Learning and Connection for the Down Syndrome Community

A Day of Learning and Connection: Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome

On March 8th, over 200 individuals gathered both in-person and virtually for the annual Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome, a collaborative event hosted by the Waisman Center, DSAW-SC, and GiGi’s Playhouse Madison. This impactful gathering provided invaluable insights from leading researchers, facilitated meaningful connections within the Down syndrome community, and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and advocacy.

Research Insights from Leading Experts

The morning was filled with informative presentations from esteemed researchers dedicated to understanding and improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

• Dr. Maria Stanley, MD, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and Director of the Waisman Center Clinics, shared her work on Building Research Collaborations to Understand Co-Occurring Medical Conditions in Children and Adults with Down Syndrome. Her research emphasized the importance of addressing medical complexities and fostering partnerships to enhance healthcare outcomes.
• Dr. Audra Sterling, PhD, Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, explored Language Development in Young Children with Down Syndrome. She provided valuable insights into strategies that support language growth, a key area of development for many individuals with Down syndrome.
• Dr. Ruth Litovsky, PhD, Oros Family Chair & Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, discussed Associations Between Hearing and Cognition in Individuals with Down Syndrome. Her findings underscored the critical link between hearing health and cognitive development, highlighting the need for regular hearing screenings and early interventions.

The Power of Lived Experiences: Community Panel

One of the most anticipated segments of the event was the community panel, which brought together a dynamic group of individuals to share their personal journeys. The panel featured four family members of individuals with Down syndrome and a passionate self-advocate, all of whom offered heartfelt perspectives on navigating life’s challenges and celebrating successes. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussion, and gain real-world insights that complemented the morning’s research presentations. We are thankful for this group agreeing to volunteer their time!

A Collaborative Effort for a Stronger Community

The success of this event is a testament to the power of collaboration. Bringing together experts, families, self-advocates, and community members fosters a shared commitment to education, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is honored to be part of this annual event, ensuring that families have access to cutting-edge research and a supportive community. We look forward to continuing this partnership and furthering our mission of empowerment, awareness, and lifelong learning.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to making this year’s Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome such a meaningful experience. We can’t wait to see you again next year!