Our Mission
Together Academy sees ability and potential; we are challenging stereotypes and giving our students the opportunity to show their capabilities and the value they bring to society.
How we started
Our founder Therese Coveney, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Centre, hoped for a better future for her daughter April. Together Academy grew from the shocking statistic that 90% of adults with Down syndrome are unemployed in Ireland. Therese saw this as a challenge in changing the employment landscape for people with additional needs.
Working Together
Together with our programme director and mum to Alex who has Down syndrome, Cathy Smith, Therese brought together a steering community and got to work. Therese and Cathy worked with the Education Training Board to draft a QQI Level 3 qualification programme specifically designed for young adults with Down syndrome. This programme focused on employability and culinary skills, with a particular interest in setting students up for success in the workplace upon completion of this 2 year course. Thus, a comprehensive programme was created to shape and hold students in a supportive space for learning and practical skill acquisition.