Down Syndrome Education USA

New See and Learn Language and Reading kits available

Ready-to-use See and Learn Language and Reading kits are now available to order online from Down Syndrome Education International.

Effective support for early language development

The See and Learn Language and Reading program provides instructions, materials and checklists to help families effectively support their child's early language development.

Step-by-step activities

The first three steps in the program teach early vocabulary using carefully structured activities. The activities present visual language teaching techniques using clear pictures and written words. These evidence-based techniques help children with Down syndrome to learn language more successfully.

Evidence-based visual teaching methods

The activities in the See and Learn Language and Reading program are based on research showing significant benefits from visual approaches and the use of early reading to teach language. Early language and reading activities can improve spoken speech and language, memory, literacy, wider cognitive development and later academic achievement. They have been developed by expert professionals with many years of experience teaching young children with Down syndrome.

Freely available online

Down Syndrome Education International's See and Learn programs are freely available online at www.see-and-learn.org.

Convenient, ready-to-use kits

Ready-to-use See and Learn kits offer the convenience of premade guides, checklists, picture and word cards, reading books and other teaching materials in a plastic storage box. The resources are printed in full, high quality colour, with materials printed on card and cut ready for use straight out of the box.

Three kits are available:

• See and Learn First Word Pictures - the first step in the See and Learn Language and Reading program teaches the first 60 words using pictures and matching and selecting activities
• See and Learn First Written Words - the second step in the See and Learn Language and Reading program uses reading as a support to language development introducing 16 written words and 34 two key word phrases
• See and Learn More Word Pictures - the third step in the See and Learn Language and Reading program teaches a further 55 words using pictures and matching and selecting activities

Each kit is available separately, or all three kits can also be purchased in a convenient, cost-saving See and Learn Language and Reading First Steps At Home set.

Supporting research and employing people with Down syndrome

Purchases of ready-to-use See and Learn kits support future scientific research and See and Learn program development. See and Learn kits are made by the DownsEd production team, many of whom have Down syndrome.

UK edition shipping from 10 June

Kits containing the UK English editions of the first three steps in the See and Learn Language and Reading programme can now be ordered via our international online store.

US edition online and shipping in July

Developed in partnership with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County and Down Syndrome Education USA, the US English edition of the first three steps in the See and Learn Language and Reading programme will be online and shipping in July.

The US edition kits can be preordered now from our international online store and will also be available from our US online store which opens in early July.

DownsEd launches Global Education Fund

Today is World Down Syndrome Day – a day to consider the lives of people who have Down syndrome, wherever they live. Around the world, 225,000 babies will be born with Down syndrome this year. 206,000 of these babies will be born in developing countries.

Almost all of the 200,000 children who will be born in high income countries during the next decade will survive to adulthood. They will receive knowledgeable medical care, additional educational support and live in societies that have become, and continue to become, more welcoming and inclusive

Without action now, half of the 2 million babies who will be born in low and middle income countries during the next decade will not live for even a few years and many will be discarded by the societies into which they are born and left to helplessly wither away, devoid of human care in repugnant institutions

We want to do something about this injustice and are starting to do so. We are beginning to work with families, support groups and NGOs around the world to identify practical ways in which we can help to improve the care given to young people who have Down syndrome

Almost all of the 200,000 children who will be born in high income countries during the next decade will survive to adulthood. They will receive knowledgeable medical care, additional educational support and live in societies that have become, and continue to become, more welcoming and inclusive. These children can now look forward to richer and more fulfilling lives lasting in excess of 60 years.

Preventable deaths

Without action now, half of the 2 million babies who will be born in low and middle income countries during the next decade will not live for even a few years. Many will die during their first two years of life from malnourishment, treatable diseases or medical conditions. Many will be discarded by the societies into which they are born and left to helplessly wither away, devoid of human care in repugnant institutions.

Neglect and exclusion

For the luckier ones who survive, abuse, neglect and exclusion are too common. Many health and educations systems are ill-prepared to provide knowledgeable care and support for young people with Down syndrome.

In short, 1.5 million young people who have Down syndrome today live lives not experienced by people living with Down syndrome in the West for over 40 years. Despite the bold Millennium Development Goals, international aid disproportionately fails to reach children with learning disabilities.

In the midst of so many global problems, the needs of some of the neediest are not being met.

Doing something about it

We want to do something about this injustice and are starting to do so. We are beginning to work with families, support groups and NGOs around the world to identify practical ways in which we can help to improve the care given to young people who have Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Education International has been at the heart of cognitive, developmental and educational research, advice and information services that have brought many of the improvements enjoyed by young people with Down syndrome living in many high income countries today. We already work hard to communicate knowledge and evidence-based advice to a global audience.

But this, alone, is not enough. We need to reach out to families, support groups, associations, NGOs and governmental organizations on the ground, providing hands-on advice, training and translated resources. We have begun outreach work in Eastern Europe and Southern Asia, supporting young people with Down syndrome and their families, training professionals and advising governments.

This is a start, but now we need your help to do more.

A new Global Education Fund

Today we are officially launching the Down Syndrome Global Education Fund. This fund will specifically support work to improve the lives of all young people with Down syndrome wherever they live with a particular focus on those most in need.

Our first goal is to raise $340,000 - just $1.50 for each baby who will be born with Down syndrome this year.

This will fund direct support, training and outreach services on the ground in at least 10 low and middle income countries this year.

It will also fund a global survey of needs to more precisely identify the most effective ways to help and preparatory work for larger outreach projects in more countries.

What you can do

If every person who reads this news item today gives $75, then we would quickly reach this goal and be able to begin transforming the lives of thousands of children with Down syndrome around the world within weeks.

Since it is World Down Syndrome Day, you could also forward this plea to 21 friends and ask them to also support this cause and help to make World Down Syndrome Day 2009 a day to remember for future generations of people with Down syndrome.

World Down Syndrome Day only comes around once every year. By giving the equivalent of less than $1.50 per week you can help make a difference for people with Down syndrome wherever they live.

How to give

You can donate to the Global Education Fund through Down Syndrome Education International, a UK registered charity, by pledging your donation securely online:

• Visit https://secure.downsed.org/donate/ and select "Global Education Fund" as the specified purpose of your donation

You can also donate to the Global Education Fund through Down Syndrome Education USA, a 501(c)(3) US nonprofit:

• Visit https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=29401 and select "Global Education Fund" as the specified purpose of your donation

Alternatively, you post a check, payable to either organization (addresses below). Please enclose a note indicating that you wish the donation to support the Global Education Fund.

Help us prolong the lives of 1 million children with Down syndrome. Help us make the second decade of the 21st century one in which no child who is born with Down syndrome is left behind.

Please give what you can afford.

Thank you,

Frank Buckley
Chief Executive, Down Syndrome Education International
CEO/President, Down Syndrome Education USA

New Education and Research Center opens in California

The new Down Syndrome Education and Research Center in Newport Beach, California has opened. The center provides a base for the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County and its successful Learning Program and for Down Syndrome Education USA. Facilities include classrooms and meeting rooms for family support and education services, and offices for the organizations.

Educational programs

The Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County's Learning Program moved to the new premises in January. Begun in 2004, the Learning Program now serves over 100 families with regular educational support.

New resources

Down Syndrome Education USA will open its offices at the center shortly with the launch of a new distribution service and online store for recommended resources and DownsEd publications. The Down Syndrome Education and Research Centre in California will provide a base for a staff team developing new educational programs, resources and research projects.

Connected

The center is conveniently located close to the San Diego and Santa Ana Freeways between Irvine and Costa Mesa, a short distance south of Los Angeles and only a few blocks away from John Wayne Orange County Airport. Los Angeles International airport is a little over an hour away. The center is close to the University of California, Irvine and within easy reach of the University of California, Los Angeles.

• View location map...

Partnerships

Commenting on the new center, Frank Buckley, CEO of Down Syndrome Education USA, said, "We are thrilled to have found a perfect location for the new Down Syndrome Education and Research Centre with our partners in southern California. It is ideally located for developing new research partnerships and collaboration, and for access from across North America. We will now be working closely with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County and all the Learning Program team to evolve teaching programs and support that can be used at home, in classrooms and in support groups across the country."

Down Syndrome Education USA is also collaborating with other Down syndrome organizations across southern California.

First US Education Conference

Down Syndrome Education USA will host the first Down Syndrome Education Conference to be run in the USA in November 2009 in Newport Beach.

• Find out more about Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County...
• Find out more about Down Syndrome Education USA...

Booking now open for Newport Beach, California conference

Booking is now open for the Down Syndrome Education Conference Newport Beach, November 5-7, 2009. Save up to $200 per delegate by booking by August 7.

Join us in Newport Beach, California, for the first Down Syndrome Education Conference in the United States. Conveniently located for access from across North America, the conference will offer families and professionals the latest evidence-based information and guidance from our expert team. This event is organised by Down Syndrome Education USA.

The new Down Syndrome Education Conferences offer high quality, evidence-based guidance and information for professionals and families and are offered at locations around the world. These unique events cover motor, cognitive, social, language, literacy and numeracy development from birth, presenting up-to-date overviews of current knowledge and illustrating evidence-based, effective teaching techniques and approaches for people with Down syndrome.

• Find out more about the Down Syndrome Education Conferences...
• Book now for the Down Syndrome Education Conference Newport Beach 2009...

Supporters' Club Discount: Family, Professional and Organisation Supporters' Club Members save a further 10% on delegate fees at Down Syndrome Education Conferences.

New series of international education conferences announced

Down Syndrome Education International has announced a new global programme of Down Syndrome Education Conferences, offering expert information and training for families and professionals. With targeted tracks covering the nursery/kindergarten, primary/elementary and secondary/high school years, these new conferences offer unique opportunities for support, advice and professional development.

Conferences in Manchester and London in the UK and in Irvine, California, USA in 2009 have been announced with future dates and venues to be announced shortly. Book today for early booking discounts...

The new Down Syndrome Education Conferences offer high quality, evidence-based guidance and information for professionals and families. These unique events cover motor, cognitive, social, language, literacy and numeracy development from birth, presenting up-to-date overviews of current knowledge and illustrating evidence-based, effective teaching techniques and approaches for people with Down syndrome.

• Find out more...

New international online shop launched

Down Syndrome Education International has launched a new online store, offering families, professionals and researchers around the world opportunities to order selected resources 24 hours, 7 days per week. The charity's full range of publications are available through the store, along with selected books, DVDs and teaching materials from other publishers.

Among the available publications are DownsEd's comprehensive range of Down Syndrome Issues and Information books on reading, speech and language, memory, social development, education, family issues and adult living. Also featured are the charity's Down Syndrome in Practice films on development for babies, early speech and language activities and school inclusion.

• Find out more...

Sue Buckley Research Fund makes significant progress in its first year

In the year since its launch in December 2007, the Sue Buckley Research Fund has made good progress in achieving its aims by securing $1.6 million (£950,000/€1.2 million) of new funds for practical research and dissemination.

The Sue Buckley Research Fund has also attracted the support of Lord Piers Wedgwood of Barlaston, who has announced the Lord Wedgwood Down Syndrome Education Research Award.

There is also a new appeal film featuring Professor Sue Buckley and Lord Wedgwood, available on the Sue Buckley Research Fund website.

Denver scientists start an evaluation of early reading techniques

Researchers at the University of Denver, Colorado have just started a study comparing two early literacy intervention approaches to educating young children with Down syndrome.

The researchers will be teaching parents how to work with their preschool children at home – with support from the researchers. During the summer, researchers working on the study visited Down Syndrome Education International's Sarah Duffen Centre in the UK to learn about the early reading and language instruction developed by DownsEd over many years. They were also able to see the progress of some of the preschool children who attend the Early Development Groups run by the charity.

Staff from Down Syndrome Education USA have helped the Denver team develop the parent training programme. Professor Sue Buckley travelled to Denver at the end of September to visit the research team led by Drs Karen Riley and Gloria Miller of the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver (DU). While there, Sue was able to talk with everyone working on the project. The researchers are now recruiting preschoolers and their families in the Denver area. The Denver research project is funded by a $130,000 gift from The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Educational Fund, $10,000 from the McDonnell Foundation and $10,000 from the University of Denver.

The charity looks forward to hearing about the progress and outcomes of this study. DownsEd's collaboration with this team will hopefully continue beyond this project and the charity is already discussing further work on reading instruction with school-age children.

While Sue was visiting Denver in September, she was also able to support the 'Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show' fundraising event held on September 27th for The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Educational Fund. This successful fundraising event, chaired by Michelle Sie Whitten, also raised awareness of the potential of people with developmental disabilities and included a fashion show with models with disabilities. As shown in the photo (credit: Steve Peterson) the young people with Down syndrome rather stole the show as they were so confident and happy to be on the catwalk - accompanied by cheerleaders from the Colorado Crush football team – even in front of 800 people.

Statement on the use of Prozac, Focalin and Ginkgo as a "treatment" for Down syndrome

Clinicians, scientists and Down syndrome groups across the world have today issued a statement about the use of a protocol that is claimed to improve intelligence and behavior for people with Down syndrome.

This protocol is being widely discussed online and promoted through a film being sold on DVD and screened in locations in the US. It is promoted by a group called the Changing Minds Foundation. It includes drugs approved for use in the treatment of depression and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. The claims for the protocol are based on studies of mice that carry additional copies of some of the genes thought to function similarly to those carried on human chromosome 21, and case studies presented in the promotional DVD.

The statement provides information about the protocol for families and healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate these claims. The statement concludes that there is no reliable evidence of benefit and no clear evidence of safety to support the use of this protocol.

Over 20 clinicians and scientists and 15 organisations have publicly endorsed the statement, offering a clear indication of the wide consensus cautioning families about the risks of the unproven therapy.

"We are pleased to have contributed to a wide collaborative effort to produce clear, robust and credible guidance about this potentially dangerous protocol," commented Frank Buckley, CEO of DownsEd International and DownsEd USA. Both organizations have endorsed the statement. He added, "Claims about unproven therapies now spread remarkably quickly. They can quickly create concerns for families around the world. The Down syndrome community has shown that it can respond very effectively, with regional, national and international organizations working together with healthcare professionals and scientists to prepare this statement."

The statement can be read in full online:

• The use of Ginkgo, Prozac and Focalin as a "treatment" for Down syndrome
• La utilización de Ginkgo, Prozac y Focalina como "tratamiento" para el síndrome de Down
• (Further translations are being prepared and will be linked from here and from the English version when available)

DownsEd USA announces US Education and Research Center

Down Syndrome Education USA has announced plans for the first Down Syndrome Education and Research Center based in the USA. Building on successful, evidence-based programs, the new center will offer education programs and resources to children with Down syndrome, their families and education professionals across the USA. The center will also conduct and sponsor scientific research focused on practical ways to support cognitive development, language, literacy and math teaching for young people who have Down syndrome.

DownsEd USA has announced plans for the first Down Syndrome Education and Research Center based in the USA. The new center will be a joint venture with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County and will accommodate expansion of the Foundation’s highly successful Learning Program. The center will be based in Orange County, California and is expected to open in early 2009.

The new center will offer educational support to families through the Learning Program and will develop evidence-based, educational programs that families across the US will be able use to assist the children's development. These programs will be freely accessible online. DownsEd USA will also develop resources to help other Down syndrome organizations to provide effective preschool and school education support.

Dana Halle, Co-Founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County and CFO of Down Syndrome Education USA, commented "We are thrilled to be expanding our Learning Program and teaming up with DownsEd USA to further develop educational programs to help children in California and across the United States. The Learning Program is already being adopted enthusiastically by groups across the country, including in Missouri, New Mexico and Florida, and coming soon to Texas, Massachusetts and Virginia. Working with DownsEd USA will help us reach many more families and educators."

Joan Medlen, Project Director of Creating Solutions and Vice President of Down Syndrome Education USA, said "It is exciting to see DownsEd USA getting established and offering expertise and evidence-based approaches to parents, teachers and therapists. Quite a lot is understood about effective ways to promote development and learning for young people with Down syndrome. By offering resources online for free, DownsEd USA is working hard to ensure everyone can benefit."

The new center will also house a specialist mail order service offering recommended educational resources through a new online store. Resources will include recommended books, films and educational materials, including those published by Down Syndrome Education International – Down Syndrome Education USA's research and information partner.

DownsEd USA is also developing plans with scientists across the US for a broad program of basic research investigating the specific developmental and learning needs of people with Down syndrome and translational research testing interventions and teaching approaches in practice.

Professor Sue Buckley OBE, Vice-President of Down Syndrome Education USA and Director of Science and Research at Down Syndrome Education International commented, "Scientists have learned a lot about the particular learning difficulties experienced by children with Down syndrome. This understanding has helped us to identify effective ways of helping young people with Down syndrome achieve more. We now know that early interventions tailored to their specific needs and continuing educational support can enable many people with Down syndrome to learn more than ever before, helping to prepare them for more independent and fulfilling adult lives. There is, however, still much to be done to understand the full range of learning needs and the most effective methods of support for all young people with Down syndrome."

Down Syndrome Education International is a recognized pioneer of scientific research investigating language, cognition, memory and speech development, literacy, numeracy, and education. Over 30 years, DownsEd International has delivered evidence-based educational approaches that today improve the lives of people living with Down syndrome in over 170 countries.

DownsEd USA's Orange County Down Syndrome Education and Research Center is expected to open in early 2009.

Down Syndrome Education USA is a nonprofit organization and is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, gifts and other contributions are tax deductible for US taxpayers.

• DownsEd USA can accept donations online at http://www.downsed-usa.org/donate/
• For further information about DownsEd USA, please visit http://www.downsed-usa.org/

DownsEd USA receives tax exemption confirmation

Down Syndrome Education USA has now received confirmation that it is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and donations, gifts and other contributions are tax deductible for US taxpayers.

Down Syndrome Education USA is a nonprofit, incorporated in California earlier this year to work to improve educational opportunities for young people with Down syndrome through scientific research and evidence-based information and support services. Down Syndrome Education USA works closely with Down Syndrome Education International – a leader in research and evidence-based approaches to effective developmental and educational support.

Together, DownsEd USA and DownsEd International work with families, teachers and therapists, researchers and support organisations in over 170 countries, helping over 100,000 people with Down syndrome to achieve more every year.

Give more this year with DownsEd Christmas cards

An exclusive range of Christmas cards, including designs by young children with Down syndrome, is now available from Down Syndrome Education International. At least 60% of the sales price paid for these cards will go directly to support charitable work.

• Order online today
• Find out more

Exclusive designs

DownsEd is offering 6 exclusive designs for Christmas 2008, including 4 delightful designs by young children with Down syndrome.

Giving more to charity

Buying your Christmas cards from DownsEd gives more to charity. Unlike many other charity cards, we design and produce our cards economically, ensuring that a market-leading 60% of the price paid for our cards goes directly to support the charitable activities that you care about.

Caring for the environment

As well as caring for people with Down syndrome, cards purchased from DownsEd care for the environment. DownsEd Christmas cards are printed on high quality card produced from certified sustainable sources and are supplied with envelopes made from recycled paper.

Supporting people with Down syndrome everywhere

Proceeds from sales of DownsEd Christmas cards will support the global work of Down Syndrome Education International and Down Syndrome Education USA. Proceeds from orders shipped to the USA will be donated to Down Syndrome Education USA and proceeds from all other orders will be donated to Down Syndrome Education International.

Meet us at the NDSC Convention in Boston

Meet DownsEd USA directors Sue Buckley, Dana Halle, Joan Medlen and Frank Buckley at the National Down Syndrome Congress' 2008 Convention, July 11-13 in Boston, MA.

We will be contributing to several workshops and will have an exhibition stand alongside the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County, Down Syndrome Education International and Phronesis Publishing.

We look forward to meeting you!

Announcing Down Syndrome Education USA

Down Syndrome Education USA is a new nonprofit organization established to create new opportunities for young people with Down syndrome.

We are associated with and work closely with Down Syndrome Education International - a leading research, information and education services organization. Down Syndrome Education USA will develop and evaluate education programs, offer conferences for families, teachers and other professionals and support scientific research.

Learning programs

Among its first initiatives, DownsEd USA is working closely with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSF) to plan a roadmap for the future joint development of the DSF's Learning Program and DownsEd International's forthcoming See and Learn program. This joint development will lead to the delivery of an integrated package of activities, guidance and resources to promote evidence-based educational approaches and to support families, parent support groups, associations, teachers and schools to implement them effectively. The joint education program will be developed for adaptation and translation to meet the needs of young people with Down syndrome throughout the USA and across the rest of the world.

Education conferences

DownsEd USA is also developing plans for Down Syndrome Education Conferences that will offer multi-track opportunities for families, teachers, paraprofessionals/instructional assistants, speech pathologists and educational psychologists. We hope to hold at least two events in the US in 2009.

We will also support scientific research into the developmental and educational needs of young people with Down syndrome and effective strategies, techniques and interventions to support learning. Our ambition is to offer people with Down syndrome everywhere better educational opportunities. We are hoping to achieve this by advancing our understanding of the developmental processes that are different for people with Down syndrome, identifying how learning opportunities can be better adapted, and by developing, evaluating and disseminating practical education programs and guidance.

Partnership and collaboration

We aim to work effectively with colleagues and like-minded organizations to better achieve our common goals. We would be delighted to talk about how we can work together to continue improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families everywhere.