Received from the National Down Syndrome Congress
NDSC E-Brief 8.29.08
This is the time of year we field lots of questions regarding IEP's, IDEA and inclusion.
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, along with the Austin Independent School District, has put together a really terrific manual titled, Working Together to Educate and Include Students with Down Syndrome.
The manual features background materials on Down syndrome and inclusion, as well as specific information about reading, mathematics, communication, sensory integration dysfunction, and behavior.
The manual also tackles friendships and involvement in extracurricular activities, and provides additional resources educators can access for more information.
While some of the information is specific to Texas, you're bound to find things in this packet that will be valuable to educators and parents in your area.
You can currently download it from the Yahoo group for DS parent organization leaders, DSALF, by logging in to Yahoo groups, and joining DSALF
On PBS...
A new PBS show, Toddling Toward Reading, outlines the critical importance of language development and the crucial years before kindergarten. One show segment focuses on Avery, a preschooler who has Down syndrome, and how her language skills have improved in an inclusion model preschool.
Toddling Toward Reading, in many markets, will be paired with A Chance to Read, another episode in the Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers series that focuses on literacy programs for students with various physical or learning challenges. These two episodes will air on PBS stations across the country beginning in September (local listings vary).
Dakota's Pride, a DVD produced by NDSC parent Girard Sagmiller, is also being shown on some PBS stations around the country.
Wanting to support families (and given the current Hollywood movie environment), Girard developed a positive documentary entitled Dakota's Pride - One Fathers Search for the Truth on Down syndrome. With his personal insight, he hopes to reach out to other families with encouragement and support after a diagnosis of Down syndrome. The 29 minute version will air on some PBS stations this fall.
Check with your local PBS station to see if they are airing both Toddling Toward Reading and Dakota's Pride. You can also order the 45 minute DVD version of Dakota's Pride on the Gifted Learning Project website. Use discount code XXG5LVHD and save 25%.
Pam W
SE of Seattle
Welcoming Babies with Down Syndrome
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