Why are the regional media important? How to interest a regional journalist in an issue?  Or how to write a press release? 

All this elements are crucial to raise disabilities issues during the European election campaign. Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) promotes inclusion, equality and choices for people with Down syndrome and their families, and choose to train their   members with a public relations agency: "The most important part of any press release is the "new angle" or story. This is what will make a journalist sit up and take notice of your organisation", said Rachel Graham, Director of Lighthouse  Agency Ltd, DSI's Public Relations' agency.

The training raised the importance of the message: "When starting to write your release, take   a few moment to decide what is the real message you want to get across. Ideally, you should have no more than 1 or 2  strong messages per press release" she precised.

President of DSI Mary O’Reilly and all the DSI team took this  opportunity to set up a list of 8 priorities to have the same voice when they address the journalists or lobby their local candidates. The benefits of such a training is to harmonise the external communication of an organisation. Coherence and strong messages at local, national and European level is a key to success for the whole Disability Movement in the 2009 European elections.

DSI also invited the European Disability Forum to present the Disability votes count campaign two months before the ballot: members came back on the local field with the best tips to adress their euro-candidates and to get ready for an interview with a journalist or to answer a difficult question. They have also been reminded how important are the European elections to improve the daily life of persons with disabilities in Europe.

More information, visit www.downsyndrome.ie and www.lighthouseagency.ie

Zoom on Down Syndrom Ireland

Definition of Down syndrome:

People with Down syndrome are individuals like everyone else, with their own personalities and family characteristics. It 
is caused by a chromosomal arrangement that often results in degrees of developmental delay and recognizable 
characteristics.

Mission Statement:

People experience many great things and also face many challenges throughout their lives. People with Down syndrome are no different, but may need a little extra help and support along the way. Down Syndrome Ireland's goal is to help people with Down syndrome make their own futures as bright and independent as possible by providing them with education, support and 
friendship every step of the way.