THE Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland is backing a two-year course aimed at empowering its members through active citizenship and participation in elections.
The organisation has launched an innovative education programme, which follows eight years of research and development, to encourage people with Down Syndrome to examine and discuss how political decisions impact and affect their lives and to enable them to exercise active political influence like their peers.
The My Opinion, My Vote programme, which has been rolled out in Kerry, is aimed towards empowerment and helping those with Down Syndrome to find and use their voice through politics.
The programme encourages them to form and express informed opinions and decisions during elections.
Down Syndrome Ireland chief, Pat Clarke, remarked: “We encourage our members to participate actively so that they can ask the questions that need to be asked of politicians, to demand answers and changes that will support and cater for their needs.
“People with Down Syndrome are members of the electorate too – there needs to be far greater recognition of that,” he added.
Cathal Griffin, from Glenbeigh, who is participating in the course at IT Tralee, said: “We learn about political issues like education, employment and justice. It is good really to know about these things when you are meeting politicians and voting.
“We went to the Dáil last week and to the European Parliament in Brussels last year. I will be voting in the general election and I know what to do.
“We practice voting and have elections during class all the time. It is very important to go out and vote.”
