journey of Self Discovery: This module looks at topics students are generally familiar with, for example, pets, family, growing up.

2

Beyond Self and into the Community: This looks at the students’ interests such as music, sport and film.

3

Reaching Out into the World: This module has a wider focus with students learning about topics such as advertising, world landmarks and museums.

4

Taking on the World: This module focuses on practical tasks such as budgeting, planning a dinner party and the world of work.

Students will also have the opportunity to use technology during the course and learn how to email, text and access information online. There is also a numeracy component which introduces students to basic concepts such as same and different, sizes and prepositions.

There are opportunities to go on excursions to local places of interest.  The course culminates in a graduation ceremony at the end of the second year.

Are there any requirements for the programme?

There is no minimum literacy requirement to begin this course and all levels including emergent learners are catered for.

There is a maximum number of twelve students in the class and the lessons are taught by a teacher and two tutors.

When does the programme begin?

The programme begins mid-September and runs for thirty-two weeks each year.

Who can I contact for further information?

To find out more about the programme or to register your interest in undertaking the programme please contact us at Down Syndrome Limerick.

MOTE

(My Opinion My Vote)

My Opinion, My Vote (MOTE) is a European Project which aims to empower people with learning disabilities through active citizenship and participation in political elections. MOTE is one module of the Ability Programme, which provides people with Down syndrome access to meaningful employment opportunities.

It is a two year course that runs one day a week.

The students are taught about the political process and how their opinion, vote and involvement in politics matter. Among the many topics that are covered are local government, referenda and the process of elections.

Students are educated about their political rights and encouraged to form and express an informed opinion and decision during local, national and European elections and referenda.

The aim is to encourage people with learning difficulties to actively engage with the political decisions that will ultimately affect them.

My Opinion My Vote

The programme covers 10 units:

  • Unit 1: Forming a Personal and Independent Opinion
  • Unit 2: What is Politics?
  • Unit 3: Delegation and Representation
  • Unit 4: Participation in Associations, political parties and trade unions
  • Unit 5: Political Parties and Electoral Programmes
  • Unit 6: Voting Procedures, Electoral Lists
  • Unit 7: Local Public Authority
  • Unit 8: National Authority: Parliament/Government
  • Unit 9: What is Europe?
  • Unit 10: Referendum

Are there any requirements for the programme?

There is no minimum literacy requirement to begin this course and all levels including emergent learners are catered for. There is a maximum class size of sixteen students. Traditionally students who have studied Latch-On, progress to MOTE but completion of the Latch On module is not an entry requirement for the MOTE module of the Ability Programme.

When does the programme begin?

The programme begins mid-September.

Who can I contact for further information?

To find out more about the programme or to register your interest in undertaking the programme please contact us at Down Syndrome Limerick.

Work Skills

The work skills course is compiled of interactive videos centered on employment and is based on a project developed by Accenture called the Skills to Succeed Academy.

The course is divided into three modules:

1

You and Your Career
This module looks at the individual and what their interests and motivations are. Students also learn about the different types of jobs and careers that are available.

2

Getting a Job
This module examines the practical process of applying for a job. Students will practise all aspects from job adverts, application forms, CVs and interviews.

3

Success in Work
This prepares students for professional life and looks at social behaviour expected in the workplace. Students will practice roleplays and learn about timekeeping.

If possible, students are encouraged to take part in work experience in their local area during their course.

Adults who have already completed the existing education programmes, Latch-On and MOTE, can avail of the Work Skills Course (1 day per week for 2 years or 2 days per week for 1 year, depending on the commitments of students).

For more information on the Ability Programme go to the Down Syndrome Ireland website.

Work Skills