Living -
MDSS supports
individuals with Down syndrome as well
as parents, caregivers and families in
all stages of life:
pre-natal and post-natal information
and
support
building networks for support-groups
educational workshops and resource
library
social activities for friendship
building
Learning - Down syndrome is a
naturally occurring chromosomal
arrangement resulting from an extra
chromosome 21. This arrangement
occurs in approximately one of every 800
births in Manitoba. Individuals
with Down syndrome demonstrate wide
variations in mental abilities,
behaviour and physical development.
They benefit from loving homes, early
intervention, inclusive education and
appropriate medical care.
Children
and adults with Down syndrome are living
as full members of society - going to
school, finding work and living
independent lives. MDSS is
dedicated to enhancing public awareness
and understanding of Down syndrome.
Discovering - MDSS is committed to
helping others discover the talents,
abilities and successes of those with
Down syndrome. Building
relationships with medical and
educations personnel through workshops,
news articles and personal contact
allows MDSS to address misunderstandings
and reinforce the inherent value of all
people with Down syndrome.
Partners for Life
- Strong partnerships with family members, friends
and the wider community ensure that individuals with
Down syndrome will continue to live full and dynamic
lives and continue to make a positive difference in
our world. Please partner with us by joining
MDSS
See Me
Beautiful - an annual workshop is
offered in the Fall for parents and
school teams supporting a child with
Down syndrome. The goal of the workshop
is to empower support teams welcoming
children with Down syndrome into their
classrooms by: 1) providing information
regarding Down syndrome, with a focus on
learning characteristics and academic
programming; and 2) providing a setting
where educators and parents can interact
informally.
New
Parent's Kit - the Labour of Love
kit and a copy of the book, Babies with
Down Syndrome, a New Parent's Guide is
available to all new parents of a child
with Down Syndrome. New parents are also
offered a complimentary one-year joint
membership to the MDSS and
CDSS.
Visiting
Parents Program - is available to
provide new parents (or family members,
friends) with the opportunity to visit
with a trained volunteer parent. We
understand the many emotions that you
may be experiencing. A visit may simply
help you to realize you are not alone.
Presentations have also been made at the
three Winnipeg birthing hospitals,
making staff aware of our program. A
referral for a visit can be made to the
MDSS by anyone, providing the parents
have given their permission. Please
contact:
susancearns@shaw.ca.
Parent
Networking Evenings - several
information evenings are planned
throughout the year, focusing on
specific topics related to raising a
child with Down syndrome. Please check
with the MDSS for upcoming topics and
dates.
Buddy Walk -
established to promote acceptance and
inclusion of people with Down syndrome
and to celebrate National Down Syndrome
Awareness Month. This years Buddy
Walk was held on September
27, 2009.
