...................... ABOUT......................
450,000 individuals in the US have Down syndrome
1 in every 733 live births is a child with Down syndrome
80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35
Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46
Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or economic status
............................ CAUSE ...................................
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did before or during her pregnancy.
............................. & MORE ...................................
It is important to remember that while children and adults with Down syndrome experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but are more like other children than they are different. Most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. All are capable of learning and contributing to the class and their community.
Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of obtaining meaningful employment. They work in the entertainment, telecommunications and sports industries serving in a wide variety of roles. Studies show that individuals with Down syndrome are often more loyal workers and that they bring enthusiasm, dedication and reliability to their jobs.
......................................... INCLUSION ...................................
Inclusion is being a part of life and participating using one's abilities in day to day activities as a member of the community. It is doing what everyone else is, and being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs. Inclusion can occur in schools, play-grounds, work and in recreation.
Inclusion is about ALL of us
Inclusion is about living full lives and learning to live together
Inclusion makes the world our classroom for a full life
Inclusion treasures and respects diversity
Inclusion is about seeing 'abilities' and gifts and how to share them
Inclusion treasures diversity and builds community
Inclusion is NOT just about a disability issue
Inclusion creates and shares tools, resources, capabilities so that all can experience an interdependent and full life
Inclusion is for citizens, educators, families, individuals, organizations----everywhere
Inclusion is about civil rights and should be important to us all
Let us know how you will support inclusion....
Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida
PO Box 533462
Orlando, FL 32853-3462
info@dsfflorida.org
phone: 407.538.3537
