Events and training

We provide relevant, up-to-date training for parents of those people with Down syndrome and the professionals they work with.

At DSUK, we ask families to contribute towards the subsidised cost of many of our services.  We would never want a family not to be able to access services, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if needed.

Live training

Makaton Introduction for Primary Schools
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Various dates
This two-hour online session introduces Primary School staff to the Makaton language programme, teaching approximately 40 signs and symbols (including…
Makaton Introduction for Early Years
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Monthly sessions
This two-hour online session introduces Early Years staff to the Makaton language programme, teaching approximately 40 signs and symbols (including…
EHCP Support and Draft Review Sessions
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Upon booking
Help with EHCP’s
DLA Support & Drop-In Sessions
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Various dates
Access a pre-recorded session hosted by Lisa, a former DWP advisor with extensive experience supporting families in applying for DLA…
Makaton Signing for Babies and Families
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Thu, January 8, 2026 10:00 AM
This six-week online introduction to signing is designed for new parents and carers who are just beginning or have not…
Using Makaton with Singing
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Thu, January 8, 2026 06:00 PM
Six week online signing course for grandparents.
PADS Healthcare Professionals Webinars
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Wed, January 28, 2026 12:00 PM
Free online webinar for Healthcare Professionals: Breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome. Sign up here
The need for speech & language intervention in the early years
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Wed, January 28, 2026 07:00 PM
The session will focus on the importance of working on speech, language, and communication in the early years. It will cover…
Mindful Movement with Jenna – pregnancy
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Wed, January 28, 2026 07:30 PM
Online session including mindful movement, breathwork and relaxation to find a moment of calm during pregnancy.
ISS Supporting literacy at home
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Wed, January 28, 2026 08:00 PM
Hosted by Dr Becky Baxter, DSUK’s Director of Training and Speech and Language therapy, this online session covers activities and…
Toilet Training Bootcamp
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Mon, February 9, 2026 08:00 PM
This four week online course offers advice and support for parents who may be struggling with toilet training.
ISS Supporting communication in the early years
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Wed, February 11, 2026 08:00 PM
This online session looks at key developmental communication behaviours and covers practical strategies and resources to encourage and enable communication…
ISS Understanding feeding challenges
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Thu, February 12, 2026 08:00 PM
Join Natalie Raven, Founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust for this online session to learn about why learning to…
PADS Healthcare Professionals Webinars
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Tue, February 24, 2026 12:00 PM
Free online webinar for Healthcare Professionals: The Down Syndrome Act 2022- best practice recommendations Sign up here
ISS Constipation
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Tue, February 24, 2026 08:00 PM
Online session with June Rogers MBE, retired Children’s Specialist Continence Nurse, who presents the facts about constipation in children and…
ISS Choosing a pre-school setting
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Thu, February 26, 2026 08:00 PM
This online session is hosted by Sarah Holton, an experienced manager of Pre-school Early Development Groups, Nursery Support Services and…
Positive Behaviour Bootcamp (preschool)
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Mon, March 2, 2026
This online course provides parents with the confidence, knowledge and tools to help promote positive behaviour for their preschool aged…
PADS Healthcare Professionals Webinars
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Mon, March 23, 2026 12:00 PM
Free online webinar for Healthcare Professionals: The importance of language- discussing Down syndrome with expectant and new parents Sign up…

On-demand sessions

Our on-demand sessions give you the flexibility to access expert information at a time that suits you. Each session is a recording of one of our live online information sharing sessions (aimed at a UK audience), covering key topics that support families and professionals. Sessions cost £5 or a concessionary fee of £2.50. Once purchased, you will have 90 days of access from the date of sign-up, with the option to watch and re-watch the presentation as often as you like during that period.

To view the recordings, you will need to be a member of our free Portal. If you’re not already a member, it only takes a moment to join.
Click here to register if you are parent
Click here to register if you are an education professional

Post 16 Benefits header image with text that also says 'DSUK on-demand'

As children with Down syndrome approach and move beyond 16, families are often faced with changes to benefits and new systems to navigate.

This on-demand session explains what happens to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) when your child turns 16, how this may affect other benefits you are receiving, and what support is available as your child moves into adulthood. It also covers becoming an appointee for your child and how to access and manage Universal Credit, including relevant allowances.

The session begins with a short, clear presentation, followed by a focus on real questions and common concerns raised by families.

The session is hosted by Lisa Holden, a parent to Bobby, who has Down syndrome. Lisa previously worked as an advisor at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and brings extensive experience supporting families to apply for DLA and PIP, alongside lived experience of navigating the system as a parent.

Families can watch on demand, at their own pace, and return to the information whenever they need it.

Building early vocabulary in children with Down syndrome on demand session header image

Children with Down syndrome often show a real strength in understanding words in their early years. This growing receptive vocabulary - the words a child understands - plays an important role in everyday communication, including how well they can follow instructions and take part in routines.

Expressive language - the words a child can say or sign, and how they begin to join words together - can take more time and support to develop.

This on-demand session focuses on both areas. It shares practical, easy-to-use activities to help build receptive and expressive vocabulary, support understanding of longer sentences, and encourage children to start putting words together into early phrases. Families and professionals can watch at their own pace and revisit the ideas whenever it’s helpful.

Supported internships on demand session header image
Join Lauren Davies, Head of Advocacy and Engagement at DFN Project SEARCH, for this online session about supported internships. Find out what a supported internship involves and how the model works to successfully support young adults with a learning disability and/or autism into a long-lasting career.
Social care and the transition to adulthood on demand session header image
This new information sharing session, led by parent Mirjana Fowle focuses on social care and the transition to adulthood. We will look at what social care support is available after the age of 18, the different routes into adult social care, and your rights as a carer when your child becomes an adult. There will also be time for questions, giving you the opportunity to get clarity and support on any issues or concerns you may have.
Bowel management on demand session header image

Bowel problems can have a big impact on comfort, confidence and quality of life. In this on-demand session, June Rogers MBE shares her expert advice on helping children with Down syndrome develop healthy bowel habits and manage ongoing difficulties.

June explains how the bowel works, what causes constipation and soiling, and how you can support your child through gentle, consistent routines. She discusses the role of diet, hydration, medication and positioning, alongside tips for working with your GP or continence service.

Early intervention and management of constipation on demand session header image

Constipation is one of the most common - and often most misunderstood - issues faced by children with Down syndrome. In this on-demand session, independent children’s bladder and bowel specialist June Rogers MBE shares her decades of experience helping families understand and manage this challenge with confidence.

June explains how to recognise early signs of constipation, why it develops, and what practical steps you can take to prevent and manage it. She covers simple changes that can make a big difference, from diet and hydration to establishing positive toilet routines.

With warmth and clarity, June helps parents feel informed and supported. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how your child’s body works, what to look out for, and how to work with healthcare professionals to get the right support early.

Contact

We regularly review our training programme and would love to hear from you if you are an expert in your field or have a suggestion of a topic for us to cover.