Keeping Up with Down Syndrome NSW

Website of the week: Jill Sherlock Learning Assistance Library

2012-01-27T10:35:00.001+11:00

Continuing our 'back to school theme' this week's featured website is a wonderful resource for classroom teachers and parents across NSW that many mainstream teachers do not know about.

The Jill Sherlock Learning Assistance Library is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education and Communities and the Jill Sherlock Memorial Trust. This state facility provides resources to teachers, allied professionals and parents to support the teaching and learning needs of students with learning difficulties, in the context of syllabus and curriculum requirements.

In practice, teachers and parents can access both the extensive catalogue and arrange loans via the website. The librarians can help to locate particular resources to help support a particular student need. Loans are mailed to borrowers and can be returned by mail. The library is located at Oatlands Public School, very near to the geographic centre of Sydney.

We recommend that parents bring the Jill Sherlock Library to the attention of schools and classroom teachers and learning support officers ... the collection includes many items designed to enhance the learning of students with Down syndrome. It could be a very appropriate and freely available resource throughout a student's school life.

The library re-opens on Monday (30th January) - call on 9630 8684 or email jsherlock.library@det.nsw.edu.au and have them send you some brochures to distribute. Your child's teachers will thank you.

Supported Living Fund: seminars on details and how to apply

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000+11:00

In a project funded by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, a partnership between NSW Council on Intellectual Disbaility (CID) and Family Advocacy will run a series of events for people with disability and their families/carers, providing detailed information about the NSW Supported Living Fund, and how to apply for a package for people aged 18 - 24 with disabilities.

This flier is about the events that Family Advocacy will be running for families/carers in February - March 2012.

NSW CID will run events for people with disability during April - June 2012. The CID events will be promoted at a later stage.

Events for families and carers will be held across NSW:

Wed Feb 15 Dubbo
Thurs Feb 16 Bathurst
Mon Feb 20 Kingsford
Tues Feb 21 Blacktown
Wed Feb 22 Burwood
Thurs Feb 23 Hornsby
Tues Feb 28 Lismore & Wollongong
Wed Feb 29 Coffs Harbour & Liverpool
Thurs March 1 Armidale & Newcastle
Fri March 2 Wyong
Mon March 5 Wagga Wagga
Wed March 7 Campbelltown

The seminars are free.

Phone: 02 9869 0866 or 1800 620 588 (NSW non metro callers)

Fax: 02 9869 0722
Email: enquiry@family-advocacy.com

For more information: www.family-advocacy.com

Library Thursday: some useful resources for the new school year

2012-01-26T07:00:00.001+11:00

Now that the start of the 2012 school year is just days away, it really isn't too soon to be thinking about resources for supporting students with Down syndrome at school this year (does it feel like the fourth week of January already?):

This post from July 2009 is worth revisiting ... it links to two books (one of them also available as an app) that can help to explain Down syndrome to other children, which is sometimes a good idea at this time of the year.
If you have a child with Down syndrome entering high school this year, we recommend Late, Lost and Unprepared as background reading. It is available for loan to Down Syndrome NSW members from our library.

The Down Syndrome Research Foundation, based in Vancouver has provided a timely article about students with Down syndrome using devices such as iPads as a learning tool: iTherapy: Tips on Maximizing Your Child's Learning Experiences with the iPad written by Susan Fawcett, Registered Speech Language Pathologist

The Learning, Education and Schooling pages on the Down Syndrome NSW website have been updated for the new school year. It would be useful for your child's teachers to have the link: www.dsansw.org.au/index.php?pg=214

The Why and How of School Inclusion

2012-01-26T06:59:00.000+11:00

A Family Advocacy workshop presented by Dr Bob Jackson -

Newcastle: 13 March 2012
Ryde: 14 March 2012
Hurstville: 15 March 2012
Wollongong: 16 March 2012

The workshop will be useful for family members, friends and educators of a student with developmental disability exploring the possibilities of an inclusive and successful mainstream school education.

Detailed flyer and registration brochure

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T10:53:00.001+11:00

$48m to train teachers of students with disabilities

2012-01-25T09:59:00.001+11:00

The Prime Minister and NSW Premier yesterday announced plans for spending NSW's share of $200 million pledged last year to support students with disabilities:

As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald today:

Almost $48 million of federal money to help children with disabilities in NSW schools will be spent on teacher training, the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, said.

The money is part of a $200 million program to improve resources for disabled students announced in the federal budget last year, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said yesterday.

Under the agreement, which NSW is the first state to sign, the money can be spent on technical aids, teacher training or additional staff.

The funding will be provided over the next two school years.

Mr O'Farrell said the money would ensure NSW teachers had improved access to training so they were better equipped to help students with disabilities such as dyslexia and autism.

''This scheme is very cleverly designed to enable states to focus on their particular needs … and certainly in NSW one of our key focus areas is on the teacher skills,'' Mr O'Farrell said.

Read more

News.com.au report

Joint press released issued 24th January 2012

How to raise a child with Down syndrome: a nice overview

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000+11:00

Amy Julia Becker often writes about her daughter Penny, who has Down syndrome in her blog, Thin Places. She also writes occasionally for newspapers, magazines and other blogs as well, and has written a number of books.

How to Raise a Child With Down Syndrome: Advice and Resources,
her article is published this month by Parents magazine (US edition). It is a nicely organised overview, that might help a new family, or one with a prenatal diagnosis, to organise their thoughts without too much overwhelming detail. It would be a useful place to refer other family members and friends to, as a "this is where we need to start" answer to their "what can we do?" questions.

And there is a beautiful photo to go with it ...

Modelling opportunity for young children with Down syndrome, Sydney

2012-01-24T10:51:00.003+11:00

Online clothing company Rock Your Baby is looking for a model for a photographic shoot in Sydney on 4^th/5^th February. Specifically they are looking for boys aged 6 months to 1 yr and girls aged 2-3 yrs, and need to receive your photos by the end of this week.

From Joh Walsh at Rock Your Baby:

We would be more than happy to use a little child with Down syndrome as a Rock Your Baby model. I would not be comfortable with just doing it for publicity but more to promote that all children are beautiful and need to be embraced into society no matter what their disability is.

If you know of any families who would like to take part in our shoot (4^th/5^th Feb – at Botany, Sydney) then we would be more than happy to do this. They can send photos in to me at johanne@rockyourbaby.com.

The shoot is with a well-known children’s photographer and will be all done in a photographic studio. We would only need the child for no more than 30 mins – 1 hr.

Please note that the photographer also happens to be the official photographer for the Down Syndrome Society (of South Australia), and she is fantastic with children.

If you have any further questions please feel free to email me or you can contact me on 0425 306 907.

Vision and Down syndrome: Children's Hospital Boston Speakers Program 2012

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000+11:00

The excellent Allen C Crocker Speakers Program on children with Down syndrome at Children's Hospital Boston is continuing in 2012. The monthly talks, designed to provide health information to families are genersously made available online for the benefit of families everywhere.

Vision Issues and Down syndrome, the first event of the year (from 3rd January) is available to view online, along with all past talks, from 2010 and 2011.

Topics to June 2012:

February 27, 2012 - Down syndrome and Thyroid Dysfunction

March 6, 2012 - Secrets to Social Success: How to Make and Keep Friends

April - to be announced

May 1, 2012 - Augmentative Communication Strategies

June 5, 2012 - IEP and School Wide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students with Disabilities

On exhibition: Goulburn, NSW

2012-01-23T15:12:00.002+11:00

Drawn to the Line is a selection of drawings from the Peter Fay collection, now on exhibition at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. It includes a drawing by 15 yr old artist, Fraser Pollock (who is also profiled in the current issue of Voice).

18 January - 10 March 2012
Peter Fay floor talk: Thursday 1 March 2012 12.30pm

GRAG
Cnr Church & Bourke Sts. Goulburn NSW 2580
t 48 234494 | f 48 234456 | e artgallery@goulburn.nsw.gov.au
Open Monday-Friday, 10 am – 5pm Free entry. Saturday 1-4pm

WDSC program and pre-conference

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000+11:00

Notifications for upcoming events are starting to come through, and we'll begin posting them this week, starting with the big one for the international Down syndrome community: the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, in August.

Draft programs are now available to download here.

The main program is scheduled for
15th - 17th August 2012
with additional events for people with Down syndrome (over 18 years) on Tuesday 14th August
a medical symposium on Tuesday 14th August
and an education symposium (to be confirmed) on Saturday 18th August.

Positions vacant at Down Syndrome NSW

2012-01-20T08:44:00.000+11:00

JOURNAL MANAGING EDITOR and INFORMATION COORDINATOR

Down Syndrome NSW and Down Syndrome Victoria are currently advertising two vacant positions:

The Journal Managing Editor is responsible for managing VOICE, the member journal of Down Syndrome NSW and Down Syndrome Victoria.

The Information Coordinator, will be responsible for developing, consolidating and administering the combined Down Syndrome NSW/Down Syndrome Victoria knowledge and information database, publications and resources.

To inquire further or obtain position information kits for the above please contact Steve Clarke, Chief Execuitve Officer on (02) 9841 4408 or 042 4044 930 or executiveofficer@dsansw.org.au .
Applications addressing the selection criteria to executiveofficer@dsansw.org.au

LIBRARY COORDINATOR, 14 hours per week

Down Syndrome NSW is seeking a Library Coordinator to work within its Family Support Team based at our Harris Park office.

The Library Coordinator will organise, maintain and expand the library and resource collection, and manage the lending collection and database and facilitate borrowings by members.

The Library Coordinator will advise parents, members and staff regarding available resources and information sources; access, assess and disseminate information from journals, articles and websites as required.

The Library Coordinator will not necessarily be a formally trained librarian but will have very good understanding of Down syndrome and issues facing parents and families; good computer, internet and research skills; and is very likely to be a parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Inquiries and applications to Judy Davidson, Manager – Family Support, 02 9841 4401, support@dsansw.org.au or Steve Clarke, CEO, 02 9841 4408 or steve@dsansw.org.au

More from siblings ...

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000+11:00

Agnieszka aged 9 and Magdalena aged 5 (who has Down syndrome) live in rural Wales, and are home schooled. Agnieszka is a very keen and skilled young filmmaker, who is documenting her life with her sister. Part 1, a short (2 m 55 s) video, was released a year ago:

Agnieszka released Part 2, documenting 2011, this week - it is a 15 minute video, remarkable for its quality and depth. She plans to release an update each year.

Magdalena only began to walk and to talk at age 4, and has made remarkable progress. Agnieszka is an excellent narrator. There are many delightful moments here, as well as a well as a very cohesive overall picture of the sisters, from their own perspective.

Library Thursday: new books scheduled for release in 2012, an interview and a video

2012-01-19T08:00:00.003+11:00

A heads up on some new titles from specialist publishers Woodbine House in 2012, all of them aimed at a family readership:

available now
Down Syndrome Parenting 101: Must–Have Advice for Making Your Life Easier, by Natalie Hale

due to be released in March
Speaking of dyspraxia, by Leslie Lindsay

due to be released in May
Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, Third Edition, by Libby Kumin

due to be released in June
Try Reading Again: How to Motivate and Teach Older Beginners, Age 10 and Up, by DeAnna Horstmeier

We'll let you know when we have copies in our library. If you are interested in purchasing your own copy, Woodbine House does not accept online orders from Australia, but you could try advance ordering from The Book Depository or Fishpond.

An earlier interview with John C McGinley
From Ability magazine's Facebook page:
While John C McGinley is ABILITY Magazine’s Dec/Jan 2011-12 cover story (the link is in this blog post), here’s a fun look at the past where we spoke to McGinley about his “personal experiences of 9/11, the hilarity of his life as Dr. Perry Cox and his very personal experiences of raising a child with Down syndrome.” How time flies by…

A siblings' video
This online video, made by two siblings, one of them a young man with Down syndrome is proving very popular this week:

http://imgur.com/a/NXgPl

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T12:43:00.001+11:00

Adult Down Syndrome Clinic marks 20th Anniversary

2012-01-18T12:41:00.004+11:00

The Adult Down Syndrome Centre in Chicago is this month celebrating its twentieth anniversary as a specialist health care service for people with Down syndrome. The ADSC has developed a depth of experience and expertise that is highly regarded not only by its patients, but worldwide. The staff and services have expanded, and a new building is currently under construction.

The directors, Dr Brian Chicoine (a general practitioner) and Dr Dennis McGuire (a clinical psychologist) have generously shared worldwide their expertise through many, many presentations at local, national and international meetings of both professionals and families, through social media, and very significantly through their two book, Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome, and the Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome (both can be borrowed from our library by members, but we know that many families have purchased their own copies.)

To mark the anniversary, A Center for Adults and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: Twenty Years of Experience, describing and summarising the ADSC's experience and plans for the future has been published online.

Dr McGuire is also the author of the very popular If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World.

If you would like to send your congratulations to the ADSC, you can do so on their Facebook page.

Is it too soon to start talking about school?

2012-01-17T10:12:00.001+11:00

Still two weeks before the 2012 school year starts for most students in NSW, so is it too early to be thinking about school? If it is, just ignore this post for now ...

The NSW Government has brought together the NSW Department of Education and Training with Children's Services and Communities NSW to create the Department of Education and Communities (DEC). The website for NSW Public Schools is the same - only the terminology is changing. Information specifically related to students with disabilities is located here, and regional office contacts are here.

Learners with Down syndrome is a comprehensive introduction for teachers who have students with Down syndrome in their classes, published by Down Syndrome Victoria. It is compiled from the work of a number of well known specialist educators around the world. While comprehensive, it is also brief enough to be easily digested by a busy teacher, as a very useful introduction to the possible impacts of Down syndrome on their student, and to the body of evidence and resources on how best to support their learning.

It is now available both as a .pdf document to read online or download (free) or in print (to purchase). Your child's teacher and/or learning support assistant might find it very useful to have on hand from very early in the school year.

Supported Living Fund: expressions of interest now open

2012-01-16T11:01:00.005+11:00

In addition to the expansion of the Independent Living Support Initiative in the previous post, NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care is beginning to 'roll out' the Supported Living Fund packages promised in Stronger Together 2. Expressions of interest are now open. Information and contact details are available from the ADHC website, and the expression of interest form can be downloaded:

The Supported Living Fund is an initiative that aims to provide people with a disability, their families and carers greater opportunity to create a good life, and build person centred and sustainable living arrangements. The focus is on giving people with a disability, their families and carers a truly flexible and individualised option in the planning of ongoing living supports.

Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) through Stronger Together Two, commits a total of 300 Supported Living Fund packages across NSW (100 each in 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14), totalling $60 million over five years.

The opportunity to formally register an interest in accessing a Supported Living Fund package is now open. People with a disability who are planning or considering moving to a supported living arrangement are encouraged to register with ADHC.

Please note that Expressions of Interest for this intake round will close on Friday the 27th January, 2012. Note, there will be further rounds later in 2012, and also in 2013.

... Click here to read more and to access links to further information and the Expression of Interest form.

Family Advocacy took the lead in campaigning for the implementation of a Supported Living Fund in NSW. Their Supported Living website provides excellent information on the concept and its realisation for individual people.

Funding boost for the Independent Living Support Initiative

2012-01-13T08:14:00.001+11:00

NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance has announced the state-wide expansion of a program to help people with a disability live more independently in the community.

$4.26 million is being delivered to service providers across NSW for the Independent Living Support Initiative, which will help 58 people plan for their long term living arrangements and learn the necessary skills to be more independent.

“Service providers will work one-on-one with ILSI participants for up to 35-hours a week to develop their everyday skills,” Mr Constance said.

“Some of the skills training provided in the program could be anything from cooking, money management, washing, shopping, personal health and safety, or communication.”

“Once the person with a disability builds on their strengths and skills, they may choose to move out into a granny flat, share a house with friends or siblings or remain in the family home but be less reliant on help from their ageing parents.”

Service providers across NSW receiving new ILSI funding include:

Endeavour Industries Ltd and Mai-Wel Group (consortium) in Hunter/Maitland, Muswellbrook and Hunter/Cessnock - $367,500 to support 5 people.
House With No Steps on the Central Coast and in the Illawarra - $588,000 to support 8 people.
Lifestyle Solutions in Cumberland Prospect - $735,000 to support 10 people.
Sunnyfield in Nepean and New England/Armidale - $588,000 to support 8 people.
Sunshine in Northern Sydney - $367,500 to support 5 people.
Uniting Care Disability Services in the Inner West - $735,000 to support 10 people.
Coffs Harbour Support Services on the Mid North Coast - $294,000 to support 4 people.
Caringa Enterprises on the Far North Coast - $220,500 to support 3 people.
Kurrajong Waratah in the Riverina/Murray, Bland, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora - $367,500 to support 5 people.

This boost in new growth funding now sees the ILSI program reach $5 million per annum assisting 68 people with a disability, their families and carers across NSW.

Interested applicants should contact Mr Scott Bridges, ILSI Project Manager, Down Syndrome NSW on 02 9841 4414 or scott.bridges@dsansw.org.au to find out further details about the initiative.

Individuals are expected to start in the ILSI program in March 2012.

Mr Constance said that the ILSI program falls within the policy direction of Stronger Together 2; the O’Farrell Government’s $2 billion plan to expand and improve disability services in NSW.

Minister's media release, 11th January 2012

ILSI Carer-Client Fact Sheet
ILSI Expression of Interest

Website of the week: Accessible Arts

2012-01-13T08:00:00.002+11:00

If you have any interest in the arts and in a person with a disability living in NSW, Accessible Arts needs to be on your 'favourites' list.

Accessible Arts promotes and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural activities either as audience members; through attending galleries, theatres, museums and festivals; or as participants in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities; and by developing as professional artists.

Our vision is a society in which people with disabilities can contribute to and fully experience the arts and cultural life.

The website is easy to navigate and full of information that is well organised - dates, times, places, costs, venue accessibility are all addressed. Subscribe to the monthly e-Newsletter so that you don't miss out on anything. You will often see stories about people with Down syndrome involved a wide range of activities. Information is provided about events and activities designed especially for people with disabilities, and about people with disabilities participating in mainstream events and activities, right across NSW.

If you want to know what's on, what's in the planning, what opportunities are open, how to make an event or activity accessible, or who's doing what, when and where, Accessible Arts is the place to find out. Accessible Arts is also on Facebook and Twitter - these people are connected, and they really know what they are doing.

Library Thursday: National Year of Reading

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000+11:00

2012 has been declared the National Year of Reading in Australia. Reading has great relevance for people with Down syndrome and those who care for them - as a skill for all aspects of living, and as a valuable source of information, and pleasure.

The National Year of Reading has a website, a calendar events and activities, a newsletter, opportunities for involvement, and much more. The official launch is scheduled for 14th February, 2012.

As recently as a generation ago, few people believed that those with Down syndrome could learn to read (or could learn other 'academic' skills) - so they were often not given the opportunity, and predictably few did read. Expectations and approaches are very different now, and research continues to provide new information about how people with Down syndrome of all ages develop literacy skills, and how we might better teach them.

With that in mind, we are planning to making the National Year of Reading a theme for this blog in 2012, highlighting various aspects of 'reading and people with Down syndrome' throughout the year. Our regular library posts will continue, along with contributions such as

family stories about reading
what people with Down syndrome think about reading
resources for teaching and supporting reading skills at school and at home
other libraries
articles and reviews
news about research into reading skills development
information about apps
ideas for improving your local library's resources about people with Down syndrome
links
guest bloggers
and of course pictures to illustrate it all

Your suggestions are welcome.

Here is a a cool little animation of books having fun - the kids might like it too (nothing at all to do with Down syndrome).

The Down Syndrome NSW library collection is available for loan to members (click here to find out how to do it). The collection includes books and DVDs designed for families and carers, and for children and adults with Down syndrome.

Memantine study: no effect on dementia in people with Down syndrome

2012-01-11T21:57:00.000+11:00

The report from a UK study of the drug memantine (Nemanda) as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome has shown no significant effects.

Read the news report and commentary in Family Practice News here.

Adult Down Syndrome Clinic comments and link to to the abstract of the research report published in the The Lancet.

If you need information about people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease in Australia, you are welcome to visit our web pages on Growing Older with Down Syndrome for information, links and contact details for our support staff.

Wordless Wednesday: January = sun + sand + water

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000+11:00

Families, holidays and life

2012-01-10T08:04:00.000+11:00

Easing gently into a new year of blog-reading, you might like some recent posts from some of our favourites, and a new (to us) family blog that promises fun:

Let's Talk Down Syndrome - Home Made Holiday - some ideas for everyday fun in the holidays

Elysha and Jake (her companion dog) - how a companion dog fits into a young woman's life, and understands sign language!

The top ten things I learned from (18 yr old) Alex in 2011 - Alex's Mum says she learns many more than 10 things every year ... these are some 2011 highlights.

And a newly discovered blog to follow, April Anecdotes from a family who have six adult and teenage children - three of them with Down syndrome (you might recognise one of the writers, Jennifer, as Ms Bekins from Let's Talk Down Syndrome!) - this one is now on our updated and revamped list of 'Blogs we read'.

2012-01-09T08:03:00.000+11:00

Here we are in 2012 already - time to kickstart this blog for the year and to Keep Up!

The Down Syndrome NSW office re-opens from today.

Self managed support - one young woman's experience

2012-01-09T08:02:00.000+11:00

Services and government funding for people with disabilities in NSW are moving towards giving those who wish to consider it, the option of managing their own services (all funded services by 2014). Ability Options' quarterly newsletter, Able Cable - Summer 2011 recounts Bridget Parker's experience with a self managed support package. Bridget has Down syndrome, and lives with significant communication challenges:

For the past two years, twenty-three-year-old Bridget Parker and her family have worked in partnership with staff at Ability Options Self-Managed Services to further Bridget’s interests, meet her needs and achieve her goals ...

Bridget leads an active life.

“I like going to the Merry Makers ... and dance classes ... going to the gym ... working at Penrith Disability Resource Centre and Life Line Op Shop ... I am learning to type, said Bridget. "I am happy now!"

Read the full article online here (p 10).

Value of the ordinary

2012-01-09T08:01:00.000+11:00

Rolling Around in My Head has been one of our favourite blogs since Dave Hingsburger, one of our favourite writers, started writing it in October, 2006, with these words:

What I want to do here on this blog is to think, aloud, about what it is to be in a position of service and a position of power at the same time. About those I've met along the way. This blog is about remembering as well as about imagining.

Five years and some 2000 entries later, its still on the daily 'must read' list. In this post, But only I was there, the ever-eloquent Dave Hingsburger paints three vignettes from his casual observations of people just going about their ordinary lives that would have been great lessons for anyone inclined to limit the value of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome.

Blog break

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

Thank you for reading throughout 2011. Like many of our readers, Keeping Up is taking a break for some rest and relaxation - we hope you enjoy yours as much as we plan to. We'll be back in early January, ready for another year of news, information and comment.

You can sign up (in the right hand column) for email notifications so that you know when we are back in the blogosphere.

All you need is love: raising two daughters with Down syndrome

2011-12-24T08:58:00.004+11:00

Rosemaie Milsom's Newcastle Herald story (in this weekend's magazine, and online) about a local family, the Rutherfords, needs little comment from us, except to to thank Rob and Jo for taking the time in their very busy lives to tell the world about their family.

Meaningful gift-giving: Kathy Snow

2011-12-23T11:30:00.000+11:00

Kathy Snow is a disability rights advocate, trainer and writer (and not co-incidentally the mother of a young man with a disability), who maintains the Disability is Natural website. Her offering for Christmas (and other gift-giving holidays) this year is Meaningful Gift-Giving ... some thoughts on thoughtful gifts that require no money or making.

You will find much useful information on the website, some of it freely available, some for purchase. You can sign up for a free e-Newsletter.

Charges dropped - calls for court support

2011-12-23T11:00:00.000+11:00

Further to this post from last week about the need for support for communication in courts, many have been distressed by this week's news that the sexual assault charges that stimulated the discussion have been dropped in South Australia because the prosecution did not think their witnesses with disabilities would be perceived as sufficiently reliable to secure a conviction.

Speech Pathology Australia put out this press release, Justice should extend to all Australians, and calls for further development of support strategies from several sources have cited a program already in place in Victoria as an example.

Wordless Wednesday ...

2011-12-21T10:00:00.001+11:00

Photograph: Sally Crosbie

Holiday/party activity - fun with built in support

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000+11:00

Joan Medlen's work and thinking on healthy eating and lifestyles for people with disabilities and their families goes well beyond food.

Here is another example, from her Practical Wisdom blog of a fairly simple healthy food-related activity (she calls it a 'sanity activity saver' - how appealing is that?) that can provide substantial support in a social setting that could be challenging, that remains part of the occasion - read the post to appreciate all the dimensions Joan covers.

Very apt for an Australian summer - with the choice of wonderful fresh fruits available, you could make rainbow kabobs of many varieties.

Northcott Newcastle 'Learn Swimming Skills': term 1, 2012

2011-12-20T09:40:00.000+11:00

The ‘Learn Swimming Skills Program' will be running again in the new year during Term 1 in partnership with Northcott Disability Services, MyTime and Balance Health Club.

Children under school age with a disability, chronic medical condition or are under-going assessments and their siblings are invited to participate in a “learn swimming skills” program for Term 1 in 2012.

The program will be suited to meet the needs of the children attending and will have fully qualified instructors available. Children attending will gain confidence and water safety skills in a fun environment.

The program will run WEEKLY for the whole of Term 1 every Thursday, 2nd February - 12th April.

Swimming commences at 11.30am and runs until 12.15pm.

Some Important Information

Children who are attending in term 4 don’t automatically qualify for term 1 next year. Parents will have to re register their child by the 13th of January
Priority will be given to children who have not previously attended.
If your child has attended previously their place will be confirmed after the closing date on the 13th of January. Places will be offered to existing attendees on a first come first serve basis.
The cost of the lessons will be $50 for the whole term. This fee must be paid by the 20th of January to hold your child’s place.
Parents must register their child for MyTime/Northcott calling 4935 0400 or emailing Newcastle@northcott.com.au
Parents will need to complete a registration form once their child’s place is confirmed
Parents are able to join the children in the pool while they get settled.
Program will be cancelled if registration numbers are low.
Children must be ready to start the lesson at 11.30 so not to disrupt the class

Siblings activities in Newcastle in January: Northcott

2011-12-20T09:28:00.004+11:00

January School Holidays Siblings Fun 2012

If you’re a sibling aged 7 - 12 who has a brother or sister with a recently diagnosed disability you are invited to join Northcott on one of their upcoming sibling trips.

Drop off and pick up from 13 Valencia Street Mayfield

• 9am prompt arrival
• 3pm depart
• Meals included

To RSVP please contact Northcott on (02) 4935 0400.

If you will have transport difficulties please discuss at time of RSVP

Newcastle Disney Live - Tuesday 17th January 2012
followed by a picnic lunch on the beach (weather permitting)

Source: IDEAS e-News Issue 30

Sydney Community College Inclusive Community Education Program

2011-12-20T09:02:00.000+11:00

Courses for people with a disability at the Rozelle Campus

Term 1 2012 is 28th January – 5th April

The courses are:

Filmmaking (Saturdays 9:30am-12:30pm)
Organic Gardening & Cooking (Saturdays 1:30pm-4:30pm)
Visual Arts (Tuesdays 3:15pm-6:15pm)
Dance & Games (Wednesdays 3:15pm-6:15pm)
Singing (Thursdays 3:15-6:15pm)

Please contact:

Duncan Rose

Social Inclusion Program Coordinator, Sydney Community College

duncan.rose@scc.nsw.edu.au or ph: 8752 7571

What is the Inclusive Community Education Program?

The ICEP is a two year pilot program operated by the Respite Directorate, Family and Community Services, Aging, Disability and Home Care. It is a flexible respite program that aims to give carers a break by providing recreation and leisure courses for adults with a disability. It also aims to give people with a disability an opportunity to build social networks with their peers outside usual service hours.

Who Can Come?

The ICEP pilot is for people with a disability who:

Are aged 18-45 years (with some flexibility)
Have an unpaid carer e.g. parent (people who are recipients of the Carers Allowance or other benefits are considered to be unpaid carers)
Are living in the community. People who currently live in ADHC funded or operated accommodation are not eligible as the focus is to provide respite to an unpaid carer.
Live in Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Strathfield, Botany Bay, Randwick, Rockdale, Sydney, Waverly or Woollahra LGAs

Source: IDEAS e-News Issue 30, 12th December 2012

Free holiday Baby Sign Playtime session

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000+11:00

Baby Sign Playtime is offering a free session during the January holidays!

11 am 18th January 2012

Parenting and Pregnancy Centre, Baulkham Hills

A fun play session where parents and babies can learn baby signs through songs, stories and games. For babies with and without Down syndrome.

NB: For babies 0 - 2 only; no older siblings please.

Please let Carolyn know you'll be attending by contacting her on 0431 514 787 or info@hillsnepean.com.au You can visit our website at www.babysignplaytime.com

Upstairs, Downstairs

2011-12-18T22:01:00.000+11:00

Did you see the final episode of Upstairs, Downstairs on ABC TV this evening? If not, you missed Sarah Gordy's performance in a final plot twist revealing her character, Pamela, the sister of the leading male character, Sir Hallam Holland. A short clip from the episode, set in 1936, is included in this BBC interview from December 2010.

You can see more about Sarah's 11 years of theatre experience, here on her website - and make sure to take a look at her work as a model for photographer Richard Bailey, for the Shifting Perspectives exhibition.

Team Eammon

2011-12-18T11:00:00.000+11:00

Eamon Petersen's family set themselves a fundraising target of $300 for their first Buddy Walk effort, and would have been very pleased to have reached it. So they were thrilled (and Down Syndrome NSW was very grateful), when with the support of their family, friends and their local Maitland community they raised more than $2000 through his Buddy Walk Hero fundraising page, when they took part in Buddy Walk - Australia: Newcastle for the first time in October.

Jess Chalker interviewed Eamon's mum, Kim, for this summer's issue of Down Syndrome NSW News and Update (read it here on p 2). Kim said then, "We want to work with the community to create a culture that fully accepts our little boy and all the other children like Eamon. ... A dear friend of ours said ‘that’s what mates do, support each other'. Our friends and family can see how important it is to us to have Eamon out in the community living his life to the fullest so they can see that the money raised from this event can only benefit him in the long run."

Pictured from left: Hannah Rose (QBE Foundation), Natalie Grogan, Eamon, Kim, Cohen

And now this little boy's presence in his family's community has resulted in a very generous donation of $10,000 from the QBE Foundation (Eamon's devoted godmother, Natalie Grogan works with QBE and successfully applied to the Foundation for the donation), that will make a significant contribution to that cultural development.

Eamon took Kim and his brother Cohen along for the cheque presentation.

Many, many thanks to the QBE Foundation, to the Petersens, to Natalie and to Eamon!

Some weekend reading ...

2011-12-17T11:05:00.003+11:00

Ability magazine's interview with John C McGinley (aka Dr Perry Cox in Scrubs, and Max's Dad) in its current issue is available online.

The UK Daily Mail published this interview with Gemma Andre about her little girl Taya, who has landed some modelling jobs - you will see why from the gorgeous photos. The interview is more thoughtful than you might expect.

People with communication impairment deserve their day in court

2011-12-15T09:18:00.000+11:00

Teresa Iacono has long and substantial experience in supporting people with intellectual disability (including Down syndrome) to communicate by various means, and as an advocate for practical accommodation for complex communication needs. She is currently Professor of Regional and Rural Allied Health at La Trobe University, Bendigo, and a speech pathologist specialising in complex communication impairment.

She argues in today's Fairfax press for courts to be required to provide appropriate adaptations for people with communication impairments:

For those of us working in the intellectual disability field there are many experiences of deja vu. A report that charges may be dropped against a South Australian bus driver accused of sexually abusing two children with intellectual disabilities is a recent one. As a result of their intellectual disability and associated communication impairment, these children are thought to be unable to cope with prolonged legal questioning.

Read more via the Sydney Morning Herald's online edition.

Recent developments in Australian disability reform

2011-12-14T11:48:00.000+11:00

NDIS agency
On International Day of People with Disability (3rd December), the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the agency that will oversee building the national Disability Insurance Scheme. The Minister's press release describing the work and objectives of the agency is here.

Minister for Disability reform
This week, the reshuffle of the Cabinet saw the title 'Minister for Disability Reform' added to the portfolio of the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (Jenny Macklin). Commentary has included:

James O'Brien at the Every Australian Counts campaign
... This means that Minister Macklin – as one of the Government’s senior Ministers – will have a clear mandate to continue to develop the NDIS.

Tom Bridge at Ramp Up, the ABC's site on disability matters
... All Tom Bridge wanted for Christmas was a Minister for Disability in the Australian Parliament. In the cabinet reshuffle yesterday, he got what he wanted. Sort of.

New Government NDIS website
The Australian Government's website for the National Disability Insurance Scheme was launched on IDPWD, to track its development, and for the release of government news about the NDIS. (Note that the Every Australian Counts campaign website is separate, owned and run by the campaign). You can subscribe to updates and news feeds from the NDIS site.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T11:11:00.000+11:00

'Growing Older with Down Syndrome' news sheet: issue 6

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000+11:00

The Summer 2011 - 2012 issue of the Growing Older with Down Syndrome news sheet is now available online, as a downloadable .pdf file.

If you know someone who would like a print copy, please contact Miriam Parker at Down Syndrome NSW, on 9841 4407 or miriam@dsansw.org.au

Transition to retirement for people with a disability: new DVD

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000+11:00

Transition to Retirement is a new DVD designed to help older people with a disability to make the transition from work to retirement. It is a product of an ARC Linkage Research Project led by Associate Professor Roger Stancliffe (University of Sydney) in collaboration with the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD).

The objective of the Transition to Retirement project was to support older people with a lifelong disability to experience an active and inclusive retirement.

Professor Roger Stancliffe suggests that people with disability, particularly intellectual disability, are now living longer, which is very positive. However it presents new challenges as these individuals approach retirement age.

'There is really no clear policy or clear range of paths for people to follow to develop a retirement lifestyle so we are offering one alternative to assist people to gradually begin to develop a retirement lifestyle as they ease out of their full time sheltered employment." .... read more on the project on this University of Sydney news webpage.

The DVD will be distributed by AFFORD and will also be available through its website. The online edition is available to view as individual chapters, all of which are well worth watching.

Young onset dementia: promising results of research into vaccine

2011-12-09T17:01:00.001+11:00

Another piece of research was reported today, that is not directly about people with Down syndrome, but might have potential to lead to very good outcomes for them, because of their increased susceptibility to young onset Alzheimer's disease.

Media release from University of Sydney, 9th December 2011:

A vaccine that slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI).

The vaccine, which targets a protein known as tau, prevents the ongoing formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of a mouse with Alzheimer’s disease.

This progressive neurodegenerative disease affects more than 35 million people worldwide. The tau protein is also involved in front temporal dementia, the second most common form of dementia in people younger than 65 years.

The results of the study which led to the production of the vaccine have been published today in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.

Lead author on the study, Associate Professor Lars Ittner, from the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory says:

“Our study is the first to show that a vaccine targeting the tau protein can be effective once the disease has already set in.

“The vaccine appears to have a preventative effect: slowing the development of further tangles, rather than clearing existing ones, but the exact mechanism involved is not yet understood,” he said.

According to Associate Professor Ittner, scientists have been working on vaccines targeting the amyloid plaques seen in Alzheimer’s for many years with a few currently in clinical trials.

“Most of the other vaccines targeting tau were tested only before or around the onset of the disease in animal models, but the vast majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease are only diagnosed after the symptoms have appeared.

“We are already collaborating with the US pharmaceutical industry to develop this new vaccine for humans.

“Although we have a long way to go before the vaccine might be available for human use, these early results are very promising and a great reward for the countless hours spent in the lab by me and my team!”

New app from Special iApps: Special Stories

2011-12-09T08:55:00.001+11:00

Special iApps, the developers of the app version of See and Learn - Special Words (released in September), have released a new one, Special Stories, allowing you to create your own stories with text, pictures and sound.

It is a universal app for iPhone, iTouch and iPad, priced at $13.99 via iTunes.

Local research published on memory in people with and without Down syndrome - you might have participated in this study

2011-12-08T09:12:00.001+11:00

Thanks to James Birdsall (Research and Development, DS NSW) for this summary of a recently released paper.

The Department of Psychology at Macquarie University hasrecently published the results of a study exploring the implicit and explicitolfactory memory in people with and without Down syndrome.

The study is ofparticular interest as Down Syndrome NSW assisted the researchers to recruitparticipants for the study starting in 2005.

The studyexamined differences in implicit memory, where previous experiences aid the personto perform a task without conscious awareness of those experiences, andexplicit memory, where the person is intentionally recalling previousexperiences and information. These differences were examined by comparing thememory performance of people with Down syndrome, their siblings, childrenmatched on mental age and university undergraduates using olfactory stimuli. As well as comparing the participant’simplicit and explicit memory, the participants were also compared on two tasksof executive function, which is a theorized cognitive system which controls aperson’s cognitive processes such as working memory, problem solving and verbalreasoning.

Fifteen of the participants in the study had Down syndrome,and were aged between 8 and 20 years. The other participants in the study included11 of their siblings, 17 children matched for mental-age and 21 undergraduatestudents who comprised the control groups in the study.

The data collected demonstratedstrong evidence for implicit memory for olfactory stimuli, and the participantsin the study who had Down syndrome performed comparatively to each of thecontrol groups on the implicit memory task. The participants withDown syndrome did not perform as strongly as the control groups on theexplicit memory task - impairment to executive functioning was identified as apossible cause for this particular finding.

For those who would like to read the article in full, the referencefor the study is detailed below, and the article can also be purchased online here.

Johns, A., Homewood, J., Stevenson, R. & Taylor, A.(2012). Implicit and explicit olfactory memory in people with and without Downsyndrome. Research in DevelopmentalDisabilities, 33, 583-593.

A further investigation of executive function skills in children with Down syndrome was recently announced by the (US) National Center for Special Education Research.

If you are interested in participating in research either online or in person, take a check here for several current opportunities.

Voice, December 2011; DS NSW News and Update Summer 2011 - 2012

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000+11:00

Our Summer 20111 - 2012 publications are being mailed out to members this week.

The December 2011 issue of Voice has a theme of 'personal passions'. The feature articles are available online here.

The Summer 2011 - 2012 issue of Down Syndrome NSW News and Update is available as a .pdf file here.

Auburn IDPWD event now on tomorrow

2011-12-07T10:43:00.001+11:00

The Auburn Diversity Services International Day of People with Disability event that was postponed due to rain last week will now be held tomorrow, Thursday 8th December.

The program includes a screening of the 2009 TropFest winning film Be My Brother, and short presentations by Gerard O'Dwyer, Maria Short and Kylie Scott.

Click here for a flyer and detailed program.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000+11:00

Prenatal diagnosis: a broader perspective

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000+11:00

This series of three well considered articles was published on Sunday (4th December 2011) by the Columbus Dispatch (from Columbus, Ohio), under the collective heading Down Syndrome Testing. It takes a much broader survey of the complex scenario of prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, the whole range of ways in which parents and professionals might respond, and the information and support available. It is a stark contrast to the article we blogged about yesterday. Links to the individual parts are all available from the lead page, and are headed:

A chosen child - after prenatal testing, Short North couple embraces the future
Down syndrome: thorny choice - new, less risky procedure increases moral quandary
A fair share? Advocates, genetic scientists say that other medical, developmental conditions receive much more attention, financial support

If you choose to read the comments (not always a good idea!), you will see that at least one person questions the evidence for the reference to high termination rates after prenatal diagnosis. Here is a recent paper (published February 2011) that explains what is known, and where those statistics come from, in the US:
Demographic differences in Down syndrome live births in the US from 1989 to 2006 .

This 2008 paper provides an analysis of birth statistics in Victoria:
Is Down Syndrome a disappearing birth defect?
(the abstract only is currently available online - contact the Down Syndrome NSW library if you would like to arrange access to a copy of the full text)

The recent clinical release of a new non-invasive diagnostic prenatal test for Down syndrome (performed on a blood sample from the mother) in 20 US cities has stimulated much discussion in the Down syndrome community and the media generally. Boston geneticist and writer, Dr Brian Skotko, is often quoted on these matters - here is an article he wroter earlier this year:
Will babies with Down syndrome slowly disappear?

The final word today goes to Pamela Wilson, BellaOnline's Children with Special Needs Editor:
My son is a much better ambassador for the Down syndrome community than I will ever be, just being himself and interacting with people one by one. I believe that if everyone in the world had the chance to spend a few days with him, he would put Sequenom (the company that has released the new test first) out of business. But he has plans of his own, so it's up to others to make expectant parents aware of the real choices they have after Sequenom sells them and their medical providers the test.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Down Syndrome

Your comments are welcome, as always ...

Prenatal diagnosis: advocating for appropriate information and support

2011-12-05T14:15:00.000+11:00

Yesterday, the Sunday Telegraph (Sydney) reprinted in its magazine, an article from the UK Daily Mail, 'I was bullied into aborting my baby' , a mother's account of the pressure she felt to terminate her pregnancy, when her baby was diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome, 6 years ago.

Her description of how the diagnosis was delivered and the biased information she received are at odds with currently recommended practices about delivering the diagnosis, non-directive support for decision making, and the information that should be made available to parents, all of which is now readily available from several sources, including:

Discussing Down syndrome: a physician's guide published online by the National Down Syndrome Congress (USA)

Brighter Tomorrows published by the Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky

Dr Brian Skotko's research, much of which is freely available through his website.

Our own website's pages on prenatal diagnosis.

Preventing experiences similar to this family's is an important part of the reason that, like Down syndrome family support organisations worldwide, Down Syndrome NSW puts considerable resources into community awareness activities, why many families choose to share their experience through the media (such as The Project's recent report), and why our top priority is accurate, current information for families, the professionals that serve them, and the communities in which they live.

(We did find the mother's comment that she never sees babies with Down syndrome now a little odd - one of the greatest changes that has occurred for people with Down syndrome, including babies, over recent decades is their increased visibility in communities everywhere.)

Families are welcome to contact the Parent Support Team at Down Syndrome NSW on 02 9841 4401 or support@dsansw.org.au

Dream Night at Taronga Zoo

2011-12-05T12:15:00.001+11:00

Dream Night at the Zoo is art of a event that is held in zoos around the world. In Sydney, Taronga Zoo's event is planned to coincide with International Day of People With Disability, and gives children with disabilities and chronic illnesses and their families a unique opportunity for a twilight visit to Taronga Park, without the usual crowds of visitors. Invitations are highly prized: entirely at the Taronga's discretion, and without publicity.

Down Syndrome NSW has been very fortunate to have received a limited number of tickets for members for three years (although last year's event was spectacularly washed out by a late and ferocious summer storm). Eligible families quickly took up the offer of tickets, and had a wonderful time on a fine night last Thursday evening.

Photos are now available to view through our Facebook page, as is feedback from several families - visit our FB wall for additional photos ... you are welcome to post yours there too.

A small part of the Down Syndrome NSW contingent exploring Taronga Park Zoo

International Day of People with Disability

2011-12-03T18:21:00.001+11:00

Many events have, and still are happening to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

Support for people with disability is on the national agenda, with progress on the National Disability Insurance Scheme at the ALP conference in Sydney. Cate Smith charmed the Prime Minister over breakfast at the Sydney Aquarium, where the establishment of the authority to oversee the NDIS was announced. You will also be able to catch a glimpse of Cate and the PM in television news bulletins this evening. The ABC's online report is here, published with this photo (right).

The Opposition spokesman on Disability, Senator Mitch Fifield issued this press release, affirming bi-partisan support for the NDIS, and calling for confirmation of full funding.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten's speech to the ALP Conference in Sydney at the weekend - online audio and trasncript.

ILSI information sessions: 7 - 16 December

2011-12-02T14:51:00.001+11:00

INDEPENDENT LIVING SUPPORT INITIATIVE (ILSI)

Is this the program for you, or someone you support?

An exciting new funding option from ADHC for older parents/carers

COME & HEAR ALL ABOUT IT AT AN INFORMATION SESSION

presented by Sunnyfield Independence

1.00 pm to 3.00 pm Wednesday 7th December 2011

WEST PENNANT HILLS VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE, Main Hall

(42a Hill Road, West Pennant Hills NSW 2120)

RSVP to Rebecca Jones on (02) 9412 8632 by Monday, 5 December

or email: r.jones@sunnyfield.org.au

If you would like any further information, please contact Angela Tomassetti on (02) 9412 8632

______________________________________

Independent Living Support Initiative

UnitingCare Disability will be holding an information session about ILSI, and we would like to invite you to attend.

5pm-7pm13th December 2011

UnitingCare Disability,

9 Brighton Avenue Croydon Park

Parking: UnitingCare Disability has a car park that is available for use, with street parking also available.

There will be light refreshments served on the night.

PLEASE RSVP BY 9TH DECEMBER TO:

Emma Coghlan, Phone: 9818 9814, Email: ecoghlan@unitingcaredisability.org.au

______________________________________

INDEPENDENT LIVING SUPPORT INITIATIVE

Do you have a disability with low – moderate support needs?

Do you have ageing parents/carers?

The NSW Government, through Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) has recog-nized a need to provide a more flexible approach to accommodation support options.

If you are a person with a disability who wishes to live more independently, and you live with ageing parents or carers, then the “Independent Living Support Initiative” could be for you.

How will the “Independent Living Support Initiative” work?

Lifestyle Solutions will provide up to 35hours/week support to assist you move towards independent living arrangements through person centred planning, intensive living skills development and the development of effective support networks, including a circle of sup-port

Lifestyle Solutions are holding information sessions on:

Thursday 15th December 2011

Rooty Hill RSL

55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill

Commencing at 6:00pm

and

Friday 16th December 2011

Merrylands Bowling Club

Cnr Newman Rd & Oxford St, Merrylands

Commencing at 1:00pm

You will receive an Information kit together with an Expression of Interest form. This will need to be completed and returned to Lifestyle Solutions, we will then assist you to complete an Application Form. The program is available for people living in the Cumberland/Prospect areas (e.g. Blacktown, Hills District, Auburn, Merrylands, Parramatta).

RSVP: Linda Simeon — (02) 8801 3200 or email linda.simeon@lls.org.au by

Wednesday 14th December 2011.

We look forward to meeting you!

Click here for links to flyers for each of these sessions.

______________________________________

Independent Living Support Initiative, a program being developed by Down Syndrome NSW in conjunction with the NSW Government and service providers.

Summer 2011 - 2012 publications

2011-12-01T18:51:00.001+11:00

Click here for latest issue of our monthly summary of information and events.

Members will receive the print editions of our of our Summer 2011-2012 quarterly journal Voice, and the Down Syndrome NSW News and update by post early next week.

Toy shopping suggestions

2011-12-01T10:29:00.001+11:00

Jennifer Bekins, speech and language pathologist at the Jane and Richard Thomas Center for Down Syndrome at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, has posted her annual list of gift suggestions on her blog, Let's Talk Down Syndrome. She says:

'Our team members are often asked what kinds of toys we suggest for children with Down syndrome. For the past several years I’ve compiled a list in November/December for this very reason. Our criteria when choosing toys:

Engaging/ interesting
Target specific goals we address in therapy
Not too annoying (limited bells and whistles)
Developmentally appropriate
Encourage adult-child or child-child interaction
Available locally or on common on-line sites'

The last point might not be so relevant if you are Australia, but many of the brands and toys are available here. And of course there are the hundreds of toys that any child will enjoy ...

What have been the top toys on your household?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000+11:00

Distressing news report

2011-11-29T11:33:00.001+11:00

A very distressing experience for a NSW man with Down syndrome and his family was reported on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, as an example of the risks of telephone triage of emergency ambulance calls. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Geoff Chesworth's family - the grief of his untimely death is exacerbated by their experience in trying to get emergency help.

Two letters to the editor commenting on the circumstances were published today.

These two articles by the SMH's Health Editor, Julie Robotham, published in yesterday's and today's editions are about the telephone triage process that might put people with intellectual disabilities at particular risk, and the investigations promised.

Website of the week: Play Talk Learn

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000+11:00

Play Talk Learn is a website maintained by a Western Australian speech therapist who is also a busy mother of young children. Emily says of her site:

This is how Play Talk Learn came about. Here you will find activities that are:

fun (otherwise the little blighters won’t want to do them, and neither will you!)
easy (I’m sure you’ve got lots of other things that you’d rather be concentrating on!)
quick (do I have to explain this one?)
done without special equipment (just a fossick through the craft box and the recycling bin!)
designed to teach your child a new concept, word, or skill (whether you’re concerned about their development, or whether you’re looking for home activities)
the result of being tried on real children in real homes in really busy lives!

With the long summer holidays just a couple of weeks away, families of young children with Down syndrome might find lots of easy and entertaining ideas here - let us know if you do.

Kyiv, one year on

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000+11:00

You might recall Frank Buckley's article in our journal, Voice, just a year ago, about children with Down syndrome in Kyiv. Frank has written an anniversary blog post to mark the first year's progress of Down Syndrome Education International's work in Kyiv, here.

Check out the media links - you don't need to know Ukranian to enjoy the short videos. The third article is in English, and includes a delightful photo gallery that will be very familiar to anyone who has attended an early intervention program. Great to see the kids playing, learning, cherished by their families.

Background on the Kyiv project is in this earlier post from Frank Talk.

Up, Up and Away on Aurora TV

2011-11-26T07:30:00.000+11:00

People with disability will celebrate their lives and achievements across Australia on and around 3rd December, marking International Day of People with Disability.

Up Up and Away (the documentary from the Down Syndrome NSW project) will be screening at 8pm, 4th December 2011on the Aurora Community Channel.

Ever After Theatre Company presents .... Power

2011-11-25T07:30:00.000+11:00

A new work created by Ever After Theatre ensemble members

Kerrie Anne Bezzina, Matthew Cutmore, Tom Hancock, Jo Rix, Thomas Maxwell, Emma Plant, Rodrigo Salinas, Digby Webster

Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th December
8pm
Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle
Entry: $10
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 9555 8988 extension 2 or everaftertheatre@gmail.com
“The secret is the power of story”
What is Power?
Is it to control or command over others?
Is it the ability to do or act?
Is it accomplishing something great?

Power is a collection of improvisations and moving images the Ever After ensemble have been preparing over the past few months. It evolved from a performance some members of the ensemble presented at the Nepean Expo in 2010 called The Game. The company expressed they wanted to explore further The Game especially the roles and rules of the games people play, not only on sporting fields but in a playground, in a workplace or in places where major decisions are made. They then integrated these themes further during workshops with world-renowned physical theatre company Legs On The Wall. This special collaboration resulted in the powerful moving images presented intertwined with live improvisations establishing how we respond to power.

Ever After Theatre Company is a group of emerging artists who happen to have a disability. They create and perform their own work as a means of communicating with the broader community.

The Project 23 Nov: Living with Down syndrome segment

2011-11-24T09:03:00.001+11:00

In case you missed it on Wednesday 23rd November, The Project's (Channel 10) segment on living with Down syndrome can be viewed here - the segment clip starts after a couple of ads ... then 'our' story is 6 m 30 sec in.

It's generated a lot of very positive comment on The Project's Facebook page, and on our Facebook page, and this compilation of direct responses.

Library Thursday: managing grief and loss

2011-11-24T07:30:00.000+11:00

In response to requests from members we have added some books to our collection on helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities to deal with the death of loved ones. One mother whose young teen lost his closest friend in an accident, and his grandfather at around the same time said that she found it useful to place a loose photo of the friend and one of his Grandpa in the book he liked best, to help him relate the text to the people he loved. He kept the book in his room, and took it out when he needed to - which was quite often, initially.

Tear soup - a recipe for healing after loss, by Pat Schweibert and Chuck Deklyen
Because we never learn exactly who or what Grandy lost and why she is making Tear Soup, the story remains open to countless situations of bereavement and family members. By emphasizing the individual process of bereavement by making soup, Grandy’s brings a warm and comfortable feeling to an otherwise difficult subject matter for many (readers).

The saddest time, by Norma Simon
Three stories to help children talk about death – an uncle with a terminal illness, a classmate killed in an accident, and a grandparent.

Beginnings and endings with lifetimes in between, by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
A useful book to explain to children that death is a part of life and that, eventually, all living things reach the end of their own special lifetimes.

When someone very special dies: children can learn to cope with grief, by Marge Heegaard
A practical format for allowing children to understand the concept of death and develop coping skills for life, this book is designed for young readers to illustrate.

Down Syndrome NSW members can arrange to borrow from the library by email to library@dsansw.org.au or call to speak with support and information staff, on 9841 4444

My life, my way: Choosing the Self Managed Model for your day program

2011-11-23T07:01:00.000+11:00

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) has recently released a new information booklet (44 pages) which explains all about the Self Managed Model of their Day Programs (Community participation, Life Choices and Active Ageing).

It includes great stories from people (some of whom have Down syndrome) who are already doing this as well all the information people need to know to be able to get started with the Self Managed Model. It is clearly written and well set-out. The cover photo is very nice!

To see and download the booklet Life, my way: Choosing the Self Managed Model for your day program, click here.

Stronger Together 2: Supported Accommodation Fact Sheet

2011-11-23T07:00:00.002+11:00

This NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) publication provides an update on the 1750 places as promised in the Stronger Together 2 initiative. Click here to check it out.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000+11:00

Everyone Can Dance: Narellan, 3rd December

2011-11-22T10:11:00.001+11:00

Discobility Dance Party

Narellan Community Centre

Queen Street, Narellan 2567

11.00 am - 3.00 pm

3rd December 2011

Free entry all day

Other entertainment, BBQ, and much more ...

Contact: Tara Grech, Everyone Can Dance

0422 085 470

tara_grech@hotmail.com

www.everyonecandance.com.au

Free dance workshop for International Day of People with Disability

2011-11-22T07:30:00.000+11:00

An invitation from Arncliffe Community Centre:

Join us to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.

Learn some new moves and have fun @ our free Dance Workshop.

No matter what your disability. if you’re aged between 12-26 years of age - everyone welcome and bring your carer along.

Friday 2nd December

11.30am—12.30pm

Coronation Hall

23 Barden St Arncliffe

To book a spot or for more information, call Arncliffe Community Centre on 9503 9900.

An initiative of St George Community Services Inc

Inclusive Technologies and Learning Disability in Education and Employment Conference

2011-11-21T12:28:00.001+11:00

National Disability Coordination Officer Conference 2011
7-9 December
Hunter Valley
For more info or to register contact
Kay Dean kay.dean@newcastle.edu.au on 02 4921 8844, 0438 218848
or Timothy Hart on 8878 0514 t.hart@sydney.edu.au or click here for more info

The Project, Channel 10 Wednesday 23rd November

2011-11-21T09:39:00.000+11:00

Be sure to tune in to Channel Ten 's The Project on 23rd of November -
Fiona and Neil Cohen will be speaking about Down syndrome and their gorgeous son, Riley, and superstar Gerard O'Dwyer will also be making a guest appearance!!

2013 Down Syndrome NSW Calendar !

2011-11-20T07:30:00.000+11:00

We know you haven’t started using your 2012 calendar yet, but its time to think ahead. Please send in your photos for our 2013 calendar!

Regular calendar buyers tell us how much they enjoy seeing the wide range of activities that people with Down syndrome of all ages have been up to over the past year.

Summer holidays, special events, starting school, starting high school, finishing school, going off to work or enjoying time with family and friends all make great calendar photos. If you have a particular interest, passion, hobby or skill, think about capturing that in a photo too.

Prints are welcome, but it is easier for everyone if you can email your digital photos as attachments,. For good quality printing, please send files that are at least 300 dpi resolutions, and a minimum of 500 Kb.

Include details of who is in the photo, and that they have given their permission for it to be used.

Please email photos to Angela Adams at admin@dsansw.org.au or post to

Down Syndrome NSW
PO Box 9117
Harris Park NSW 2150

Submissions for the 2013 calendar will close on 31st May 2012

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 3: Easter 2012

2011-11-19T08:30:00.000+11:00

KOSCIUSZKO

www.facebook.com/scrapheapadventureride

Registrations will open shortly – are you ready?

Three new opportunities to take part in local research studies

2011-11-18T16:30:00.000+11:00

Quite a number of opportunities are currently available for people with Down syndrome and/or their families to participate in Australian research projects, either online, or in person. See our 'Research participation opportunities' page (link at the top of this blog) for a full listing of current projects. These three are new notifications:

The legal function of serious disability in prenatal and neonatal healthcare setting - a nation-wide study is being conducted by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney and at the University of Sydney:

Download information provided by the researchers here.

HAVE YOU HAD PRENATAL TESTING FOR A DISABILITY?
HAD A CHILD IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE? USED PGD?
DO YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY?
We would like to hear about your experiences and, in particular, your thoughts and opinions about the management of potential disability before or during pregnancy or after birth. This Australian study examines the meaning of serious disability in prenatal and neonatal settings. Your contribution is valuable and will inform our analysis of law and policy relating to these practices.

This study is supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant. To share your thoughts in a confidential online survey, visit http://seriousdisabilityproject.blogspot.com

* * * * * * * * * *

Cognition and gait in people with Down syndrome is a Macquarie University project, recruiting people with Down syndrome aged from 6 years to adulthood.
Documents provided by the researcher, Alicia Wilcox:

* * * * * * * * * *

Social processing in people with Down syndrome is also a Macquarie University project, recruiting people with Down syndrome aged 6 to 60 years.

Information provided by the researcher, Carly Black

* * * * * * * * * *

Please contact the researchers directly via the numbers or email addresses in the linked documents, if you are interested in participating.

Library Thursday: For Pete's sake!

2011-11-17T15:39:00.001+11:00

New in our collection are two biographical volumes by Yvonne Crabtree, about life with Pete up to 30. She describes him as 'definitely a one-off'. You can read extracts here. These are the cover extracts for each book:

For Pete’s Sake, by Yvonne Crabtree 2007
I didn’t abandon Pete at birth – mainly because the thought never occurred to me to do so – but there were times in later years when, I have to confess, I wondered what life would have been like if I had. Having got to where he is now, truly, I can say, what a lot we would have missed! Life with Pete has been a giant roller coaster of a ride; at times plumbing the depths but equally experiencing high points we might never have known without him. And boy, have we had some laughs! If you have, or know, a child with Down’s Syndrome there may be parts of this book that ring very true for you but don’t panic too much; the chances of him or her being another Pete are pretty slim. He’s definitely a ‘one-off’.

“Oh No! Not You Again!”, by Yvonne Crabtree
Thirty! Who’d have believed it? There was a time when I didn’t think he’d make double figures – or that if he did, I wouldn’t still be around to witness it. He was just like the character ‘Billy Whizz’ in the old ‘Beano’ comics – as fast as I cleared up one scene of devastation, he was creating the next!
But time has marched on and we’ve both survived – me to tell the tale and Pete to live it, in his own, inimitable fashion.

Once Pete moved into his flat, nearly eight years ago, I thought that life would quieten down, which to some extent it has, but life is never dull, even with Pete one-step removed and as ever, he presents us with challenges. In fact, life with Pete could be likened to doing a very complicated jigsaw whilst wearing a blindfold. He didn’t come with an instruction booklet, so we continue to grope our way along, trying our best to guide and support him. So from new girlfriends to new jobs, this is the story of Pete negotiating the way through his twenties – and managing to scrape out at the other end. Perhaps I should have called the book ‘Peter Crabtree: The Cappuccino Years’.

Down Syndrome NSW members can arrange to borrow from the library by email to library@dsansw.org.au or call to speak with support and information staff, on 9841 4444

Wordless Wednesday: Smiles 4 a Day

2011-11-16T19:32:00.001+11:00

Danceability : tickets for tonight's concert

2011-11-16T08:15:00.001+11:00

Danceability Australia has generously made eight free tickets to their concert TONIGHT - Wednesday 16th November - available to DS NSW members.

You need to be able to get to the Science Theatre at the University of NSW, Kensington for a 7 pm sharp start. Tickets will go to the first callers.

Call Lucy on 0418 608 033 and collect tickets at the venue tonight.

Will be a great night.

Playability: Saturday 3rd December, Five Dock

2011-11-15T07:36:00.001+11:00

A free family celebration for International Day of People with Disabilities

Saturday 3rd December 2011

10.00 am to 3.00 pm

Livvi's Place, Timbrell Park, Five Dock

www.touchedbyolivia.com.au

Some steps up the hill: health advocacy for Australians with intellectual disabiity

2011-11-14T14:30:00.001+11:00

From NSW Council on Intellectual Disability:
Some steps up the hill, is an update on our advocacy and progress on the health of people with intellectual disability over the last year, prepared by Jim Simpson (NSW CID) and Nick Lennox (Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine). Highlights include:

· “Health and Wellbeing” is one of the six policy areas in the National Disability Strategy that was adopted by the Council of Australian Governments in February 2011. The Strategy includes a range of agreed national strategies for action. Since then, the Queensland and Western Australian Governments have released new disability policy documents with a major focus on improved health care.

· We released our position paper on mental health and people with intellectual disability and our position was endorsed by numerous leading individuals and groups in the mental health sector.

· The NSW Government has funded three new intellectual disability health teams and established an Intellectual Disability Health Network in its Agency for Clinical Innovation.

We have also had major areas of frustration. For example, despite its considerable action on mental health, the Commonwealth is yet to squarely address the well established barriers to mental health care for people who have both an intellectual disability and a mental illness.

However, there is now a much higher awareness in government and the health sector of the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability and significant action to start to address those inequalities.

Many of you have supported our advocacy by endorsing our position statements and responding to our requests to write to politicians on key issues. And many of you have pursued your own advocacy and direct work towards better health care for people with intellectual disability. All of this action has helped to show governments and the health sector that the health of people with intellectual disability is an issue of major community concern.

We hope you find Some steps up the hill a useful update. It and other information about our health advocacy are available here.

'Doing my job is awesome' - employee of the year

2011-11-13T08:30:00.000+11:00

This video allows a young San Franciso man, Jackson Soderquist Steel, and his co-workers to speak eloquently about his job as a docent at a science museum, and how he prepared to do it so well that he recently won a prestigious Employee of the Year award:

As a teenager with Down Syndrome, Jackson struggled in school. At 14, he first started working with JVS, taking our skill-building courses as part of his school day. Over the next five years, JVS coached him through his first jobs. Last year, JVS placed Jackson as an Explainer at the Exploratorium. Jackson has thrived at his job, learning quickly how to build his strengths, overcome his challenges, and communicate his needs to his supervisors. He loves his work and takes pride in setting a positive example to other youth with disabilities who visit the museum.

Jewish Vocational Services, Bay Area

World Down Syndrome Day adopted by UN

2011-11-12T14:00:00.000+11:00

The international petition recently circulated by Down Syndrome International has been successful in convincing the United Nations to officially recognise World Down Syndrome Day (21st March) from 2012.

The petition collected well over 10,000 signatures from 87 nations. Brazil sponsored the vote at the UN 'third committee', that was adopted by consensus yesterday in New York, and will be confirmed in the UN General Assembly in December.

Library Thursday: School Link Newsletter

2011-11-10T12:30:00.000+11:00

The November 2011 edition of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s School-Link newsletter on mental health and intellectual disability in children and adolescents is now available online at www.schoollink.chw.edu.au

Highlights include:

• How much do we value families and how much does it impact on children with intellectual disability? by Associate Professor David Dossetor (CHW)

• Supporting individuals with an intellectual disability through grief, loss and bereavement by Helen Goltzoff (ADHC)

• The medicine cabinet: sleep glorious sleep by Judith Longworth (CHW)

• Refugee, mental health, and intellectual disability by Gemma Jenkins (DEC)

• Details on new book release: Mental health in children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities by Dossetor, White and Whatson (2011).

New research on heart defects in babies with Down syndrome

2011-11-09T18:00:00.000+11:00

Around half of all babies with Down syndrome are also born with a congenital heart defect (commonly called a 'hole in the heart') of some kind. A University of California San Diego/University of Utah research study is helping to solve the genetic puzzle that results in some of the heart conditions that occur so commonly in our children.

Disabled migrants still not welcome

2011-11-08T11:44:00.000+11:00

Discussion of Australia's immigration treatment of people with disabilities, and how little has actually changed since the Enabling Australia report was released last year: ABC Radio National, National Interest, Friday 4th November 2011

Don't DIS my ABILITY: upfront and behind the scenes

2011-11-08T10:05:00.001+11:00

Great use of video to promote Don't DIS my ABILITY 2011

First Flight Crew: street performances 12th and 19th

2011-11-07T20:25:00.002+11:00

The First Flight Crew are back & are taking it to the streets!

See them bust out across central Sydney to all original music with Aussie B-Boy Morganics.

Sat Nov 12th - three performances near Central station from 11am. First stop Belmore Park, meeting at the rotunda.

Sat Nov 19th - three performances around Town Hall from11am. First stop Town Hall steps.

Watch them as they take off!

NSW Carers Awards: congratulations Carmel Flavell

2011-11-04T19:31:00.000+11:00

The 2011 NSW Carers Awards were announced during the week shared by Down Syndrome Awareness and Carers in late October.

Among the award winners was Carmel Flavell, named as Ambassador, Caring Community Member

The Minister's citation reads:

A single mother with four children, Carmel has had to give extra care to her son who has Down syndrome and autism.
The experience has made Carmel an inspiring speaker. She gives regular addresses at Carer Safari and other forums and conferences. She is also a Carers NSW representative and works as a special needs caseworker providing case management for families with children with disabilities in Camden and Wollondilly.

Carmel always makes sure we know about events coming up in her area, as well as playing a very active role in supporting other families. Congratulations on your award, Carmel.

Down Syndrome NSW e-Update - November 2011 issue now online

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000+11:00

The November 2011 issue of the Down Syndrome NSW e-Update is now available online.

The e-Update is a listing of events occurring over the next few weeks, and new information, largely collected from this blog, to provide a timely reminder for the next month or so.

Our next quarterly publication date is 1st December 2011 when we will release:

Voice, December 2011 (the issue's theme is 'personal passions') - our quarterly journal published in collaboration with Down syndrome Victoria
Down Syndrome NSW News and Update, Summer 2011 - 2012 - a quarterly round up of local NSW and Down Syndrome NSW news and events

Down Syndrome NSW members will receive their copies in the mail early in December.

Two videos - one concept

2011-11-03T13:13:00.000+11:00

Two very nice recent videos show men with Down syndrome going about their daily lives with the support they need to live the lives they want:

The spirit behind The Creative Spirit (11 mins 12 sec) is designed to encourage creative organisations and businesses to employ people with disabilities - as Lloyd is.

Leigh's personal story (5 mins 24 sec) features a a very engaging spokesman for House With No Steps, who is a participant in the Independent Living Support Initiative, a program being developed by Down Syndrome NSW in conjunction with the NSW Government and service providers.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T14:47:00.002+11:00

Stronger siblings - a new DVD for parents and professionals

2011-11-02T07:30:00.000+11:00

Stronger Siblings, developed by Siblings Australia and presented by Andrew Daddo, will be launched in Adelaide tomorrow, November 3rd.
The is designed to DVD assist parents, and those who work with families, to understand the experience of brothers and sisters of a child with disability and how to support them. Parents and siblings share their stories and, together with professionals, explore a number of issues.
It is an ideal resource for organisations to use with groups of parents, especially given the DVD includes notes to facilitate further discussion.
An order form is available here.

A short excerpt of the DVD on the Siblings Australia website shortly.

Don't DIS myABILITY 2011 launch

2011-11-01T12:30:00.001+11:00

Congratulations to the five people with Down syndrome who are playing a prominent role in the Don't DIS myABILITY campaign for International Day of People with Disability across NSW this year.

The campaign was launched today with the announcement of the 2011 Ambassadors, including Saxon Graham, Melissa Eustace, Gerard O'Dwyer and Tracie Sammut. Audrey O'Connor is the face of the campaign as the cover model for the annual magazine, Made You Look.

Information about all of the ambassadors, and locations of the many outlets distributing print copies of the magazine in metropolitan and regional NSW, and events is on the Don't DIS myABILITY website.

Audrey's photo is also on the NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care home page banner.

Down Syndrome Down Under Swimming Organisation - first national meet

2011-11-01T07:00:00.001+11:00

Congratulations to Down Syndrome Down Under Swimming Organisation on the success of the first Australian national swim meet for people with Down syndrome held in Noosa, Qld in September. DSDUSO reports that 57 swimmers from Australia and New Zealand competed, and established 10 new World Records.

Twelve swimmers from NSW are listed among the competitors - congratulations to:
Mitchell Carlin, Gabrielle Clarke, Allison Gillis, Daniel Rumsey, Brendan Foley, Ashley Emerson, Lucy Dumitrescu, James Lawrence, Timothy Walsh, Katrina Brennan, Carley Chapman, and Dominic Paris.

Further information and individual results are on the DSDUSO website, as is information about the next International Championship, scheduled to take place in Italy in November 2012.

Access All Areas Film Festival 2011 - 2012

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000+11:00

Access All Areas Film Festival 2011 presents a program of accessible Australian films across the country. 15 new and acclaimed home-grown short films will be screened, as well as family film RED DOG, which is taking Australia by storm.

Cinema Tour:

Parramatta Riverside Theatres 1st December 2011
Dendy Opera Quays 2nd December 2011

Community Tour:

Erina
North parramatta
Wollongong
Liverpool

The Schools Tour:
The Access All Areas schools tour is a program of new Australian short films designed to raise awareness about issues of ability and access in the classroom. The program is an opportunity to showcase access services such as captions and audio description, and features and education pack. Access All Areas School screenings are held around the country between November 2011 and March 2012.

All program and venue details: Access All Areas 2011 - 2012

Research project: Disability & Ability: How Young People with Impairments make the Transition to Adulthood

2011-10-31T12:56:00.001+11:00

The 'Disability & Ability: How Young People with Impairments make the Transition to Adulthood' research project has been funded for three years by the Australian Research Council (ARC) to the University of Sydney and Deakin University.

Researchers are seeking to recruit young people with disability aged 19 - 26yrs to be interviewed yearly for 3yrs. Interviews will take a life history approach and explore a range of topics - more detail is available from the project outline, and the participant brochure.

Contact: Gabrielle Hindmarsh on (02) 9351 9510 or email transition.study@sydney.edu.au

This is a project of the Australian Family & Disability Studies Research Collaboration and has received approval from the University of Sydney Human Ethics Committee.

Newcastle Buddy Walk - great photos

2011-10-31T09:15:00.003+11:00

Len and Robyn Keogh have started their blog with a selection of photos from the 2011 Buddy Walk - Australia in Newcastle on 16th October. There was a lot of joyful dancing!

Thank you for allowing us all to share your photos.

Spectronics’ free online training

2011-10-31T07:23:00.000+11:00

Join the Spectronics professional training services team (Jane Farrall, Greg O’Connor, Charlene Cullen and Katie Lyon) for informative online sessions covering:

Texthelp Read&Write 10 GOLD: An introduction

Thursday 24th November at 2.15pm AEST

Thursday 15th December at 2.15pm AEST

Boardmaker Basics: Creating print activities

Wednesday 14th December at 2.15pm AEST

Boardmaker Plus Basics: Making talking books and other onscreen activities

Monday 21st November at 2.15pm AEST

Boardmaker Studio

Wednesday 30th November at 2.15pm AEST

Clicker 5: An introduction

Wednesday 16th November at 2.15pm AEST

Thursday 8th December at 2.15pm AEST

Sessions are free of charge and run for approximately 45 minutes. To register or to see more information visit Spectronics Online Training website: , or contact Eliza Bale on elizab@spectronics.com.au .

(US) Down Syndrome News (October issue) online

2011-10-29T07:11:00.001+11:00

The October 2011 issue of Down Syndrome News (vol 34, #6), published by the USA's National Down Syndrome Congress, has just been posted online. Another great line-up of articles, including:

Feeding the Sensory System Early
Looks at the importance of developing a healthy and happy sensory system provides an important foundation that helps all children throughout their lives, by an occupational therapist

20 Waysto Adapt the Read Aloud

Advice for classroom teachers on including all studentin a reading activity.

Where AreAll the Opportunities? OptimizingEmployment: Job Development Tips for Job Seekers and Their Families – Part II

Lookingbeyond the obvious in creating and/or finding job opportunities.

Five WaysAdults Can Support the Social Success of Students with Social LearningChallenges,

Describes five practical strategies that can be embedded into a learner's day to support the development of social skills.