INCLUSION MATTERS CAMPAIGN

Join the Inclusion Matters Campaign and support children with Down syndrome

The Down Syndrome Centre (DSC) children’s charity is excited to announce the launch of our innovative recycling campaign, “Inclusion Matters,” aimed at raising awareness and funds to provide critical services to children with Down syndrome (Ds). This campaign is proudly supported by renowned rugby players Jordan Larmour and Joe McCarthy, and popular Instagram influencers and bestselling cookbook authors, The Daly Dish and Mister Dish.

In this campaign, we are introducing custom-designed “return” recycling bins into schools, clubs, and businesses around Ireland. By leveraging the 15-25 cent return deposit on cans and bottles, we aim to generate significant funds to support children with Ds.

We urge everyone to get involved in this campaign. Donating cans and bottles may seem like a small act. Yet, the cumulative effect of schools, businesses, and clubs participating in this initiative will profoundly impact the lives of children with Ds. Every can and bottle donated directly contributes to therapy services that children desperately need.

Our mission is to ensure that children with Ds receive the essential speech and language therapy they need to reach their true potential. Currently, there is a massive shortfall in services provided by the HSE Children’s Disability Network Team, leaving children deprived of vital services crucial for their communication, confidence, and overall development. Without adequate support, we are setting our children up to fail in their adult lives.

Ireland is failing children with additional needs and is in breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children with Disabilities. Forty percent of the children receiving services from the DSC have been waiting up to four years for services from the CDNT, and for those who have been seen, the support provided is inadequate to improve their outcomes. This campaign aims to address these shortcomings and ensure that children with Down syndrome are successfully included in school, further education, employment, and society. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can empower children with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

We are very grateful to Capital Credit Union who generously sponsored the first 100 bins – Their branches in Dublin will be the first locations to host our Inclusion Matters Recycle bins so look out for them next time you are in.

GET INVOLVED BUSINESSES AND CLUBS

If your company or staff would like to receive an Inclusion Matters Bin and get involved in our recycling campaign, email fiona@downsyndromecentre.ie or call 01 6618000

Schools

As educators, you play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young learners. We invite you to join the “Inclusion Matters” campaign—a collaborative effort to make a lasting impact on children with Down syndrome in Dublin.

• The Inclusion Matters campaign aims to provide colourful customised Return Bins to all participating schools.
• These recycle bins will collect returned cans and bottles, with proceeds directly funding essential Speech and Language therapy, Occupational Therapy and specialised school preparation programmes.
• By working together, we can empower children with Down syndrome to thrive in mainstream schools and reach their full potential.

How Schools Can Participate:

1. Customized Return Bins: Each school will receive a specially designed bin for collecting cans and bottles. Let’s turn recycling into a powerful tool for Inclusion!
2. Volunteer and Charity Staff: We will coordinate with volunteers and charity staff to collect the bins as needed. Your participation matters.
3. Collaboration: Primary and secondary schools across Dublin are invited to join this impactful initiative. Together, we can create a more inclusive educational environment.

Inviting Students to Participate: We encourage students to bring in any cans and bottles their family can spare—even one a week per child would help! By participating, students contribute directly to the success of the Inclusion Matters campaign while also recycling to help the environment.  It will be the collective effort of all participating schools that will make a significant difference. Each school’s contribution adds up, bringing us closer to our goal of raising over €100,000 to improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Let’s unite as a school community to create positive change and support our peers with Down syndrome.

Recognition

• Top Schools Recognised: The top 5 schools in Dublin will be selected based on their participation and impact.
• Certificates: All schools will receive a certificate for achievement.
• Top Schools Awards: The highest-ranking schools will receive the Inclusion Matters special Awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

If you currently have a child/children with Down syndrome attending your school we would be happy to organise a school visit from our Team to help and support. We would be happy to visit your school to speak to students on the importance of Inclusion and to explain the campaign and how they can make an impact. Email: fiona@downsyndromecentre.ie for more information