Image: Pictured at the launch were, Declan Murphy Waterford and Michael Gannon from Kildare

Image: Pictured at the launch were, Declan Murphy Waterford and Michael Gannon from Kildare

A NEW 88-PAGE guide about the best things Dublin has to offer was launched today.

But Smart Tourism Guide differs to many of other volumes already available because it was written, designed, edited and tested by people with Down Syndrome.

The book is a tourism guide designed by young people with Down Syndrome for people with Down Syndrome so they can easily navigate their way through the streets of the capital. It was created as part of a pan-European project aimed at promoting greater independence and quality of life.

“When you live in Dublin you think it’s very big but when you see it on a map of Europe it’s very small and you understand it better,” said David O’Brien, chair of the National Advisory Council, Down Syndrome Ireland.

As well as text and imagery to aid tourists, the book also includes interesting historical facts, information on the Irish climate and culture and tips on the top things to do while visiting.

It is specifically tailored to suit a young adult with Down Syndrome from Ireland or overseas travelling to the city.

Corresponding guides for Rome and Lisbon have also been launched. According to the association, they will also be useful for people with a low level of English and the broader community of people with an intellectual disability.

Pat Clarke of Down Syndrome Ireland said the organisation is committed to ensuring that young people with Down Syndrome experience the same life opportunities as their peers in the general population.

“In order to realise this goal we are committed to leading the way in providing the necessary supports to empower our members to avail of life’s opportunities through various projects and initiatives,” he said.

“The Smart Tourism project has empowered our members to avail of life’s opportunities similar to those opportunities afforded to their peers in the general population.”

The guide can be downloaded at www.downsyndrome.ie