First graduates of UQ life skills course for people with Down syndrome

Six students recently graduated from Australia's first University-based literacy course for young people with Down syndrome.

The young graduates received their certificates at a special ceremony late last year with a fresh batch of seven students beginning The University of Queensland's ?LATCH-ON' (Literacy and Technology Course) in March this year.

Australian representative softballer Kim Cooper presented graduates with their awards and praised staff, parents and the students themselves for their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm throughout the two-year program.

Initiated by the Down Syndrome Research Program within the Graduate School of Education, the course aims to enhance the literacy and Internet skills of young people with Down syndrome.

Established in March 1998, the program now caters for 13 students aged between 18 and 20.

Dr Anne Jobling is the Executive Director of the Program and Dr Karen Moni is the Program Director. All of the staff are registered teachers with a range of experiences in early childhood, primary and secondary education.

Dr Jobling said the course aimed to enhance students' literacy through reading, writing, speaking and listening. It also involved an exercise component to improve students' overall health and fitness.

"Through these activities, students' self-confidence is boosted and their world view and ability to seek out information through reading and the Internet broadened," she said.

The course also provides data for the University's ongoing Down Syndrome Research Program - the world's longest continuous study of Down syndrome - and an opportunity for University postgraduate students to learn about the needs of students with Down syndrome.

Dr Jobling said the Centre's 20-year-old Down Syndrome Research Program had revealed the need for such a post-school program.

"The longitudinal study debunked many myths about Down syndrome children such as that they couldn't read or write. These young adults require continuing education in literacy and numeracy skills after they leave school to help them integrate better into their communities," Dr Jobling said.

"The course is designed to increase their literacy skills, giving them greater access to the world - they can read a magazine or newspaper or communicate with others through letter-writing or the Internet. Reading and writing well opens many doors."

Down syndrome is a chromosomal anomaly affecting about one in every 800 live births. It is characterised by intellectual disability and associated medical and physical problems.

The research program is partially supported by the Michael Cameron Fund, a trust fund administered by the University specially for the purpose of advancing knowledge about Down syndrome. Donations to the fund are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Dr Karen Moni (telephone 07 3365 6872).