Adult Services

The Training Team work with a service or organisation to decide on content for the day that best meets their needs.

In half a day we can cover the following two segments -

What is Down's syndrome?

An overview of what Down's syndrome is and the potential of adults with the condition. This also includes information on genetics, health and cognitive issues and celebrates the achievements of adults with Down's syndrome. It looks at how high expectations and informed, skilled support can enable people to have choice and control over their lives.

The Learning Profile and Communication

What we know about the particular strengths and limitations in the way people with Down's syndrome learn, communicate and navigate their way through the world. This segment has a particular focus on the predictable profile of speech and language difficulties experienced by people with Down's syndrome with exploration of practical strategies to enhance communication skills and successful interaction both at work, rest and play.

The following sections can be stand alone full day training or as a shorter, half day combined with the above two segments -

Supporting Relationships and Sexuality

People with Down's syndrome have many social strengths but need specific support to develop happy, healthy relationships, in particular, sexual relationships. This section gives comprehensive advice and support to workers and managers on what policies and programmes of work they should have in place and how we can help them develop knowledge, skills, awareness and strategies for effective support. The sessions are interactive and explore the use of resources that can be used to support adults with Down's syndrome in this vital area of their emotional well being and quality of life

Ageing and Dementia

There are many facets to the life of an adult with Down's syndrome and many possible causes for any decline in later life. This programme explores what some of those causes could be and how they should be managed to ensure adults with Down's syndrome are enjoying active, healthy and fulfilled middle age and beyond.

This session can then also lead into training around dementia in people with Down's syndrome. A half day session can be arranged to follow the two sessions above but ideally would form a full day programme.

This programme covers all the essential aspects of assessment, diagnosis and care of a person with Down's syndrome who develops dementia. It looks at the Philosophy of Care that should be adopted by everyone in the life of the person, and what changes we can expect to see in terms of memory, daily living skills and communication. The day gives staff the understanding, the confidence and the skills to be dementia ready and empowers them to work closely with other practioners, agencies and family carers in order to provide the gold standard of care. This programme is accessible, practical and designed to enhance the skills of front line workers, managers and family carers.