Literacy & Technology Hands On (Latch-On) is two-year literacy programme for adults with Down syndrome. The programme provides opportunities for adults with Down syndrome to commence and continue their literacy development.
Latch-On was developed at the University of Queensland, Australia and is now taught in centres across Ireland including Down Syndrome Limerick in Castletroy.
For the past two years these students have travelled from Newcastle West, Newport and
Limerick to attend classes in Down Syndrome Limerick in Castletroy to study this literacy
and computer course.
During the course, Mayor Keary visited the Latch On class and extended an invitation for the
class to visit his office. We visited Mayor Keary at Merchant&Quay and enjoyed learning
more about his work.
On Friday night, May 18th the class celebrated their graduation. The ceremony was on at the
Castletroy Park Hotel. It was a very memorable night for the students as they were
celebrating their graduation and the culmination of all their hard work.
Family members and friends celebrated with them at the Castletroy Park Hotel. Each student
spoke about the course, about what they had learned and the lifelong friends they had made.
For example, Conor Keogh spoke about his favourite topic from the course, Imelda Chawke
talked about learning about world landmarks and Sinead Landers read a poem. Speeches were
also made by Lisa Martin, teacher of the course and Paudie Murray, Acting Chairperson of
Down syndrome Limerick.
Mayor Stephen Keary gave the keynote address and presented the students with their
certificates. Mayor Keary also presented a generous donation from the proceeds of the
Mayor’s Ball to the Latch On students for the continuation of the adult education course in
Down syndrome Limerick. JP McManus also attended the ceremony and presented engraved
plaques to the students. A selection of the students’ work was displayed at the ceremony. A
great night was had by all.
More local news here.
