Education
DSG offers a variety of services to help families and schools. One of the primary ways we help is to provide educational seminars with local and national speakers on best practices in special education. We have featured topics such as "Teaching Reading to Children With Down syndrome", "Oral Motor Therapy for Children with Down syndrome", "Inclusion", "Positive Behavior Supports" and more. Each year DSG will host educational events to draw families and educational professionals to learn from experts in the field of education.
When requested, DSG also offers para professional and teacher trainings tailored to each schools needs. Trainings can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 3 hours based on what the school is asking DSG to cover. Common topics for presentations include: behavioral supports, curriculum adaptations, environmental adaptations, how to create a circle of friends, suggestions for IEP goals, and ways to teach children with Down syndrome effectively.
DSG also offers interactive peer presentations. The Director will read a book to classmates entitled "Taking Down Syndrome to School". This book identifies the many similarities between typical students and those with Down syndrome. It also identifies a few of the small differences that may occur and why they really aren't all that important. The book is gifted to the school library from DSG so students can check it out at a later date if they would like to do so. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to participate in hands on activities that will help them understand what it may be like to have Down syndrome. Families who provide photos and stories can also receive a personalized copy of the Myths and Truths about Down syndrome which can go home in each child's back pack to educate their parents.
DSG also provides awareness materials such as posters, pamphlets, bookmarks, and stickers to anyone requesting them. It has been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words". DSG will continue to disseminate positive materials with positive affirmations to create broader awareness of Down syndrome.
DSG will collaborate with the National Down Syndrome Congress to celebrate National Inclusive Schools Week in December of each year. Packets will be sent to local school districts with information on Inclusion, posters, and materials for creative ways to support an inclusive educational setting.
