Support, Resources and useful Blogs


Support Groups

Downs Side Up on Facebook
Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Just look for the @downssideup label

Down's Syndrome Association
Font of all factual advice and support.  Can provide leaflets and information for those who have just had a diagnosis in pregnancy, to supporting adults with Down's Syndrome as they grow older Take time to explore the DSA website here.

DSS
Down's Syndrome Scotland another fabulous site full of information and advice.

Cornwall Downs Syndrome Support Group
A local group offering support, workshops and fun events for families

Saying Goodbye
A wonderful group providing beautiful services and support after couples have lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy or after
Visit their Facebook community here

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)
A wealth of information, support and training for all with intellectual disabilities.

Mencap Campaigning for those with leaning disabilities. Visit their site here


Foundation for People with a Learning Disability (FPLD) 

Scope Lots of tips and ideas on this lovely website.




Educational Resources

Downs Syndrome Education International (DownsEd)
This group carries out research into the latest teaching techniques for children with Down's Syndrome  
Educational materials are available to purchase, including Makaton books and Numicon sets.  Training courses are also offered for parents and professionals
Visit the DSE website here to be inspired about learning materials.

Special Needs Jungle

I am proud to be a regular contributor to Special Needs Jungle. It is a mine of information on every aspect of SEN, statementing and provision. Your one stop SEN shop.

TTS is a catalogue containing a wide range of affordable SEN teaching materials and toys. Sign up to be on their mailing list here

Portage is a service that comes to your home. They suggest tips and lend toys to bring your child on in a fun way. Ask your Health Visitor for a referral if it operates in your area. 

National Portage Service

Free worksheets, activities and colouring in can be downloaded from Twinkl or TES SEN


Makaton Sign Language
Makaton is a simple form of sign language
Teaching Makaton to children with Down's Syndrome from a very early age provides another dimension to language, helping to back up and input those valuable spoken words

Fabulous, must have DVDs and other essential materials from Singing Hands.

Symbol UK speech therapy charity

Plenty Of Potential POPS Resources
A reading scheme that works alongside Jolly Phonics, specifically developed for older children with Down's Syndrome, Autism and language delay

Jolly Phonics Resources A tried and tested reaimg scheme that works well with other methods that children with Down's Syndrome may benefit from

CBeebies Something Special 
Games and colouring, as well as Makaton fun


Legal Advice

From IPSEA. Invaluable when applying for your child's Statement of Educational Need.


Useful Products

Fledglings
Products for Children's Special Needs.  Includes toys, bedding, clothing, footwear, feeding and toilet training aids


Holidays for those with Disabilities

The Calvert Trust enables people with disabilities, together with their families and friends, to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure in the countryside.


Medical Research

Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK


Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG)









8 comments:

  1. Also, Future of Down's is a great website and facebook group x

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  3. Dear Hayley,

    My name is Zubee. I volunteer for an online disability magazine called Disability Horizons. We are an online lifestyle magazine that features interesting articles and resources to help disabled people lead a more active lifestyle.

    My role involves researching for potential stories and articles that I feel would be worth telling our readers about. I saw an article about your Daughter recently published in the paper, as one of the young disabled people chosen to model for Sainsburys clothing. After reading it I was very keen to get in touch.

    I was wondering if you be interested in writing an article for us about the campaign.
    To find out more about us, please visit our website, www.disabilityhorizons.com

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Kind regards,

    Zubee

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  4. I am a Paediatric Community Learning Disability nurse and I attended the Strengthening the Committment day in Derby last week. I would just like to say a huge thank you to Hayley for her inspiring and moving talk. I am passionate about trying to ensure that parents have positive early years experiences and am trying to promote this within my workplace. I would love to hear from other parents about how they feel the involvement of a learning Disability Nurse could have improved their early experiences around diagnosis and early intervention.

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    1. Thank you Caroline for reaching out and for all you do for families like ours.

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  5. Regarding Cando holidays I clicked on them and it appeared to be in Chinese... Maybe the link is broken or something.

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    1. Thank you Leah, yes indeed they have gone out of business unfortunately. Can Be Done also look like a useful site, thank you.

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