Blank Space Gallery in Surry Hills is hosting an exhibition next week (12 - 17th March) of work by three artists from Studio ARTES Northside, "There is no such thing as colour coordination". The artists are Alex Ogden, Rachelle Rodriguez, and Nerine Whitehouse. Rachelle Rodriguez, is a young woman with Down syndrome. 
Do you have access to the latest research and practice information
I was interested in reading Late, Lost and Unprepared: A guide to helping children with executive functioning (by Joyce Cooper-Kahn, Ph.D. & Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D., Woodbine House, 2008) because I had heard that people with Down syndrome have problems with executive functioning. This book is not specifically for people with Down syndrome, but it does seem to address some skills that may be of use to people with Down syndrome. Executive functioning is mental control and self-regulation to achieve a goal. This book lists the executive functions as: Inhibition, Shift (thinking and acting flexibly), Emotional control, Initiation, Working memory, Planning/organisation, Organisation of materials, and Self-monitoring. Many of these are considered areas of weakness for many people with Down syndrome. The second part of the book gives concrete strategies to help in each area. Many of the solutions are ones already suggested for people with Down syndrome--using visual prompts, routines, etc. However, it can be useful to see it presented in a different way. The book is very easy to read and skim. When needing a solution to a problem, it is possible to turn straight to the section and obtain a practical answer. The solutions may not be anything new to parents of people with Down syndrome, but I feel the book is useful and encouraging.
Come join Craig Wing (DS NSW Patron) at this year's Charity Shield match and cheer on the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they take on the St George Illawarra Dragons!
Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities in the Australian Government, is speaking at the National Press Club, in Canberra on 1 April, 2009 between 11.45 to 1.30 pm. 
Actor, Gerard O'Dwyer won best male actor for his role in the winning film, Be My Brother, directed by Genevieve Clay. Congratulations to both of them and to the rest of the cast and crew. A DVD of all the Tropfest 2009 Finalists will be available with the Saturday Sydney Morning Herald.
A small part of the very large crowd at Market Day 2008
• There will be something for everyone - variety of stalls, sausage sizzle, face painting, Easter show-bags, raffle, chocolate wheel and auction - lots of prizes to be won.
• Come along and have some fun and be pleasantly surprised by what you might find.
A World Down Syndrome Day event.
World Down Syndrome Day 2009 is being celebrated on Saturday 21 March. The date signifies the fact Down syndrome is caused by nothing more than an extra chromosome - 3 copies of the 21st chromosome (or ‘3-21’). 
Now in its third year, T4321 (or 'Tea for 3-21') is a simple way everyone in the community can mark this day and celebrate the achievements of people with Down syndrome as well as raise a few useful dollars to support children and adults with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. 
Mornin’ Tea Open Dayat All Hallows Catholic Church
2 Halley Street, Five Dock
Sunday 29th March @ 11:00am (in the hall next to the church)
