Educators

The DSAGC partners with schools to help provide teachers with the tools they may require to meet the learning needs of their students with Down syndrome.

Our Teacher Education Program provides:

Down Syndrome Association Recognizes St. Joseph Consolidated School

Contributed by Sally Tilow
Thursday, December 02, 2010

December 6-10 is National Inclusive Schools Week and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is pleased to recognize an outstanding example of a school that has embraced inclusion.The DSAGC is pleased to select St. Joseph Consolidated School in Hamilton, OH to receive the 2010 Education Award.

Inclusion is not merely the placement of children with disabilities in a general education classroom. It is an educational orientation that embraces differences and values the uniqueness that each learner brings to the classroom. St. Joseph School has demonstrated committed leadership, supportive culture, engaging and relevant curriculum and responsive instruction. Effective inclusive schools not only benefit students with disabilities, it also creates an environment in which every student, including those who do not have disabilities, has the opportunity to flourish.

The school was nominated by Kim and Tim Meehan whose son, Mike is in first grade. The following is a portion of their nomination:

"Over the past year St. Joseph Consolidated School has been transformed from a school that felt uncertain and unprepared, to one that can be used a shining example of a flagship school for inclusion. Ms. Sarah Graf led the way by tutoring Mike during the summer prior to his inaugural day. Mrs. Tessa Crooke, the kindergarten teacher, used her endless optimism and huge smile to blaze the way for Mike’s first ever lesson plan. An Individual Service Plan was constructed and followed. While mistakes were made and much was learned over the first few months, the school and teachers persevered. What we all called Mike’s “behavior issues” suddenly disappeared when we discovered that we needed to make the day fit Mike, not make Mike fit the day.

Instead of other parents being concerned about Mike taking up too much the teacher’s time, they are commenting on how much of a blessing Mike has been to the entire class and their child. Instead of the teachers feeling unable to teach a child with Down syndrome, they now realize that the visual methods used to teach Mike also help the entire class learn. And instead of concerns that St. Joseph School does not have the appropriate resources for Mike, the Principal, Mr. Bill Hicks and teachers now know that Mike’s biggest resources, his siblings and friends, are with him at St. Joseph. Mike is as much a confident and happy kid as every kid in St. Joseph School. St. Joseph Consolidated School is a shining example of an inclusive school!"

Members of the Meehan Family and the school staff accepted their award at the Oasis Conference Center on Sunday, December 5 during the DSAGC's Annual Holiday/Award Party. Over 500 people attended the event.

View article @ local.cincinnati.com

Looking For a Speaker on Down Syndrome?

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is ready to help educate your students on the topic of Down syndrome. Our Speakers' Bureau can identify the perfect presenter for your group including the parent of a child with Down syndrome who can share their parenting experience, or a young adult with Down syndrome who can share the joys, accomplishments and challenges of living with a disability.

Our presenters are available to speak to any age group from elementary school thorough university students. We can tailor the length to suit your needs and the size of your audience whether it be 5 or 500.

We find that students benefit from learning that people with Down syndrome are much more alike their peers than they are different. They have the same like and dislikes, hobbies and dreams for the future.

Many elementary schools incorporate our speakers as part of an Everybody Counts Program which promotes sensitivity to children with disabilities. At the high school level we are often asked to help increase students understanding of Down syndrome as part of their health, family life or early childhood education classes. Many university programs request our speakers in their physical and occupational programs and teacher or nursing education.

For more information please contact Sally K. Tilow - email Sally.

Everyone Counts Program – Teaching Acceptance and Inclusion

This program, developed by the National Down Syndrome Society, educates student in grades K-6 about diversity, acceptance and inclusion of children with Down syndrome and other cognitive disabilities. When children are taught these lessons in elementary school, the result will be a more inclusive school environment and ultimately a more accepting and inclusive community. The program includes lesson plans and activities for grades K-1, 2-3 and 4-6. It includes videos, conversation guides, posters, inclusion brochure, teacher guidelines and resource list.

As a follow-up to the program, the DSAGC can arrange for an adult with Down syndrome to visit your school and talk to the students about their life, and goals for the future. Contact Sally to arrange a guest speaker. To borrow the Everyone Counts Program please visit our Lending Library.

Teacher Email Network

The Teacher Email network connects special and general educators in a Q & A format. This is a great format for teachers to exchange their success and challenges. You will also receive information on current trainings and programs for educators in our area as well as new additions to our Lending Library. Ask questions, get answers. Get connected - email Sally.

ds schoolpress (formerly Strategies For Success)

Our newsletter contains tips, strategies, current research and up-to –date information for classroom teachers. Download current and past issues.

ds press

Searching for a deeper understanding of the issues facing the Down syndrome community? Download the latest DS Press or browse the archives.

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. Published 6 times per year, it currently reaches over 3,000 individuals including parents, professionals, and individuals with Down syndrome. Contact Lisa, the editor.

Lending Library

Our resource library contains many books in our Teaching Strategies and Education – Early Childhood and K-12 collections which can assist educators in the classroom. Books can be shipped free of charge to your home or school. Visit our Lending Library and check out a title today.

Teacher - Elementary Information Packet

This packet contains handouts and booklets which can help educators meet the needs of their elementary age students.

Download a copy of this packet here.

Teacher - Middle and High School Information Packet

This packet contains handouts and booklets which can help educators meet the needs of their middle and high school students.

Download a copy of this packet here.

The Learning Program

The Learning Program, based in Orange County CA, is designed to supplement traditional education in literacy and math. Despite some wonderful teachers, traditional education too often fails children with Down syndrome due to poor educational placement, lack of trained assistants and outdated stereotypes. This program aims to strengthen the educational potential for children with Down syndrome, irrespective of their formal educational setting. Parents and teachers can access informational guides, download materials and follow links to reliable information about best practices for instruction.

Visit the Learning Program website

Kid Portfolio

One method of helping your child's teacher to get to know him/her is by creating a Kid Portfolio. This is a collection of writings, work samples and pictures that will help the staff see the human side of your child.
View a sample - The Colleen Book

Upcoming

D.A.D.S. Group Meeting

D.A.D.S Group meeting at Montgtomery Inn Ribs

2/14/2012
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Original Inn Ribs in Old Montomery

more information

Transition Bootcamp: Exiting High School (Session 2)

Options for Daytime Activities

2/21/2012
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Children's DDBP Building - 5th Floor 3340 Burnet Ave. Cinti 45229

more information

Extended Family and Friends (EFF) Meeting

We invite you to attend the first official meeting of the Extended Family and Friends (EFF) DSAGC Satellite Group on Thursday, February 23rd. We are excited to come together with a common purpose of sharing, serving, and supporting families of individuals with Down syndrome � as well as the individuals themselves.

2/23/2012
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Pamela's house near the Sharonville area at 7071 Willowood Drive 45241

more information