Retired special education teacher, academic, writer and mother, Jane B. Schultz has written a wonderful book, Grown Man Now, (in2wit:Kingsport, Tennesse, 2008) about her life and family, which includes her son, Billy, who has Down syndrome and was born in the 50s. The family lived in the South of the United States. Dr. Schulz describes the changes during the civil rights period, especially those in special education. She was a pioneer of inclusion and the book is an interesting look into the history of special education from both the professional view and the familial view. The book looks at the various jobs and living situations Billy had--from sheltered workshops to open employment, from group homes to independent living to living with family. Dr. Schultz's honest account of the challenges, problems, joys and benefits of life and in particular life with a family member with Down syndrome, covers the important concerns of all families of people with Down syndrome in a helpful, interesting way. It clearly demonstrates the ways our life directions can be affected by all family members and that everyone has a role in the world.
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Voice is a 24 page members journal, published quarterly by Down Syndrome NSW in collaboration with Down Syndrome Victoria. The June 2010 issue has a them of Health Matters.
Saturday 26th June
The Association for Children with a Disability NSW (ACD NSW) have published a 2010 edition of Through the Maze: Information and support for parents of children with a disability in New South Wales. It explains what is available for children with disabilities and where to access early intervention, therapy, counselling and support services, schools, special equipment, legal and financial matters, medical and health issues, accommodation, transport, recreation, advocacy and a glossary of acronyms. It covers all disability needs so many services do not apply to children with Down syndrome, but the criteria for the services is made clear.
What you tell us will be kept confidential by our office. Your personal information, for example, your name, will not be used in the report. Individual services will not be named – we are looking at the overall system.
Playing to Their Strengths
Woodbine House has published another book in their Topics in Down Syndrome series, The Down Syndrome Transition Handbook: Charting your child's course to adulthood by Jo Ann Simons, (2010). Although it is definitely geared to the American experience, it has much to offer any family of an adolescent with Down syndrome.
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No more meltdowns: Positive strategies for managing and preventing out-of-control behaviour by Jed Baker (Future Horizons, 2008) is a book to help deal with behaviour problems that don't seem to respond to the usual techniques. Baker, author of the popular Social Skills Picture Books, uses a positive approach to creating plans to prevent negative behaviour. Baker has experience working with people on the autistic spectrum and although this book is not specifically for people with Down syndrome or autism, the visual learner is well suited to the approach he takes.
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A Place to Call Home: talking about devolution records the journeys of some of the residents, families and staff of Greystanes Children’s Home, a large residential facility that devolved into a range of community based services. 
Carol Gray developed the Social Stories formula for use with people with autism. These stories are also of great use with people with Down syndrome to help understand social expectations, learn new skills, and work through difficult situations or concepts. It has been 10 years since Carol Gray published her first Social Story book and the library has just received the anniversary edition of the New Social Story Book.
