early matters

Early Matters Information

Young boy with glasses The Early Matters Support Coordinator is available to provide answers to your questions, provide referrals or connect you with the resources you may need. Please Email Martha for more information.

Information Packets
The DSAGC provides Information Packets that are designed to provide information to families, friends and relatives to offer a better understanding of Down syndrome. You can download these packets here or request a copy by mail.

New Parent Magazine
The DSAGC distributes the New Parent magazine, “Expecting an Extraordinary Life….A New Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome” to 34 area hospital departments. This new publication, created by the DSAGC in 2008, includes stories from families, siblings and grandparents, an introduction to Down syndrome for new parents, information on medical issues, and wonderful full color photographs. Hospital staff, including nurses, perinatal care coordinators, social workers and geneticists are provided with a supply of these magazines to distribute to any patient who delivers a baby with Down syndrome. For more information, contact Sally.
Download the Publication (PDF)

New and Expectant Parent DVD (watch the video)
This DVD was created by the DSAGC families to highlight the surprising and unanticipated joys of raising a child with Down syndrome. This 14 minute video, entitled, “The Journey Ahead…Consider the Possibilities” contains footage of our local families as they share their experience of family life with a child with Down syndrome.

Parent Email Network
This network offers parents to exchange their knowledge and experience. Post a question about parenting, early intervention, medical concerns and other parents can respond with their advice. Email Martha

Early Matters Friday E-Newsletter
Stay informed of all the current events and activities of the DSAGC and other local organizations via this Email newsletter. Sign up here

Community Participation Fund
The DSAGC Community Participation Fund (CPF) provides financial assistance to individuals with Down syndrome so that they may participate in 1) activities such as classes, camps, organized sports, conferences, etc…2) therapies including PT, OT, Speech. We also provide financial assistance for family members who would like to attend local, regional, or national conferences, seminars or training sessions that address issues pertaining to Down syndrome and other related topics. We will award up to $200 per individual/$400 per family per year.
Download the form

Lending Library
The DSAGC Lending Library has a section devoted to Early Childhood Education. Any of these books can be borrowed and mailed to your home.
Visit the Lending Library

ds press
The ds press shares current information on a variety of topics relating to Down syndrome. These topics include medical, educational, and a “page for every age”. The newsletter also publicizes the meetings and events sponsored by the DSAGC. The ds press is published 6 times per year and currently reaches over 3,000 individuals including parents, professionals and individuals with Down syndrome. Download the latest online issue. Contact Lisa, the editor.