Special Education
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What is a special educational need?
Young people with special educational needs are young people first and have much in common with other people of the same age. There are many aspects to a young person’s development that make up the whole person, including – personality, the ability to communicate (verbal and non-verbal), resilience and strength, the ability to appreciate and enjoy life and the desire to learn. Each young person has individual strengths, personality, experiences and learning styles, so particular disabilities will impact differently on individual people. A young person’s special educational need should not define the whole person.
There are four different areas of disability:
There are four different areas of disability:
- physical
- sensory
- mental health
- learning disability or from any other condition that results in the child learning differently from a child without that condition.
How do I go about having my child formally assessed for a SEN?
If Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or any other Emotional/Behavioural Disorder (EBD) is suspected you may wish to bring it to the attention of your GP who can refer you on to additional services such as the Lucena Clinic.
There are many associations connected to the various types of SEN. You may wish to contact the association affiliated with the suspected difficulty. You’ll find a comprehensive list of associations at the end of the FAQ section. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have produced a number of informative pamphlets for parents. Again, you will find links to all of them in the ‘Useful Websites’ section at the end of the FAQs.
Parents of any child born after 1st June 2002 may apply to the HSE for an Assessment of Need under the Disability Act, if they think that their child may have a disability. Following the assessment, parents will receive an Assessment Report stating their child’s needs, if any, and the services required to meet those needs. Where a need for supports is identified, a service statement is prepared which specifies the health services to be provided to the child, with reference to available resources.
There are many associations connected to the various types of SEN. You may wish to contact the association affiliated with the suspected difficulty. You’ll find a comprehensive list of associations at the end of the FAQ section. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have produced a number of informative pamphlets for parents. Again, you will find links to all of them in the ‘Useful Websites’ section at the end of the FAQs.
Parents of any child born after 1st June 2002 may apply to the HSE for an Assessment of Need under the Disability Act, if they think that their child may have a disability. Following the assessment, parents will receive an Assessment Report stating their child’s needs, if any, and the services required to meet those needs. Where a need for supports is identified, a service statement is prepared which specifies the health services to be provided to the child, with reference to available resources.
What is inclusion?
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Inclusive education means encouraging each young person to take part in the everyday activity of the school, and helping every young person to achieve the most from school. Inclusive education means ensuring that the system adjusts to meet the young person’s needs, rather than expecting young people to ‘fit’ into the system.
It is important to remember that inclusive education is not just about the particular school or class a young person attends. It is also about what goes on in that school or class. In both primary and post-primary mainstream schools, class or subject teachers have the primary responsibility for the educational progress of all pupils in their classes. This includes pupils with special educational needs. The DES provides additional learning support and resource teaching support to build on, and complement, the education delivered by the class teacher. |
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What is differentiation?
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Mainstream class teachers cater for pupils with a wide range of abilities and needs who have a diverse range of personal/home experiences. Class or subject teachers have the primary responsibility for the educational progress of all pupils in their classes. This includes pupils with special educational needs. Pupils vary in their learning rates and styles. Differentiation is about matching teaching strategies, approaches and expectations to the range of experiences, abilities, needs and learning styles in a mainstream class. In other words, different teaching methods and approaches work with different pupils. Differentiation is an important means by which a teacher can show each pupil that they are respected and valued. The needs of the majority of pupils within a mainstream class can be met by differentiating teaching approaches for that class.
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How is additional support provided?
All additional teaching support given to your child should build on and complement the support delivered by the class/subject teacher in the ordinary classroom situation. Additional support is delivered via CoTeaching, smaller group and one to one withdrawal, depending on the needs of the student. There is a move away from withdrawal to a more inclusive model where the majority of the needs of students with SEN are met alongside their peers in the classroom, in smaller groups and in a few cases, via one to one withdrawal. The 'Continuum of Support' pyramid below highlights this approach:
Effective additional teaching support can be provided to your child in a number of different ways including:
- Your child is taught by the class teacher, as part of a small group, within the ordinary classroom
- Your child is withdrawn for one to one teaching or small group teaching
- Your child is part of a class where team teaching is taking place. (Team teaching is where the resource teacher or learning support teacher go into a class with the class teacher and share the planning and delivery of the class.)
The New Model of SEN Provision
How does the New Model of Support for students with SEN from September 2017 differ from the old model?Previously, students with a diagnosis and professional reports were allocated individual resource hours by the NCSE through the SENO network. From now on The Department of Education and Skills allocates resources directly to schools who then allocate these resources flexibly to students according to their priority learning needs without the requirement for a diagnosis, professional report or disability labelling. However, in some cases, formal testing may still be required to ascertain the level of need and to procure recommendations from the relevant professional.
We wish to reassure that the needs of all our students will be met, albeit in a format that may differ slightly from the previous model. SEN teaching and support will be delivered in a variety of ways including differentiation in the mainstream classroom, one to one support, small group support and team teaching as outlined in the ‘How is additional support provided?’ question above. Students may access SEN resources in a more flexible manner throughout their time at school to better meet their dynamic needs. |
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The Old Model of SEN Provision
Pre September 2017 - Resource and Learning Support
What is Learning Support (L.S.)?
Learning support is the provision of additional teaching support to students who are deemed to be in need of such support. The school takes the particular needs of individual students into account when planning how best to provide support to them.
Learning Support can be provided in a number of different ways depending on the needs and numbers of students who qualify for this additional support.
It is important to note that any additional teaching support given to your child should build on and complement the support delivered by the class/subject teacher in the ordinary classroom situation. Research shows that there is not one of the above models that suits all children with special educational needs for all of their school life. The school aims to be flexible and may use all of the models described above, in different combinations.
Learning Support can be provided in a number of different ways depending on the needs and numbers of students who qualify for this additional support.
- Small class grouping - in English and Maths in 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th years for students who follow the ordinary level for Junior and Leaving Cert exams
- Small group teaching - students are withdrawn from a non curricular class either for the year or for a short time
- Team teaching - This is where the resource teacher or learning support teacher go into a class with the class teacher and share the planning and delivery of the class.
It is important to note that any additional teaching support given to your child should build on and complement the support delivered by the class/subject teacher in the ordinary classroom situation. Research shows that there is not one of the above models that suits all children with special educational needs for all of their school life. The school aims to be flexible and may use all of the models described above, in different combinations.
How does a student access Learning Support (L.S.)?
The SEN core team allocate Learning Support based on students’ needs. Such students are prioritised for additional support from the school’s annual allocation of resource teaching/learning support teaching hours.
The following criteria are used to establish eligibility and suitability for L.S:
The following criteria are used to establish eligibility and suitability for L.S:
- Analysis of CAT scores. CAT (Cognitive Abilities Test is the assessment in coming first years complete prior to starting in the school)
- Identification of students who are at or below the 10th percentile in literacy and numeracy
- Analysis of any clinical reports received e.g psychological, occupational therapy etc.
- Reported history of learning support at primary level
- Inclusion of those students who are deemed to be struggling to cope with second level and who could benefit from inclusion in an LS group for either short or long term period
- Feedback from the primary school
- Consultation with parents, school management and school Care Team
- Referral by subject teachers and year heads of students who are failing to achieve in school due to specific personal circumstances
What is Resource teaching support (R.T.)?
Resource teaching support is an allocated extra teaching support for individual students who have been assessed and diagnosed as having low incidence special educational needs. Currently, the school provides dedicated teaching time, mostly on a one to one or small group basis, where a resource teacher withdraws the resource student from class for additional support.
The resource teacher provides direct teaching to a student with special educational needs either to reinforce the teaching that takes place in the classroom or to improve upon the core skills that may be necessary to successfully access the second level curriculum. Resource teaching is not a grind, and while it may include material from the mainstream setting, it is primarily designed to focus on building skills that are transferable across the curriculum and beyond.
The role of the resource teacher is varied and wide ranging and includes the following:
The resource teacher provides direct teaching to a student with special educational needs either to reinforce the teaching that takes place in the classroom or to improve upon the core skills that may be necessary to successfully access the second level curriculum. Resource teaching is not a grind, and while it may include material from the mainstream setting, it is primarily designed to focus on building skills that are transferable across the curriculum and beyond.
The role of the resource teacher is varied and wide ranging and includes the following:
- Assessing and recording the child’s needs and progress
- Setting specific, time-related targets for each student and agreeing these with the class teacher
- Teaching the students, either in a separate room or with the rest of the child’s class
- Advising class teachers about differentiating the curriculum to suit different students
- Meeting with and advising parents, accompanied by the class teacher, as needed
- Consulting with other professionals such as psychologists, speech and language therapists, visiting teachers in relation to a student’s special educational needs.
What is the SEN core team?
The SEN core team is a small group of Learning Support and Resource teachers who meet regularly to ensure that all students with SEN are well supported in the school. The team is led by a dedicated SEN Coordinator, who in turn liaises regularly with school management, curricular teachers, parents and outside agencies.
SEN Coordinator: - Ms. Caroline Keohane
RACE Coordinator - Ms. Eimear O’Sullivan
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Pauline McElwain
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Mr Emmet McKenna
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Mary O’Farrell
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Catherine Kane
SEN Coordinator: - Ms. Caroline Keohane
RACE Coordinator - Ms. Eimear O’Sullivan
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Pauline McElwain
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Mr Emmet McKenna
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Mary O’Farrell
Resource and Learning Support Teacher - Ms. Catherine Kane
What is RACE?
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RACE stands for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) operates the Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme. Under this scheme, pupils with permanent or long-term conditions, which will significantly impair their performance in state exams, may apply to the SEC for a reasonable accommodation(s) to be made to facilitate them taking the examinations.
These accommodations can include:
Depending on the disability of a student, along with results of formal testing and information gathering by the school, an application is made by the RACE coordinator in the school to the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to provide reasonable accommodations for a student. It is the State Examinations Commission that makes the decision to grant or refuse any accommodation and schools are not allowed to apply for an accommodation that they know you do not qualify for. More information for students and parents on RACE is available here. |
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Useful WebsitesThe NCSE (National Council for Special Education) has produced an information booklet specifically for parents.
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Click to download
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Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Scheme
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with a Physical Disability
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties or Disorders
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People who are Blind/Visually Impaired
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with General Learning Disabilities (GLD)
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Specific Speech and Language Disorders
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Specific Learning Disabilities
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Young People
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with a Physical Disability
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties or Disorders
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People who are Blind/Visually Impaired
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with General Learning Disabilities (GLD)
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Specific Speech and Language Disorders
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Children and Young People with Specific Learning Disabilities
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Information for Parents/Guardians of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Young People
An Irish version of this pamphlet is available here
Who to follow on Facebook
Who to follow on Twitter
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@JigsawYMH -mental health
@ETBI - educational training board @jw_teach - U.K. Head teacher with specialism in autism and communication difficulties @RevolutionFitz - mindfulness and education in Ireland @act_educating - education and IT @IRLchangED -education and industry links @SENexchange -SEN issues (American) @ PDSTNumeracy - numeracy @ MakeMathsMatter- numeracy @IATSEI- Irish association of special ed teachers @buzzingwbooks- reading |
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If you come across any good websites, Facebook/Twitter groups etc. that we haven’t featured here, please email caroline.keohane@stcolmcilles.ie to let us know. Thanks!
List of Associations
Arthritis Ireland
Support for people affected by arthritis. Includes a juvenile arthritis programme, workshops, publications, exercise groups.
Aspire
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland
Aspire provides support to those with Asperger Syndrome and their families .Services include a helpline, regular conferences, setting up of support groups, regular newsletters…
Asthma Society of Ireland
Aims to optimise asthma control through support, education and research
Autism Initiatives Group
Family Initiatives Project: Provides support to the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is a parent-led project which aims to offer a combination of advocacy, information, education, training and supports for families of children with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.
Brainwave (Epilepsy association of Ireland)
Brainwave provides support and information to people with epilepsy and their families. Services include a specialist nurse helpline, raising awareness, promoting civil rights of people with epilepsy, providing practical aids, assisting in the development of support groups
Brí
Brain injury support and information
Brittle Bone Society (UK)
Offers support to people affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Online forum, information sheets
Carers Association
The Carers Association is Ireland’s national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home
CF Ireland
A voluntary organisation representing people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Aims to increase knowledge and awareness and give advice and support to people with CF and their families.22 branches throughout Ireland (Website has an online forum)
CLAPAI (Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland)
Voluntary support organisation offering support and information to parents of children with cleft lip and palate including advice on feeding and ongoing medical care
Coeliac Society of Ireland
information and support for people affected by coeliac disease
Deafblind (UK)
Offers support to deafblind people and their families.Magazine for members.National centre for deafblindness in Peterborough
Deafhear
Deafhear has a national network of resource centres providing a range of accessible services to deaf and hard of hearing people and their families.It also advocates and lobbies for improved services
Down Syndrome Ireland
Information and support to all people with Down syndrome and their families.
Dyslexia Association of Ireland
Provides information on dyslexia, summer schools, seminars and conferences 01 679 0276
Dyspraxia Association of Ireland
Support and advocacy for people with dyspraxia and their families. Telephone helpline, information packs and newsletters for members, regional support groups, promote awareness of the condition
Fibro Ireland
provides general information and advice about fibromyalgia.Website includes a list of support groups
Friedrichs Ataxia Society of Ireland
Support for people affected by a genetic ataxia and their families.Organise regular social functions. Liason officer available.
HADD (Hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder)
A support organisation made up of parents and professionals working to raise awareness and offer support information and advice
Headway
Community based rehabilitation services for people who have been affected by acquired brain injury. Services include psychology, therapy, employment services, support to families affected by ABI.
Heart Children Ireland
Practical help and support for all individuals and families affected by congenital heart disease. Services include setting up local groups, financial assistance, publications, special events for children.
HEMIHELP UK
HemiHelp is a UK-based charity for people with hemiplegia and their families.
Ichytosis Ireland
National parent support group for parents of children with ichytosis
Inclusion Ireland
Support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Promotes advocacy and self advocacy to enable people with intellectual disabilities to live the life of their choice to the best of their ability. Provides information and advice, leaflets, newsletter
Irish Autism Action
IAA is an umbrella organisation of over 40 member groups and individual members. The range of services offered by IAA include awareness raising, early detection, advocacy, helpline, educational support…
Irish Deaf Kids
Aims to support inclusive education for deaf children in mainstream schools in Ireland while empowering parents to develop their child’s full potential
Irish M.E. Trust
Provides an information and counselling service to people affected by M.E.
Irish Tube Feeding Association
Offering support and information to people who are tube feeding and their families
Email: feedhelp@yahoo.com
Web: www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/tubefeedinggroup
Facebook
ISA (Irish Stammering Association)
Encourages self help support groups and parent support network.Offers advice and information
IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association)
Marfan Syndrome Support Group Ireland
Support for individuals affected by Marfan Syndrome
Mental Health Ireland
Branches throughout Ireland offering support, friendship and care to people with a mental illness and their families Aims to promote positive mental health and actively support those affected.
The Irish MPS Society
Acts as a support network for those affected by MPS and related diseases.Also aims to raise public awareness and promote and support research into MPS.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Offers family support, network of family support workers, respite services, youth activities, support at clinics, newsletters
NCBI (National Council for the Blind in Ireland)
Provides support, information and services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Services include local community advice, information on technical aids, a Braille and large print library, assistive technology…
1850 33 43 53
Email: info@ncbi.ie
Neurofibromatosis Ireland
Offers family support, counselling service, newsletter, fact sheets, activities for children and teeagers
Restricted Growth Association (UK)
Support and information to people and affected by genetic growth conditions resulting in dwarfism and their families
SBHI (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland)
Offers family support through network of family support workers, youth and respite services, advocacy, social gatherings, publications, national resource centre and orthopaedic footwear centre
Scope (UK)
Offers support and information to people and families affected by cerebral palsy and associated impairments. Active forum on website
Sotos Syndrome (Ireland)
Support group
Contact: Sandra Pedreschi
01296 0206
SOFT Ireland
Provides support for families of children born with Patau’s Syndrome (Trisomy 13), Edwards’ Syndrome ( Trisomy 18) and related chromosomal disorders. Provides information, funds bereavement counselling, booklet and newsletters.
Tourettes Syndrome Ireland
Provide support to those with this condition,raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes.
Unique (UK)
Rare chromosome disorder support group
Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland
Offers support to individuals and families through annual conferences, social gatherings and regular newsletters
Support for people affected by arthritis. Includes a juvenile arthritis programme, workshops, publications, exercise groups.
Aspire
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland
Aspire provides support to those with Asperger Syndrome and their families .Services include a helpline, regular conferences, setting up of support groups, regular newsletters…
Asthma Society of Ireland
Aims to optimise asthma control through support, education and research
Autism Initiatives Group
Family Initiatives Project: Provides support to the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is a parent-led project which aims to offer a combination of advocacy, information, education, training and supports for families of children with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.
Brainwave (Epilepsy association of Ireland)
Brainwave provides support and information to people with epilepsy and their families. Services include a specialist nurse helpline, raising awareness, promoting civil rights of people with epilepsy, providing practical aids, assisting in the development of support groups
Brí
Brain injury support and information
Brittle Bone Society (UK)
Offers support to people affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Online forum, information sheets
Carers Association
The Carers Association is Ireland’s national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home
CF Ireland
A voluntary organisation representing people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Aims to increase knowledge and awareness and give advice and support to people with CF and their families.22 branches throughout Ireland (Website has an online forum)
CLAPAI (Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland)
Voluntary support organisation offering support and information to parents of children with cleft lip and palate including advice on feeding and ongoing medical care
Coeliac Society of Ireland
information and support for people affected by coeliac disease
Deafblind (UK)
Offers support to deafblind people and their families.Magazine for members.National centre for deafblindness in Peterborough
Deafhear
Deafhear has a national network of resource centres providing a range of accessible services to deaf and hard of hearing people and their families.It also advocates and lobbies for improved services
Down Syndrome Ireland
Information and support to all people with Down syndrome and their families.
Dyslexia Association of Ireland
Provides information on dyslexia, summer schools, seminars and conferences 01 679 0276
Dyspraxia Association of Ireland
Support and advocacy for people with dyspraxia and their families. Telephone helpline, information packs and newsletters for members, regional support groups, promote awareness of the condition
Fibro Ireland
provides general information and advice about fibromyalgia.Website includes a list of support groups
Friedrichs Ataxia Society of Ireland
Support for people affected by a genetic ataxia and their families.Organise regular social functions. Liason officer available.
HADD (Hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder)
A support organisation made up of parents and professionals working to raise awareness and offer support information and advice
Headway
Community based rehabilitation services for people who have been affected by acquired brain injury. Services include psychology, therapy, employment services, support to families affected by ABI.
Heart Children Ireland
Practical help and support for all individuals and families affected by congenital heart disease. Services include setting up local groups, financial assistance, publications, special events for children.
HEMIHELP UK
HemiHelp is a UK-based charity for people with hemiplegia and their families.
Ichytosis Ireland
National parent support group for parents of children with ichytosis
Inclusion Ireland
Support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Promotes advocacy and self advocacy to enable people with intellectual disabilities to live the life of their choice to the best of their ability. Provides information and advice, leaflets, newsletter
Irish Autism Action
IAA is an umbrella organisation of over 40 member groups and individual members. The range of services offered by IAA include awareness raising, early detection, advocacy, helpline, educational support…
Irish Deaf Kids
Aims to support inclusive education for deaf children in mainstream schools in Ireland while empowering parents to develop their child’s full potential
Irish M.E. Trust
Provides an information and counselling service to people affected by M.E.
Irish Tube Feeding Association
Offering support and information to people who are tube feeding and their families
Email: feedhelp@yahoo.com
Web: www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/tubefeedinggroup
ISA (Irish Stammering Association)
Encourages self help support groups and parent support network.Offers advice and information
IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association)
Marfan Syndrome Support Group Ireland
Support for individuals affected by Marfan Syndrome
Mental Health Ireland
Branches throughout Ireland offering support, friendship and care to people with a mental illness and their families Aims to promote positive mental health and actively support those affected.
The Irish MPS Society
Acts as a support network for those affected by MPS and related diseases.Also aims to raise public awareness and promote and support research into MPS.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Offers family support, network of family support workers, respite services, youth activities, support at clinics, newsletters
NCBI (National Council for the Blind in Ireland)
Provides support, information and services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Services include local community advice, information on technical aids, a Braille and large print library, assistive technology…
1850 33 43 53
Email: info@ncbi.ie
Neurofibromatosis Ireland
Offers family support, counselling service, newsletter, fact sheets, activities for children and teeagers
Restricted Growth Association (UK)
Support and information to people and affected by genetic growth conditions resulting in dwarfism and their families
SBHI (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland)
Offers family support through network of family support workers, youth and respite services, advocacy, social gatherings, publications, national resource centre and orthopaedic footwear centre
Scope (UK)
Offers support and information to people and families affected by cerebral palsy and associated impairments. Active forum on website
Sotos Syndrome (Ireland)
Support group
Contact: Sandra Pedreschi
01296 0206
SOFT Ireland
Provides support for families of children born with Patau’s Syndrome (Trisomy 13), Edwards’ Syndrome ( Trisomy 18) and related chromosomal disorders. Provides information, funds bereavement counselling, booklet and newsletters.
Tourettes Syndrome Ireland
Provide support to those with this condition,raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes.
Unique (UK)
Rare chromosome disorder support group
Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland
Offers support to individuals and families through annual conferences, social gatherings and regular newsletters
