Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants Provide $307,800 to 31 Innovative Programs for Parents, Professionals and People With Down Syndrome Across the U.S.

2015 grant recipients announced at National Down Syndrome Congress Convention

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants

2015 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants
2015 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants
announcement at NDSC Convention

DENVER & PHOENIX (June 26, 2015) – The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants have provided $307,800 to local Down syndrome organizations from around the United States funding 31 innovative educational programs to medical professionals, self-advocates and parents of people with Down syndrome.

This includes the 2015 grant recipients announced at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in Phoenix. The grants are up to $10,000 per local Down syndrome organization.

“The local Down syndrome organizations who have received our grants have made a wonderful impact in their communities affecting the lives of thousands of people with Down syndrome,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of Global. “We are proud to foster growth and provide resources to our local members.”

“We are so grateful to be a recipient of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grant. These dollars are truly making a difference all over the US in both rural and urban areas,” said 2014 recipient Down Syndrome Foundation of Southeastern New Mexico.

Grant recipients detailed their ideas, budgets and goals for educational programs as part of their applications, which were reviewed by Global for thoroughness, potential and sustainability. Since 2012, more than 100 applications have been submitted through the program.

Learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants and past recipients

The 2015 grant recipients are:

1. Down Syndrome Indiana (Indianapolis) – “State-wide Down Syndrome Conference” will provide accurate and up to date information on best practices in the field of Down syndrome to parents, self-advocates, educators, medical professionals, and direct service professionals across the state of Indiana.

2. Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (Omaha, Neb.) – “Heartland Genetics Services Collaborative’s Care Coordination: Empowering Families” will provide parents with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to coordinate care for children with genetic conditions in partnership with a medical home.

3. Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (Cincinnati) – “Summer Enrichment Classes” is a supplemental academic program for children with Down syndrome, ages K through 8, to work in small groups with certified special education teachers and teaching assistants on reading and math skills.

4. Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (St. Louis) – “DSAGSL Employment Initiative” offers a unique, grassroots, person-centered program option for career exploration and skill development that is specific to individuals with Down syndrome.

5. Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Fla.) – “Community Inclusion and Vocation Aptitude Program” will provide individuals with Down syndrome, between the ages of 16 and 30, with an 8 week program targeted at developing the adaptive skills needed to live independently in a safe and socially responsible manner.

6. Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Mich.) – “The Learning Program” is a supplement to traditional education for children with Down syndrome. DSAWM will offer Level 1 of TLP, which builds on traditional education through development of literacy, math, motor and speech skills.

7. Down Syndrome Network Arizona (Tempe, Ariz.) – “Life’s Journey…with Down Syndrome” is a workshop providing parents the tools they need to effectively teach their children with Down syndrome important topics like behavior, thriving in adulthood, reading, health and wellness, and prenatal topics.

8. Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society (Paris, Texas) – “Johnny Stallings Recreational REACH (Raising Expectations and Creating Hope)” will provide adults with Down syndrome classes on cooking, living independently, reading, money management, emotional and social skills.