Adult Education | Down Syndrome Limerick

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, one tutor, and two academic support workers.

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.