Top Ten Local Ds News Stories of 2013

#1: Seclusion and Restraint

On Monday, February 4, 2013, an 8 year old girl with Down syndrome came home from school with her legs duct-taped as a form of disciplinary action. It left many families that have a loved one with Down syndrome or special needs wondering how this could still be happening… http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/05/duct-tape-special-needs-girl/1894777/.

 

 

#2: Indiana General Assembly Passes Seclusion and Restraint law

The Indiana General Assembly passed SB 345, which established the Indiana Commission on Seclusion and Restraint in Schools, required the commission to develop a statewide Model Seclusion and Restraint Plan, and required the state to adopt rules to minimize or eliminate the use of seclusion and restraints in schools. Under the law, all school corporations in Indiana, including accredited non-public schools, must have a plan on the use of seclusion and restraint in place by July 1, 2014.

 

 

#3: NIH Launches First National Down syndrome Registry

 

The National Institutes of Health has launched DS-Connect, a Web-based health registry that will serve as a national health resource for people with Down syndrome and their families, researchers, and health care providers. Participation in the registry is free and voluntary. If participants give permission to be contacted, the registry coordinator can inform them of research studies in which they may be interested. Results from these studies will help researchers better understand Down syndrome and how to treat its accompanying health problems across the lifespan.

 
 

#4: American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Parent Version of Healthcare Guidelines 

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a parent version of the Healthcare Guidelines for Individuals with Down syndrome to give parents and families information about the health care needs of children with Down syndrome.  They are available at:

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Children-with-Down-Syndrome-Health-Care-Information-for-Families.aspx.

 

#5: Boy with Down syndrome Saves Student

 

A six-year old from Frankfort, Indiana becomes a local hero when he alerts staff that a fellow student is choking and in need of immediate assistance: http://www.wishtv.com/news/local/boy-with-down-syndrome-saves-student.

 

#6: Anti-Bullying

 

On May 11, 2013, HB 1423, Indiana’s Anti-Bullying Law was officially adopted. The law requires the Department of Education, in consultation with school safety specialists and school counselors, to develop guidelines to assist school corporations and safe school committees in establishing bullying prevention programs, investigation and reporting procedures, and discipline rules.

 

#7: The National Down Syndrome Congress in Indianapolis in 2014!

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) announces that the 2014 Annual Convention will be held in Indianapolis on July 11^th thru the 17^th. Registration opens March 3^rd, 2014. All local families are encouraged to register by April 1^st to take full advantage of what the conference has to offer.  More information available at: http://convention.ndsccenter.org/.

#8: ABLE Act of 2013 Reintroduced
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was reintroduced in the US Congress earlier this year.  The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.

 

 

#9: Down Syndrome Indiana Launches Awareness Campaign

Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) launched an awareness campaign aimed at deconstructing negative stereotypes and replacing them with more positive perceptions of what it means to have Down syndrome. The “Get to Know Me” campaign, was primarily focused in the social media and told the stories of Hoosiers with Down syndrome through photos, videos, and text. “Personal stories seem to resonate more with audiences than facts and statistics,” says Lisa Wells, Down Syndrome Indiana’s Executive Director. “We want to break some of the more harmful stereotypes that sometimes prevent people with Down syndrome from reaching their full potential.” Check out Down Syndrome Indiana’s Face Book page for more information.

#10: DSI Families Featured in Indy’s Child

The September edition of Indy’s Child featured several Down Syndrome Indiana families! Check it out at:  http://www.indyschild.com/Articles-In-This-Issue--i-2013-09-01-257797.114134-Down-Syndromes-Rising-Potential.html#543.