Sharing Family Resources: NDSS

When a child is diagnosed with Down syndrome, families often find themselves on a journey filled with both challenges and incredible joys. One of the most powerful tools we can give one another is reliable information – practical guidance, helpful resources, and the reassurance that no one walks this path alone.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park, we love to create opportunities to empower our families with connections, relationships and information to be that partner in this journey. It makes us stronger and more connected as a community.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) has been increasing awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome since 1978. Their mission is “To empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions.” (https://ndss.org/mission) One of their key areas of programming is “Resources & Support.” This is an excellent addition to any family’s arsenal of information, no matter the stage of life of your child.

Like GiGi’s Playhouse promise, NDSS is committed to supporting individuals with Down syndrome from pre-natal diagnosis through adulthood, as well as their families, caregivers, and the public. They provide important information about a wide variety of topics: health, wellness, education, employment, adulthood and aging, financial wellness, and policy advocacy at the federal, state and local levels.

The website for NDSS is http://www.ndss.org Go ahead and bookmark it! Once you navigate to the “Resources & Support” tab, you’ll find a wide variety of areas to search by life stage or category:

Did You Know? There is a page on GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park’s website called “Down Syndrome Resources”. You can find it here. You will find videos, downloadable information, school resources, positive behavior tools, and more!

We will continue sharing the resources that can make the lives of our participants and families better, more knowledgeable, and more connected. Like all things in life, being well-informed and prepared for the future is the key to living stress-free now. We want all our participants to live their best life possible!