This World Down Syndrome Day, we shine a light on DS Champions, a health and wellbeing programme in Letterkenny that empowers people with Down syndrome to become leaders of their own health story.
The No Barriers Foundation in Letterkenny has been leading the way in inclusive fitness and community participation for years. This year is no different, as the DS Champions programme offers group and individual sessions specifically tailored to the health and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.
Programme one saw 17 adults with Down syndrome graduate as DS Champions and gain positive health results, including increased muscle mass, improved mood, better sleep and more energy.
The programme has been designed and developed by CORU registered Allied Health Professionals, Fitness Coaches and Exercise Therapists in a community fitness setting. This unique combination of CORU registered professionals and community-based fitness experts focuses on enhancing the physical and emotional well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome to enable them to make better choices that can support a happier and healthier life.
Overall, sixty participants from across Donegal will benefit from access to the 6-week programme which is run three days per week at the No Barriers Foundation at Mountain Top Letterkenny.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Donegal Down Syndrome and is funded by Rethink Ireland.
November 2023: Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte launched the DS Champion Programme at the No Barriers Foundation in Pinehill Industrial Estate, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Photo by Joe Dunne
The programme was designed through a process of co-creation. In other words, people with Down syndrome were consulted on the design and roll out of the health and well-being strategies developed by the multidisciplinary team. Consequently, people with Down syndrome are making choices and becoming leaders in their own health story, while integrating exercise and meaningful life skills in their local fitness community.
“Co-creation is really important to us. We are continually checking in with DS Champion participants to find out their opinions on what they value in a healthy lifestyle and how they can best implement changes,” said Andrea Mc Feely, Clinical Lead and Programme Coordinator for the DS Champions Programme.
“At initial consultation we identify if a person requires one-to-one Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and we work with them individually’ to achieve their unique therapy goals.”
DS Champions Nutrition Education
Healthy smoothie making on the DS Champions programme
DS Champions Nutrition Education
As programme two begins, another cohort of adults are making positive life changes with the support of the No Barriers multidisciplinary team specialists. No Barriers Foundation believes in supporting diversity and inclusive leadership, the multidisciplinary team have invited two participants with Down syndrome to join the No Barriers coaching team.
Meg Carr from Letterkenny and Bernard Toland from Inishowen have joined the DS Champions coaching team as assistant coaches.
Meg and Bernard are sharing their input and empowering other participants to strive for leadership roles in their lives and within their local communities. Meg is the assistant strength and conditioning coach while Bernard supports the delivery of emotional awareness, yoga and mindfulness sessions.
“Here at the No Barriers Foundation on the DS Champions Programme we actively seek out and embrace diverse viewpoints, foster a culture of belonging and work to dismantle barriers to inclusion in society,” said Andrea.
As a Consultant Occupational Therapist with over 22 years of experience, Andrea’s absolute focus and passion is on the delivery of a new and dynamic health and well-being programme that is accessible to a number of participants with Down syndrome.
“Testimonials from parents and participants to date have informed us that the programme is both fun and fulfilling with positive changes observed in all areas but especially in physical and emotional health e.g., participants have gained muscle mass, lost body fat, seen an increase in energy levels and improvements in emotional health and mood.”
The foundations of this unique programme are therapy informed including content from CORU registered Allied Health Professionals e.g., Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy.
Professionals from Nutrition and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provide and deliver practical hands-on learning to support healthy eating and emotional awareness.
Yoga on the DS Champions programme
Under the direction of Activities Lead, David Hone, the Strength and Conditioning classes are specifically designed for people with Down syndrome, targeting specific areas such as balance, coordination, muscle tone, hypermobility and exercise endurance.
When the exercise activities are modified to suit a person’s ability they will feel a greater sense of success and achievement. In turn, participants may feel more motivated to keep up healthy habits.
Exercise Therapists have designed and delivered educational modules on heart and lung function and sleep routine to support healthy choices in everyday routines.
Exercise activities at No Barriers
Additionally, all participants gain hands-on learning to develop independence in everyday life skills, such as sequencing the steps required to make a reservation at a restaurant or to order a drink in a coffee shop.
Above all, it’s the social aspect that has many widespread benefits.
Andrea stated that “Community integration is imperative to success. At No Barriers Foundation we see community inclusion happening organically. Our DS Champions are getting fitter, healthier and more independent alongside others in the community.
“It’s a really unique programme that educates everyone in society that we are all unique, diverse and individual. We all have the right to exercise and to participate in a community based gym.”
Programme three will consist of a teen population and again will run over a 6-week timeframe.
The No Barriers Foundation welcomes all who are interested to get in touch via Donegal Down syndrome association or via hello@nobarriers.ie to enquire about the DS Champions programme.
