Voices for Down Syndrome Galway is the Speech and Language Therapy project of the Galway Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, it was established in 2005 by a group of parents of children with Down Syndrome. Their mission is the provision of Speech and Language Therapy for children and adults in Galway city and county with Down Syndrome. The need arose from a chronic shortage of Government support for the provision of such a service. 1 in every 335 children born in Galway has Down Syndrome. Everyone with this condition experiences delayed development of speech and difficulty in articulation. Speech and Language Therapy, especially in childhood years, is critical to the development of adequate language skills. Prior to the establishment of Voices for Down Syndrome Galway there was a three-year waiting list for initial assessment for children of school age, while the service for adults was non-existent. And still, in 2021 the public system does not provide near adequate supports. 

The project is parent run by a small committee of volunteer parents, we employ one part time Project Co-Ordinator with one full time speech and language therapist and one part time. On-going professional training is provided to therapists via Down Syndrome Ireland’s Special Interest Group, NUIG, continuing professional development courses/seminars, plus CPD with Margaret Farrell, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist.

They require €140,000 p.a. to run this service. They receive no government, institutional or Down Syndrome Ireland National Organisation funding. With the generous help of supporters and families, usually the running costs of the project are raised through a mixture of fundraising events, charitable donations and corporate partnership. 

And so this year, they need our support more than ever! 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our fundraising page, Geoff and I very much appreciate any donation you can make to this very worthy charity. 

E & G 

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