Don’t Leave Us Behind campaign launched 

DOWN Syndrome Ireland launched a charity campaign at Leinster House last week calling for full inclusion in the nation’s classroom.  

At the launch of ‘Please Don’t Leave Us Behind’, Down Syndrome Ireland told TDs in a Leinster House briefing that students with Down syndrome are being denied their right to an effective education due to a lack of resources and training for teachers. 

The charity is calling on the Government to adequately resource and roll out a national training programme for teachers in mainstream schools. 

DSI is also calling for the July Provision programme, which provides funding to extend the school year for children with certain additional needs, to be extended to all children with Down syndrome. 

Extending the programme to all children with Down syndrome would cost just €1 million a year, the charity estimates.