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Implications for Educators
Education Support Packet (pdf) Part 1- Part 2
Down Syndrome Education- International
NICHY - National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
NICHY - Starter Set of Resources on LRE
The Federation for Children with Special Needs - website
Fantastic Teacher - Parent Communication Worksheets - Set 1 & Set 2
Introduction Letter of Child with Ds to Parents in the Classroom - (word) Myths & Truths About Down Syndrome (pdf) send with Intro Letter
Literacy Resource Guide for Families and Educators
- click here
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
- click here
Inclusion at its Best - Article by Paula Kluth
Implications for Educators
Shortly after a diagnoses of Down syndrome is confirmed, parents should be encouraged to enroll their child in an infant development/early intervention program. These programs offer parents special instruction in teaching their child language, cognitive/academic, self-help, and social skills, and specific exercises for gross and fine motor development. Research has shown that stimulation during early developmental stages improves the child's chances of developing to his or her fullest potential. Continuing education, positive public attitudes, and a stimulating home environment have also been found to promote the child's overall development.
Just as in the typical population, there is a wide variation in mental abilities, behavior, and developmental progress in individuals with Down syndrome. Their level of impairment may range from mild to severe, with the majority functioning in the mild to moderate range. Due to these individual differences, it is impossible to predict future achievements of children with Down syndrome.
Because of the range of ability in children with Down syndrome it is important for families and all members of the school's education team to place few limitations on potential capabilities. It may be effective to emphasize concrete concepts rather than abstract ideas. Teaching tasks in a step-by-step manner with frequent reinforcement and consistent feedback has been proven successful. Improved public acceptance of persons with disabilities along with increased opportunities for adults with disabilities to live and work independently in the community, have expanded the educational goals for individuals with Down syndrome. Return to top
Down Syndrome Education - International Our work for professionals
We share our unique in-depth expertise with professionals in all fields to help them improve the quality and effectiveness of the services they deliver for children with Down syndrome and their families.
 Helping professionals in all fields
The charity provides information, advice and support to professionals from all fields who are involved in the care and education of individuals with Down syndrome.
We work with professional practitioners including: teachers, special educational needs co-ordinators, learning support assistants, general practitioners/family doctors, specialist doctors/consultants, nurses and health visitors, speech and language therapists/pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and social care staff.
Conducting reliable research
All of the information, training and advice we offer to professionals is based on reliable and accurate evidence, drawing on the results of the charity's world-renowned research, backed by our unique collective experience working with individuals with Down syndrome. Find out more about our research.
Working together to improve services
 Through our publications, training workshops and consultancy services we share the results of our innovative research and many years of hands-on experience with thousands of professionals in the UK and around the world every week:
- Information resources: we produce many of the leading information and teaching resources for professionals providing services for individuals Down syndrome. These include books, periodicals, Internet resources, teaching materials, videos and DVDs. For more details, visit the section about. Read more about our publishing.
- Training courses: we provide a comprehensive range of training courses suitable for professionals, focusing on ways to help children with Down syndrome develop and learn. These range from courses providing general overviews of key topics to workshops developing in-depth expertise and practical skills. Read more about our training courses.
- Educational consultancy services: we provide direct support for children with Down syndrome included in Portsmouth mainstream primary and secondary schools. We also provide consultancy to schools and education authorities by visiting pupils, meeting with all key staff involved and with parents, and providing expert advice based on each child's specific needs. For details, see the schools consultancy section.
- Providing specialist resources: the charity operates a specialist mail order service so education, health and social care professionals have quick and easy access to the charity's own publications as well as recommended books and teaching resources for children with Down syndrome. For more details visit our online shop at http://shop.downsed.org
By undertaking these activities we aim share our unique in-depth expertise to help improve the quality and effectiveness of the services provided to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
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