Down Syndrome Limerick calls for inclusivity this World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 21

Down Syndrome Limerick (DSL) has called on the government to make a difference on 2025 World Down Syndrome Day

As the world marks World Down Syndrome Day 2025, Down Syndrome Limerick and parents’ groups are speaking out about the need for greater inclusion in social activities for children

Down Syndrome Limerick (DSL) has called on the government to make a difference this World Down Syndrome Day asking them to improve the supports and services available to children and adults with disabilities in order for them to thrive.

DSL aims to support families and individuals with Down Syndrome throughout their lives, through a range of social, educational and development activities to help improve their lives and assist them in reaching their full potential.

In a series of videos released by DSL on social media, the charity has given parents a voice and platform to speak about their experiences and the changes they would like to see.

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Louise Daley, mother to nine-year-old  Ameliya, has faced numerous challenges in finding a dance class that would welcome her daughter, who has Down Syndrome. Louise explained how from a young age Ameliya loved dancing and music, which made Louise determined to find a place where her daughter could express herself and follow her passion.

However, Louise explained how many dance schools either ignored her inquiries or outright refused to accommodate  Ameliya, citing a lack of resources or support staff.

She said, “ When  Ameliya was about three years old I searched for places to see if I could get her into doing some dancing or Irish dancing, or some sort of dancing. A lot of places either didn’t reply to me, they said ‘We couldn’t manage a child like that,’ or, ‘We wouldn’t have the facilities for her to come’. That was very disheartening because they didn’t know Amelia, they didn’t know whether she’d be able to do the class or not. They weren’t even willing to give her a try.”

The search for an inclusive dance school was put on hold until  Ameliya started school and saw her friends attending classes. Louise, wanting her daughter to have the same opportunities, reached out to some dance schools again, she says most had the same response: a lack of resources to accommodate a child with additional needs. Just one school welcomed Amelia with open arms, without hesitation.

Louise said, “ Only one school took  Ameliya in – and has taken her in with open arms – Never questioned anything about  Ameliya!  Just basically said, ‘Bring her along, we’ll give it a shot and see how we get on.’ And  Ameliya has been with that school for the last year and a half and she did her first competition on the 22nd of February in Tralee.”

Louise explains in the video how the experience for the past year and a half has helped her daughter’s “social skills so much” assign that she is “surrounded by so much love”.

This World Down Syndrome Day, Louise is calling on the government to provide funding and support for social activity providers, such as dance schools, to ensure children with disabilities are included. She suggests initiatives similar to the AIMS program for preschools or SNAs in primary schools, allowing dance schools to access additional staff and resources.

Another parent, Mary, mother to seven-year-old Brendan, shares her experiences navigating support systems for her son and is also calling for government action this World Down Syndrome Day.

She said, “Brendan faces challenges with communication, using mirrored words and some Lámh signs. This becomes especially tough when he’s unwell and can’t express his discomfort. He’s also working on fine motor skills and some behavioural challenges.”

Although Mary expresses deep gratitude for the support Brendan has received from family, professional, and community groups such as DSL, noting the charity has been essential in providing speech and language therapy, while DSK guided us through assessments and therapy before Brendan started school.

Speaking about other supports, Mary said, “Brendan has received incredible support from his physiotherapist, Yvonne Ryan, and Newcastle West Early Intervention, helping him develop his gross motor skills.”

Beyond school, Brendan enjoys being part of the “Treaty Stars” Special Olympics Young Athlete Club every Sunday, where he’s supported by amazing coaches, volunteers, and parents. Mary also acknowledges the invaluable support of the WhatsApp mom groups in the DSK and DSL communities, who share experiences, advice, and friendship.

Mary said, “Their support, knowledge and friendship mean the world to me. Sharing the joy in Brendan’s progress and achievements, truly beautiful people that I would never have known only for my wonderful boy, Brendan”.

For 2025 World Down Syndrome Day DSL has called on the government to make a difference, saying sadly many children “are not getting adequate support or services from their disability teams.”

They said, “This World Down Syndrome Day we are calling on the government to improve the supports and services available to children and adults with disabilities in order for them to thrive!”