The Down Syndrome Community Celebrates an Important Victory
Congress Passes the Kennedy-Brownback Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act.
New York, NY (September 26, 2008). After three years of advocacy, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 1810, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosis Conditions Awareness Act, during this last week before Congress adjourns. The legislation has been an extremely high priority for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). These organizations and individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the country are convinced there is a need for physicians and other health professionals to provide parents who receive a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis with updated, evidenced-based information about Down syndrome.... Click here to read the full press release release.
Kennedy-Brownback Bill Dies in Senate Spending Showdown
July 28, 2008 - A bill aimed at providing accurate and comprehensive information to parents who receive a diagnosis of a disability for their child, either prenatally or after birth, died today in a massive Senate showdown over federal spending. Click here for more information. for more information on the author, Patricia E. Bauer – News and Commentary on Disability Issues, visit: http://www.patriciaebauer.com
DSIA Member Featured in JetBlue Ads!
Avery and her family, frequent flyers on JetBlue airlines were photographed a couple years ago, and Avery was selected for their advertising! Check out the ad below!
Articles Published in DSIA's E-Newsletter
Friendly Observations for People with Down Syndrome
By Karen Gaffney
I think one of the most important aspects in everyday life is the importance of friendships. Friends can really help you when you need them the most. If you want to have friends in your life, have a smile on your face for them. Make them feel included in what it is that you are doing. You will make huge difference in their lives if you do that. Read More
Behavior Management and Skill Teaching
By Lisa Heitzler, Applied Behavior Analyst, ALTA CA. Regional Center
Experiencing difficult behavior problems can leave parents and care providers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to best handle the situation. Although there is no magic wand or quick fix for solving behavior problems, knowing the basic principles of behavior intervention can provide the tools needed to decrease stress and self doubt and make it easier to move toward positive behavioral chances. Read More
The Art of Achievement with Down Syndrome
By Robin Johnson
Michael Johnson is an independent artist and has been painting full time since the day after he graduated from public school in June of 1993. When Michael graduated and decided to become an artist, the principal and the vocational instructor were flabbergasted. They said it could never work and that Michael could never be successful as an artist. Despite their predictions, he painted every day and worked to learn his craft, in his own way. Read More