Links - Down Right Beautiful

INFORMATION ON DOWN SYNDROME
National Down Syndrome Congress www.ndsccenter.org We are the families of individuals with Down syndrome. And, with sincere thanks, professionals – doctors, attorneys, therapists, teachers – who rallied to us. We are the people who believe in our kids, demand their rights and get them affirmed. We are the people who supported them in all they did from infancy to adulthood. And, we are also them – we are people with Down syndrome.
National Down Syndrome Society www.ndss.org Their mission is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy. Activities include: developing and disseminating quality educational materials and programs, initiating and advancing basic, clinical and applied research, shaping and advocating for improved public policy, increased public resources and services for people with Down syndrome, and working in partnership with our affiliates and other support organizations.
National Down Syndrome Coalition http://ndscoalition.org They are a not-for-profit corporation designed to educate the public and provide charitable resources to families affected by Down syndrome. Our mission is simple to demonstrate to society the positive impacts of Down syndrome with various forms of media, parent support groups, parent counseling, provision of resources, community outreach, and with the education and training of parents and professionals.
Band of Angels - http://www.bandofangels.com/ Celebrates children with Down syndrome and supports them in reaching their full potential, beginning with providing accurate and positive information about Down syndrome at diagnosis. It is the world's largest provider of non-medical information on Down syndrome and is full of inspiring stories and photos of people with Down syndrome. You will also find a variety of beautiful products for purchase that celebrate people and life with Down syndrome.

RESEARCH
Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation www.dsrtf.org Our mission is to stimulate biomedical research that will accelerate the development of treatments to significantly improve cognition for individuals with Down syndrome. Treatments that are developed to improve memory, learning and speech will allow individuals with Down syndrome to participate more successfully in school, lead more active and independent lives, and prevent early cognitive decline.
The Sue Buckley Research Fund http://www.sue-buckley.org/home.aspx Our vision is a world where all young people with Down syndrome are offered the opportunities that they need to achieve their individual potential. With your help, we are delivering better education for people who have Down syndrome worldwide.
Down Syndrome Education Internatinal http://www.downsed.org/ We work to improve education for young people with Down syndrome. We discover potential through scientific research and transform lives by improving learning opportunities. We support families and professionals by publishing books, films and teaching materials, providing conferences and bespoke training services.
Down Syndrome Education USA http://www.downsed-usa.org/ We are a new nonprofit organization established to create new opportunities for young people with Down syndrome. We are associated with and work closely with Down Syndrome Education International - a leading research, information and education services organization.

BOOKS
Woodbine House publishing Specializing in books about children with special needs. Since 1985 we've prided ourselves on publishing books of the highest quality and best value for parents, children, therapists, health care providers, and teachers. Woodbine has the best selection of books about Down syndrome available at http://www.woodbinehouse.com/Down-Syndrome.29.0.0.2.htm

Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives

Having a baby with Down syndrome is not something most parents would willingly choose. Yet many who travel this path discover rich, unexpected rewards along the way. In this candid and poignant collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight, perspective, and love, which their child with Down syndrome has brought into their lives. The contributors to this collection have diverse personalities and perspectives, and draw from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, world views, and religious beliefs. Their diverse experiences point to a common truth: The life of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate! These women have something to say -- not just to other mothers but to all of us. http://giftsds.segullah.org/

Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome

A beautiful essay and photographic celebration of inspirational accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. This 181-page book, filled with stories and research about the potential and dreams of people with Down syndrome, is perfect for new parents of a baby with Down syndrome or any person who sees great potential in someone with extra chromosomes. By Brian G. Skotko and Cynthia S. Kidder, with photography by Kendra Dew. It received the 2002 National Media Award for print publication by the National Down Syndrome Congress. http://www.bandofangels.com/Products/Books.aspx

OTHER HELPFUL AND INTERESTING WEBSITES:
Buddy Walk www.buddywalk.org
Signing Times http://www.signingtime.com/
DsConnection of Tucson www.dsconnection.com
Sharing Downs of Phoenix http://sharingds.org
Down's Heart Group in United Kingdom http://www.dhg.org.uk/
Mended Little Hearts www.mendedhearts.org/mlh/frame-mlh.htm
Mended Little Hearts of Tucson www.tucson.mendedlittlehearts.net
Beads of Courage www.beadsofcourage.net/
The Child King Foundation http://thechildking.com/
Ronald McDonald House Charities http://rmhc.org/