We believe in a holistic approach to supporting individuals with Down syndrome, and this includes empowering parents and guardians through education and guidance. Over the years, we’ve hosted several family workshops on topics critical to our community. These include the Nurturing Success Family Workshop, featuring experts in Special Needs Education, Dr. Junie Lynch and Mrs. Lee Carter (BSc., M.Sc.) and the Get Active with Down Syndrome Family Webinar led by Disability Exercise Specialist Akeem Rudder of Include U Sports Academy. We’ve also offered parental workshops on supporting learners with Down syndrome and functional reflex therapy facilitated by Mental Health and Wellbeing therapist Marcia Edwards of Pathway2Wellbeing.

For children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, we’ve launched a number of initiatives under our L.E.A.D. program, which focuses on Life Skills, Education, Athletics, and Developmental goals. This includes the Get Active with Down Syndrome Program, where participants have worked with Akeem Rudder to improve fitness, balance, coordination, and strength. We also hosted the L.E.A.D. Summer Program at Erdiston Special School, where members participated in reading, math, fine motor skills, and physical education activities. Our Down Syndrome Tutoring Lab is another key program, providing individualized support in literacy and math skills.

Additionally, we love to come together as a community. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed various family fun days, providing an opportunity for parents to unwind while children with Down syndrome engage in fun activities like rides, games, and face painting. Our annual church service to mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October is another way for our members to connect and show solidarity.