Resources for families with a child who has Down syndrome

Triangle Down Syndrome Network (TDSN)

Triangle Down Syndrome Network exists to support and connect families of children

With Down syndrome by organizing and promoting activities. TDSN is striving to make

a presence in the community. They want to ensure all people with Down syndrome have

happy and productive lives. Located in central North Carolina, serving families in Wake,

Durham and Orange and surrounding counties.

· Support includes: new parents, prenatal diagnosis, friends& relatives: what to say, not to say, dual diagnosis, email support group, grant programs, scholarships, other resources, financial resources, respite care, volunteer opportunities.

· Education includes: medical information (communication, hearing, vision), literacy, new parent handbook, brochures, resource list (freebies/discounts), recommended reading, and Down syndrome research studies.

· Connections/Various Events: how can you help, Down syndrome support groups in NC, moving to area, useful links, mom's night out, D.A.D.S (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), play/social groups for children, GRANDS (grandparent support), teen dances and meetings.

Website: http://www.triangledownsyndrome.org/

Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth-Durham Region (RFECY)

RFECY has supported thousands of children with special needs and their families since 1987. They believe every child and youth has the right to participate in their local community to their fullest potential, and they pride themselves on providing flexible responsive services in a timely manner.

Offering a range of services including an on-site child care centre, case management services and assistance to families facing complex challenges. This agency supports children and youth 0 – 18 years of age with a variety of needs. Take a few minutes and learn a little more about their agency. If at the end of your visit you have further questions or would like to learn more, please contact them!

·         Programs include: consultation, co-ordination services for children and youth (CSCY), dual diagnosis funding, enhanced staffing, family networking, RFECY child care services, resource library, TAMI, children’s services community traning task group, and transition activation worker.

Website: http://www.rfecydurham.com/

The Durham Down Syndrome Association

The Durham Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit registered charitable organization which acts as a resource for health, education and professionals to support families and other interested persons working to improve life for those individuals with Down syndrome within the Region of Durham, Ontario Canada.

·         Services: parent/family support, social events (Christmas party, teen dance, family picnics, swim party, resources (periodicals, magazines), monthly meetings, quarterly newsletter, family linkages, representation on a variety of community and government service agencies, members available to speak to community groups about Down syndrome, and hospital/new parent visits  

Website: http://www.ddsa.ca/