Burl Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County

Let’s Talk About…

Who we are?

• We are a Down Syndrome awareness group.

• We provide support and advocacy to the families who have members that have Down Syndrome in Montgomery County, MD.

What is Down Syndrome…

• Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a delay in physical and mental development also referred to as Trisomy 21.

• Children who have Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of 46.

• Down Syndrome occurs in one in every 800 live births.

• 80% of children born with Down Syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35!

Chromosome picture of a child that will have Down Syndrome. One cell has two 21st chromosomes instead of one, giving the child an extra chromosome.

What does all that mean?• 40% of children born with Down

Syndrome will have a congenital heart defect.

• Many children who have Down Syndrome will have:– Hearing Problems– Vision Trouble– Speech Delay– Respiratory problems– Developmental Delays or Mental Retardation

How can we help?• Literacy Program• Assistive Technology Support• Playgroups• Respite Care Days• Family Fesitval• Sib Shops• Sports Leagues/Game• Celebration of Life parties• Book Clubs• Swimming Lessons• Extended Family Support Groups

A Literacy Program

• Provide one on one tutoring.• Have a parent open house to show parents

the techniques• Improve the child’s communication skills• Improve achievement in school and adult life.

Assistive Technology Assistance• Obtain Assistive Technology

Equipment for our center• Show parents how to use assistive

technology devices• Children will have access to

assistive technology devices outside of school

• Will improve the child’s communication

Playgroups

• Toddlers• Kids• Teens

Respite Days

• Give the parents a break from care duties

• Give kids a sense of independence• Create another avenue for kids to

make friends with and without Down Syndrome

A DSNMC Festival

• Great for increasing community awareness

• Provide a fun outing for our families

• Solicit membership/volunteers for our organization

• Generate income

Sib Shops

• Support for siblings of children that have Down Syndrome

• Allow kids to celebrate their birthdays with their DSNMC family

• Alleviate some of the expense of having a party for all of the child’s friends

• Allows a time for family interaction/networking

Celebration of Life Parties

Book Clubs

• Improve literacy• Encourages and improves

communication skills for adults with Down Syndrome

Extended Family Support Groups

• Support for extended family members• Answer questions• Increase awareness• An opportunity to bridge families closer

together.

A One Stop Shop…

Increase awarenessEducate others

Provide fun for our members and their communities