Down with Dat - brief history of Down Syndrome

This is really fascinating...

Part 1 - how it got its name
http://downwitdat.blogspot.ca/2011/10/brief-history-of-down-syndrome-part-1.html

Part 2 - pre-part 1
http://downwitdat.blogspot.ca/2011/10/brief-history-of-down-syndrome-part-2.html

Part 3 - famous families
http://downwitdat.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/brief-history-of-down-syndrome-part-3.html

Islamic groups in Pakistan support Christian girl on blasphemy charge

ISLAMABAD: Islamic leaders in Pakistan have come out in support of a Christian girl with learning difficulties who is being held in prison, in an unprecedented public denunciation of the blasphemy law by hardline mullahs.

Rimsha, 11, whose family says she has Down syndrome, was charged this month with desecrating the Koran. The case has shocked the country's Christian population. Rimsha's own community, who were living in a poor Christian-Muslim enclave in Islamabad, were driven out of their homes by a crowd.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/islamic-groups-in-pakistan-support-christian-girl-on-blasphemy-charge-20120828-24yur.html

:( :( :(

ACT Down Syndrome Association Conference

ACT Down Syndrome Association
ACTDSA Conference July 2012A Conference for Parents/Carers, Principals, Teachers and Teachers Assistants supporting Children and Adults with Down syndrome

Wednesday 25 July and Thursday 26 July 20128.30am – 4.00pm

Merici College10 Wise Street Braddon ACT 2612

Day 1:PLAYING TO THEIR STRENGTHSPresented by Judy Davidson, Down Syndrome NSW

CURRICULUM ADAPTATIONPresented by Dr Rhonda Faragher, ACU

Day 2:MATHS IDEAS- COUNTING TO CALCULUSPresented by Dr Rhonda Faragher, ACU

STARTING READING- SIGHT WORDS TO SHAKESPEAREPresented by Dr Kathy Cologon, Macquarie University

Limited seats available- Please Book by 29 June

Ticket Information:

School Personnel-

Two Days: $100.00 per individual, $160.00 per school (Max. 3 participants)

One Day: $60.00 per individual

Parents, Carers, Family and Friends

Two Days: $70.00 (non-members), $35.00 (ACTDSA members)

One Day: $40.00 (non-members), $20.00 (ACTDSA members)
http://actdsa.org.au/events/actdsa-conference-july-2012/

Special Needs on Vacation

Special Needs on Vacation

Vacations for Adults and Families living with Autism, Down Syndrome and other Related Disabilities Featuring Cruise and Land Resort Options

http://www.autismontheseas.com/

People with Down Syndrome Can Be Jerks, Too

My Aunt Sandra has Down Syndrome, and she can sometimes be kind of a jerk. That's a legitimate thing to say, I think. There is little that makes me more uncomfortable than when people sanctify those who are intellectually disabled. Sure, the majority of Sandra's friends with Down Syndrome have been genuinely sweet-tempered, loving individuals. More than once, though, I've had conversations where a well-meaning friend will sigh and say, "People with Down's — they're just — they have the best smiles, you know? They're always smiling!" This seems completely ridiculous even to write, and I can't believe I'm spelling it out. But people with Down Syndrome aren't puppies. They don't exist to fill your heart with gladness.

(language warning for this article)

http://jezebel.com/5918797/people-with-down-syndrome-can-be-jerks-too

I'm sure this is applicable to other disabilities as well!

ACTDown Syndrome Assn - KSW 2 March

We wish to advise that the Key Word Signing Workshop due to be held tomorrow
at Queanbeyan has been cancelled.
Due to the current weather our presenters are not able to make it into town
for the workshop.
Should this be offered again in the future an advice will certainly be
forwarded.
To any persons who were thinking of attending tomorrow we apologise for any
inconvenience.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regards
Karen Realph
ACTDSA Treasurer
Ph: 62900656
Email: admindsa@actdsa.asn.au

Key Word Sign Workshop - ACTDSA - Friday 2 March 2012

The ACT Down Syndrome Association and the Department of Family and
Community Services - Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) NSW, are
pleased to announce a Key Word Sign (KWS) workshop for families of
children under five!
This workshop will be held on Friday 2nd March from 9:15am to 4:00pm at
Ageing disability & Home Care, Level 3 Morisset House, 7-9 Morisset St
Queanbeyan.
Contact DSA for more details!
E: admindsa@actdsa.asn.au
Ph/Fax: 6290 0656

Photo Album - Imgur

absolutely loving this!

Photo Album - Imgur
http://imgur.com/a/NXgPl

Award for Achievement - Down Syndrome

Are you a person with Down syndrome? Do you know a person with Down syndrome? Do you believe that they should be recognised or rewarded for their everyday achievements?
At the ACT Down Syndrome Association, we believe that all persons with Down syndrome should be recognised, no matter their age and no matter whether their achievements are big or small. For this reason, we have introduced the "Alderson Family Award for Achievement".
The winner/s of this award will be a person/s with Down syndrome who has achieved a significant milestone in his or her life over the past year. The recipient need not be a member of ACT DSA and nominees may be any age. The achievement must be significant in the context of the nominee's life, not necessarily the wider community. Examples may be getting a driver's licence, finishing Year 10 or HSC, confidently catching public transport, working, or learning how to play a new sport or instrument.
The Committee of the ACT DSA, along with the Alderson Family, would like to encourage as many people as possible to nominate themselves, or a person with Down syndrome that they know, for this inaugural award.
Please contact the ACT DSA Office for an information sheet which further explains the guidelines and details of the nomination process. Nominations should be received no later than Monday 29th August 2011.