Makaton Advent Calendar and Shabang Calendar for 2013

December is here!

A time for little ones to get beside themselves with excitement, a time for high street frenzies, a time for Mums and Dads to step up a gear. 
I for one am panicking about fitting everything in and it's Natty's birthday in a couple of days too!

Anyway, to help keep us on track many of us will be opening our advent calendars now. Downs Side Up were lucky enough to be asked to take part in a novel new online one, organised by the Makaton Charity, those amazing people who enable our children to communicate with us. Each day you can click on a window to see a short film of children signing a Christmas word or seasonal song. 

I somehow missed the email asking us to take part, so had about 48 hours to plan and film it. Mia was in a bad mood, Natty wanted a poo, picked her nose, looked the wrong way, the sun was in their eyes, it was too cold standing by the log pile, the fire didn't look right unlit, the light was wrong, they signed with their hands the wrong way round, they had a little disagreement, they were hungry, the phone rang, the snowman was over the wrong shoulder..... 

and finally, at the end of the day, when I'd nearly given up and they were in their PJs ready for bed, we got a cute take. Natty and Mia are signing 'snowman' on Day 3. 

View the free calendar here Makaton Advent Calendar. 
There is also an option to make a small donation if you wish.


Looking forward to the New Year, Shabang Theatre (their website is well worth checking out for other resources) have brought out a lovely 2013 calendar which would make an ideal Christmas gift. It features lots of happy children who happen to have disabilities, role models for us all indeed. It is bright, cheerful and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.

Natty smiles at her Shabang calendar friends

The numbers are bold, as are the days of the week, with weekends in a different colour and it also features 3 Makaton symbols and signs to learn per month. So I think it will make an excellent teaching resource as well. 
I was lucky enough to have been sent one as a gift. I'm certain they will be brightening up many a kitchen from next month and you can buy them from the website, priced £9.99.

December page for next year

Downs Syndrome Awareness Month #DSAM2012

The month of October is 

World Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
#DSAM2012

Each day I hope to add an inspiring blog, link, photo, event or nugget of information to 
help you get involved.

Day 1 - It's Down's Syndrome Awareness Month. Please help us gently change perceptions of Down's Syndrome from within hearts. Spread the word. www.downssideup.com

Day 2 - What to Say When a Baby is Born/ is Diagnosed with Down's Syndrome

Day 3 - Go and explore some new websites. Are you familiar with the Down's Syndrome Association? How about the Down's Education materials? Check out Singing Hands and Makaton materials. All the links are here.

Day 4 - I bring you a beautiful short film called 'Indelible'. Please watch. It has brought tears to my eyes with it's perfection. Indelible

Day 5 - Have you uploaded an image of your child to Downs Syndrome The Big Picture yet? This in an amazing UK-based art project on a scale yet to be seen.

Day 6 - Over in America, Noah's Dad is filling a Facebook page full of pictures and stories of children with Down's Syndrome on his Wall of Awesome Pop over and add your inspirational photo and story.

Day 7 - If you need reminding what an amazing parent you are, what a great job you are doing, if some days it feels like wading through a swimming pool full of treacle. Read this. Erma Bombeck: Special Mothers (and Fathers!) 

Day 8 - A picture speaks a thousand words Browse through our Photo Gallery of Hope.

Day 9 - Read an inspirational book, watch a powerful film, open your eyes with an innovative documentary... Here's our list of suggestions Please let us know what your favourites are.

Day 10 - Are you taking enough time for yourself? Read my experience of respite... and what happens when you don't take enough.

Day 11 - Photographer Richard Bailey and the DSA began the inspirational photographic competition Shifting Perspectives 8 years ago. Each year it features different aspects of Down's Syndrome. Our friend Rory was a winner last year and he is a photographer with Downs Syndrome. The beauty of this exhibition is that it is available as a free app for your iPhone or iPad.

Day 12 - It's Friday! Let's spread the inspiration far and wide. Join me by posting a beautiful photo or an inspirational quote today. Pop it on your Facebook page, on our Facebook wall or on Twitter with the hashtag #DSAM2012, or simply leave a comment at the bottom of this blog. Have a great weekend everyone x

Day 13 - 

Day 14 - Take this short survey by Circle 21, to compare facilities and support for those with Down's Syndrome worldwide. The best place in the world to live with Down's Syndrome

Day 15 - Watch the little film we made with a few other families to promote a local tourist attraction. Natty is wearing bright green trousers and is hard to spot as she is just like all the other kids in the piece.  Just one of the gang. Eden: The Butterfly Effect.

Day 16 - Shabang have produced an amazing 2013 calendar featuring lots of gorgeous children with disabilities. What wonderful role models they are indeed! Buy your copy here while stocks last.

Day 17 - I am so envious of anyone who lives near enough to attend the amazing Disability Rocks Festival in Leeds this December. Not least because our idols Singing Hands will be there. If you do live within travelling distance, check out the event here.

Day 18 - Would you like to meet Natty and I? Here we are doing a little interview at home about how Downs Side Up all began. Listen out for Natty thanking her chickens for their eggs...

Click here for the ITV interview

And here is Wednesday's BBC Radio Devon interview with Fitz on the subject of proposed changes to Universal Credits. Click here. 35 minutes in.

Day 19 - A timeless tale of a little girl, a lost tooth and a golden chromosome Princess Natalia and the Toothless Fairy

Day 20 - Sleep Solutions: A Guest post by sleep practitioner Jane Armstrong. Sleep Solutions for children with Down's Sydrome

Day 21 - The British Institute of Learning Disabilities are an amazing group of people who offer research, support and training for adults with learning disabilities. I was recently honoured to be asked to take part in their annual conference and deliver the keynote speech. To say the it was a learning curve for me is an understatement. Read about my experience here. 

Day 22 - A little gift of thanks to our 2000th Twitter follower. Thank you to everyone who is helping to gently change perceptions of Down's Syndrome from within hearts. (I can't send you all a pressie though!) 

Day 23 - Now it's time to really get invovled.It's time to share your stories.

Day 24 - A candid behind the scenes film of the making of the Eden Project promotional film that Family Downs Side Up took part in. I almost like it better. Watch out for Natty running through the flowers and catching sight of the camera :)

Making of the Eden Project promotional video, featuring Downs Side Up

Day 25 - I am extremely proud to have been asked to get involved in an exciting new book project which is due to be released soon. I have been asked to present at the launch on 21st March 2013 as part of World Down Syndrome Day. More beans as soon as I am allowed to spill them :)

Day 26 - Natty wrote her name independently for the first time yesterday. Here are a collection of ideas that have worked for  us on her journey towards writing. Writing Tips for Children with Down Syndrome from Jolly Phoics, to Ruth Miskin. There's a little video too, filmed by Natty's big sister.

Day 27 - Natty is featured in Jojo Maman Bebe's Christmas catalogue which comes out today. We are so proud of her for teaching society that beauty comes in many forms x

Day 28 - Spread the Word to end the R Word. Sign an online pledge to never use such language and read the beautiful letter from the Special Olympics athlete with with DS to those who use insulting language to refer to those with learning disabilities.

Day 29 - Medical Mondays by Jen Logan over at Down Wit Dat. Jen is a nurse and Mum of twins, one of whom has DS. She is a font of all knowledge. Pop over to read about the brain, thyroid and history of DS.

Day 30 - The  Down Syndrome Research Foundation work for medical research to improve and maintain the quality of the lives of those with Down Syndrome. There is a group in the USA and in the UK. Read about the latest trials they are involved in above.

Day 31 - Down Syndrome Awareness Month comes to an end... Thank you all for joining us. I for one have learnt so much and have been bowled over by the supportive network I am part of.