News

• 
• 

Northern Ireland SEN Framework Review

• Friday, 18 December 2009 00:00

The Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI) has issued a consultation document entitled "The Way Forward for Special Educational Needs & Inclusion" (which may be downloaded from www.deni.gov.uk). DENI has extended the time for responses to this report to 31st January 2010.

 

The Down's Syndrome Association are deeply concerned about the impact the proposed changes will have on children with Down's syndrome. Whilst we recognise there are many difficulties with the current Special Educational Needs Framework we believe that the proposed changes will actually make matters worse and that parents will find it even more difficult to secure adequate educational provision for their child(ren).

Continue reading >

• 
• 

Christopher's Marathon Challenge

• Wednesday, 04 November 2009 00:00

When Christopher Weston decided to enter the 2010 Belfast Marathon he didn't have to look far for a charity that would benefit from his efforts.

Chris's sister Ann was born with Down's syndrome. Very sadly, Ann passed away in 1987, not long before her 7th birthday but Chris still has many happy memories of their time together.

In later years Chris learned from his mother Celia, how important the DSA had been to her and the support she had received.

Chris took up running in February 2009 and has set himself the personal challenge of completing the Belfast marathon and raising money for Down's Syndrome Association. Please support him on justgiving.

• 
• 

Dales Way Walk 2009

• Thursday, 08 October 2009 11:30

It has been a long held tradition that the Army Recruiting Group NI chooses a different charity each year and fundraise for it.

When Dan Steele was asked to organise this year's main fund-raising event he agreed on the condition that he could choose the charity. Down's syndrome was very personal to Dan. When his youngest son, David, was born in December 2007 he was diagnosed 3 days later with Trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome). The charity has proved to be a great help to the whole family and Dan could not think of a more worthwhile cause to raise money for.

Continue reading >

• 
• 

Colin Carrigan - A Top Fundraiser

• Wednesday, 05 August 2009 09:45

Here is a photo of one of our volunteers, Colin Carrigan, receiving a certificate at the Institute of Fundraisers Northern Ireland Convention at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Colin has a daughter, Lucia, who is 18 months old and has Down's syndrome. He has been fundraising for the DSA in Northern Ireland since his daughter was born. His most recent project was a motorcycle run to Skye.

Colin was nominated for an award for his fundraising efforts for which he hopes to raise between £8,000 - £10,000.