NDSC Volunteer Registration is now open!

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is recruiting volunteers for their annual convention July 11^th through 13^th 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Registration is now available at: http://ndsc.ivolunteer.com/indy_2014. 735 volunteer slots are available. Please pass this along to anyone that you know of who may be interested in volunteering, such as, OT’s, PT’s, ST’s, students, educators, siblings, teams or corporations.

First Call Training

Do you remember what it felt like when your child first received the diagnosis of Down syndrome? Do you want to be there for new parents to let them know that everything is going to be okay? That having a child with Down syndrome may just turn into one of the best things that ever happened to their family? If that is you, please join Down Syndrome Indiana at its First Call Training on Saturday, February 22^nd 2014 from 9:00AM to 12:00Noon. When you complete the training, you will be ready to be the first call that new parents make when they receive the diagnosis. To RSVP for this truly life enhancing training, please e-mail register@dsindiana.org by Valentine’s Day.

Inclusive Classrooms Survey

Research has shown that there is a positive relationship between the amount of time that a student spends in the general education classroom and a student’s academic achievement, communication skills and social relationships. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, especially Down syndrome, or an educator and live in Central Indiana, would you please take this survey and tell us if your classroom is inclusive? Click here to take survey.

 

Based on a study published in 2008 and entitled, “Membership, Participation and Learning in the General Education Classroom for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders who use AAC” the indicators mentioned in this survey can help determine if a school or classroom is inclusive and also show areas where improvements can be made.

The results will be used to help Down Syndrome Indiana understand the education climate that currently exists for students with a disability and to track results over time to measure whether there is perceived improvement. Survey respondents name and contact information will not be released to schools.

For more information about Down Syndrome Indiana, please visit www.dsindiana.org today.

For more information on inclusive classrooms, there is an excellent webinar available from the National Down Syndrome Society at: http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Publications/Webinar-Series/.