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About Us

Our history

Providing crucial services to children with Down syndrome
The Down Syndrome Centre (DSC) was founded by Peter and Mary Gaw as a result of their frustration at not being able to access relevant services for their two youngest children, both of whom have Down syndrome.

In October 2014, the DSC opended its doors as Ireland’s first professional services centre for children with Down syndrome and their families in Sandyford. Eight years later, a second centre was opened in Swords. And now there are also affiliate centres in Cork, Portlaoise and Carrickmacross as well as our certified training centre for young adults with Down syndrome in Ballsbridge, Dublin. 

Our service is mainly funded through charitable giving from families connected to the DSC, the general public and the business community. State-supported grants are not a regular source of funding.

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Together Academy

Certified training and employment pathways for young adults with Down syndrome
Together Academy is a unique training and employment initiative providing personalised training in culinary and service skills, occupational therapy as required, and a crucial support network to young adults with Down syndrome. 

Students learn practical skills and gain work experience at our fully-supported training café in Ballsbridge, graduating with QQI Level 2 & 3 in Employability Skills.

Together Academy also offers paid employment opportunities through our parentship with Happy Out café in Dun Laoghaire.

Address: 65a Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, D04F8F8
Telephone:  Classroom - 087 975 5385 CafĂ© - 087 966 2009
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Our Fees

We operate a policy that everyone should have the opportunity to avail of services for their child.
As a charity we charge a small fee to cover running costs, and we subsidise the rest. We charge â‚¬25 for most of our therapies while other services cost as little as €10. These charges are approximately 75% cheaper than services obtained privately.

We operate a policy that everyone should have the opportunity to avail of services for their child so, if you are in a situation where the fee of €25 is not feasible please contact Nuala.
please contact
Nuala Downes
Finance Manager
...we can arrange to cover your full costs.

Our Ambassadors

Gina Daly
Instagram Influencer | Author
DSC Ambassador
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Gina Daly is a food blogger, successful cookbook author, and one-half of the dynamic husband and wife team behind The Daly Dish. The home-cooks started sharing their recipes on Instagram in 2019 and have since garnered over 240,000 followers between them. During lockdown, The Daly Dish cookbook became the top-selling Irish cookbook and broke all records with 5,000 pre-orders before the book even hit the Irish shelves. Their second cookbook, The Daly Dish Rides Again, was shortlisted for Cookbook of the Year.

Already loving parents to Holly and Ben, in November 2021, Gina gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy. Gene was born with Down syndrome and both Gina and Karol are determined that their amazing baby son will live life to the full and have all the opportunities that his brother and sister have.

For World Down Syndrome Day, Gina collaborated with BabyBoo the online retailer and designed 6 bibs. Gina selected us as her chosen charity, and we will receive €1 from the sale of each bib.

Becoming an ambassador for the Down Syndrome Centre was something Gina felt passionately about and believes that every child with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Jordan Larmour
Leinster & IRFU Player
DSC Ambassador
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Jordan Larmour is a professional rugby player who currently plays with Leinster and Irish Rugby. Known for his fast feet and acceleration, Jordan has become a household name in Irish rugby since joining the senior squads of Leinster and Ireland in 2018 where he won a Grand Slam 6 Nations title, a Guinness Pro14 title and a Champions Cup. Following this success, Jordan was recognised in winning various young/breakthrough player of the year awards and looks to build on these over the coming years. At 24, Jordan still has a huge career ahead of him and will be seeking to win many titles with Leinster and Ireland over the next few seasons.

Becoming an ambassador for the Down Syndrome Centre is something that Jordan is very proud of. The connection that Jordan has with the centre goes back years through his parents and from his St. Andrew’s College and Monkstown Hockey days with the Gaws. Jordan will be looking to use his name and platform to promote and highlight the centre and the great work that they do to provide much needed services for children with Down syndrome.

Our Team

Each member of our team is led by one aim - giving children with Down syndrome the most fulfilling and independent lives possible.
Triona Cussen - Northside Centre Manager
Dani Dowling - Southside SKIP
Lauren Shaw - Southside Speech & Language Therapist 
Lorraine Finn - Southside Senior Speech & Language Therapist 
Megan McCormack - Northside Occupational Therapist
Leslie Jabara Wrenn - Northside & Southside Music Therapist

Our Board

Peter Wilson - Chairman
Peter is a Chartered Surveyor and Entrepreneur operating across all sectors of commercial real estate. He is currently a Director of Wilson Wright a property development and asset management consultancy.
Peter joined the board in 2021 and is also a member of the Steering Committee to the Together Academy. He is married to Laura and they have three children one of whom, Margot, continues to thrive within the many programs offered by the Down Syndrome Centre.
Lorraine Costelloe - Treasurer
Lorraine is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and has worked in financial services for over 20 years, with experience across Finance, Treasury, Customer Experience & Products. Lorraine is married to Don – they have three wonderful children together – Seán, Clodagh & Marie. Seán continues to enjoy great support & friendship via the Down Syndrome Centre.
Niamh Garvey - Trustee
Niamh is Executive Director at Edelman. She has over 25 years of global strategic marketing communications experience, specialising in healthcare. Niamh is married to Colm and mum to Ryan, aged nine, who enjoys attending the Centre for a range of services.
Dan Holland - Trustee
Dan has 15 years of experience as an Audit Partner.  Prior to joining Grant Thornton 4 years ago, Dan spent 11 years as a Partner in another firm, with 8 years as Head of the Audit and Assurance department. He also spent 2 years as group financial controller for large privately owned companies. Dan is a member of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Audit and Assurance Committee. He is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a member of the Irish Taxation Institute and has a diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from Chartered Accountants Ireland. Dan is Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and chairs the steering committee that oversees their Embrace programmes.
Peter Barry - Trustee 
Peter is married to Cathy and they have four children. Hannah, their second daughter who is aged eight, loves attending the Centre regularly. Peter has 20 years of investment banking and corporate finance experience. Currently, Peter is a Senior Corporate Finance Manager in the National Treasury Management Agency providing deep financial and commercial insight into the Government’s ownership and governance of State companies.

A Career in The Down Syndrome Centre

Become part of a family that plays a crucial role in the developmental journey of so many incredible children
Welcome to The Down Syndrome Centre, a place where dedication meets joy and every day is filled with purpose. With two vibrant locations in Dublin - Swords and Sandyford - we are more than just a charity; we are a community dedicated to enriching the lives of children with Down syndrome and supporting their families.

At The Down Syndrome Centre, we offer a wide range of services including a variety of classes, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, baby massage and speech and language therapy. Our holistic approach ensures that each child, from babies to teenagers, receives the tailored support they need to thrive.

Our centres are not just places of learning and therapy - they are fun, happy, and beautiful environments that reflect the joy and positivity we bring to our work.

We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and dynamic workplace where every team member feels valued and inspired.

When you join us, you become part of a family that plays a crucial role in the developmental journey of so many incredible children. Our work is transformative, not just for the children and families we support, but for every member of our team.

If you're looking to make a real difference in a special and positive environment, The Down Syndrome Centre is the place for you. Come and be a part of our dedicated team, and together, let's continue to create a brighter future for children with Down syndrome.
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The Down Syndrome Centre is compliant with all regulatory requirements for care of children, clinical practice, teaching and governance. 

Memberships include: Down Syndrome International, the Wheel and the Charities Institute Ireland, from whom we have Triple-Lock status for fundraising, governance and financial management. 

We are registered with the Charities Regulator to whom we submit our annual report.

Charity Number: 20055158 
CHY: 15750
Sandyford Centre
Unit 3, 82 Furze Road,
Sandyford, Dublin 18 
D18 DP49
Swords Centre
Willowbrook House,
Balheary Road, Swords, Dublin 
K67 R8C6
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