Information, reading and resources relevant to all school stages
Essential basics every classroom teacher needs
Evidence of a specific developmental profile common amongst children with Down syndrome, based on sound research, can provide a practical framework for supporting students at school. Down Sndrome Education International has been instrumental in conducting the research and in translating it into educational practice - DSEI's online library is an essential resource for teachers and parents.
Learners with Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Victoria, 2009 - is an excellent distillation of information based on research - available to purchase from Down Syndrome Victoria ($A9.90), phone 1300 658 873, or email info@dsav.asn.au or click here for an oder form. While published in Victoria, all of the information is applicable in all States.
Short-term auditory processing impairment occurs almost universally in people with Down syndrome of all ages. Visual tools that support the short-term processing of concepts are amongst the most useful resources any school can implement to support students with Down syndrome and their teachers.
Please take a moment to read these key pieces of information. Your understanding of the impact of short-term auditory processing impairment, and how visual tools can support students with Down syndrome in managing every aspect of school life, will enable your students with Down syndrome to be more successful learners, and will make you a more effective teacher. ANd it will save you a great deal of time. These resources are readily available, and highly recommended - and most of them are free:
Short term auditory memory - an information sheet prepared by Sandy Alton, Education Adviser, DSA UK. Explains how short-term auditory processing impairment impacts across the curriculum and school environment, and gives practical strategies for support. This could be the single most important piece of information you put into practice in your classroom and playground.
Teaching Students with Down Syndrome, by Carol Johnson, Educational Psychologist. A very useful 4 page summary of the most important factors to consider for your students with Down syndrome to be successful learners.
Stubborn is ... as Stubborn does! by Carol Johnson. Written originally for those working with children, this article is equally applicable for those working with adolescents and adults. It explains how communication impairment might lead to behaviour that is commonly and often erroneously described as "stubborn", and helps to explode the myth that all people with Down syndrome are "genetically predisposed" to stubbornness. Practical strategies are given for solving communication problems ... and stubbornness can disappear!
I See What You Mean, Pts 1 and 2 - published online, in Disability Solutions magazine. An excellent introduction to and explanation of using visual tools to support students with Down syndrome.
Living with Down Syndrome
Published by Down Syndrome Education International is one of the best introductory surveys of the potential impacts of Down syndrome on both individuals and families. It is available to read online or to download (34 pages).
Visual Aids for Learning
Ready-for-use packages of visual tools (images) for home and school. NSW based company.
KEY RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Down Syndrome NSW library lists on education
List books, video, learning materials in the collection, and include details links to resources that are available online
Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Library
A wonderful, comprehensive collection of classroom resources available for loan to schools and parents across NSW. Catalogue available online.
Down Syndrome Education International
Popularly known as DownsEd, this centre of excellence has been involved in research, learning support and professional training since the 1970s. It s one of the most highly regarded centres of excellence on Down syndrome internationally. Publications include online, print and a growing list of DVD resources. Down Syndrome: Issues and Information - is the most comprehensive series of information packages available. Soundly based on evidence and practice. Copies of each package are held in the DS NSW library.
A comprehensive Educators' Manual published by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, 2008 is now available for free download here. Most of the information is universally applicable, and it is based on specific developmental research. New link
Down Syndrome Vision Research Unit - Cardiff University (Wales). Research reports and information brochures written for parents, teachers and eye care professionals. Recommendations about print sizes for students with Down syndrome, and simulations of vision impairments that might exist even when vision is apparently corrected.
"The Are Word", by Dave Hingsburger, 2006
An eye-opening booklet on dealing with teasing, bullying and discrimination. Practical strategies for carers responding to the bully's victim. A very good thing in a very small package. Available for loan to members from the DS NSW library, or for purchase from www.diverse-city.com
ARTICLES
Fiona Place is a Sydney mother and writer who shares her thoughts and experiences through Down Syndrome: A Family Perspective. Some of those experiences are with schooling. Highly recommended.
Action Sheets for parents - a long list of downloadable information sheets relevant to special education has been made available by the PACER Centre in Minnesota.
Telling the teacher: what I want my child's classroom teacher to know will appeal to parents of school aged children. A few are applicable only to local US practices and law, but several have more universal application.
Confronting Ableism, by Thomas Hehir, reprinted in Educational Leadership, February 2007, Vol 64, Number 5. A thought provoking about school culture and opportunities for students with disabilities
SpineCare Foundation (a division of The Northcott Society) Policy for the participation of children with Down syndrome in sport. The question of C1-2 instability (atlantoaxial instability), published 2004
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RESOURCES FOR CURRICULUM DIFFERENTIATION
Down Syndrome Issues and Information Packages - DownsEd international Each package includes modules in every key learning area
Precision Academics (5th edition)
School curriculum materials, adapted for students with special needs K - 12. NSW based company.
Clarke Road Money Programs
Hundreds of parents across Australia have found the Clarke Rd Money Programs (developed by the staff at Clarke Road School, NSW) to be very successfully used by people with intellectual disabilities in developing money skills. Can be purchased from Clarke Rd School:
P 02 9487 2652; F 02 9489 2997; E clarkerd-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au
ONLINE JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES
Down Syndrome NSW Newsletter (quarterly) - an online edition published concurrently with the print edition.
Disability Solutions
A highly regarded on-line magazine, published since 1996. Each issue addresses one topic in-depth. The whole of the Creating Solutions website will of interest.
Strategies for Success
An online Newsletter for teachers, from the DSA of Greater Cincinnatti.
AUDIO
Tall Tales
We don't usually recommend recordings of conferences - they often lose a lot of impact, and content as audio-only. However, Dave Hingsburger is such an impressive communicator, that his voice alone delivers a highly engaging and entertaining learning experience. 3 CDs of workshop presentations will have you listening much longer than you expect, as Dave addresses the realities of working in human services with people with disabilities, confronting beliefs and practices, as one of the finest advocates we have encountered. Available for loan to members from the DS NSW library, or for purchase from www.diverse-city.com
LOCAL SPECIALIST BOOK AND IT SUPPLIERS
Down Syndrome Society of South Australia
Elsevier
Silvereye Educational Publications
Fox Educational Resources
www.fishpond.com.au
Spectronics
BLOGS
New resources, events and services may be announced first in our blog, Keeping Up with Down Syndrome.
Dave Hingsburger's daily blog, "Rolling Around in My Head" is well worth reading for posts that are refreshing, thought-provoking and often funny. Recommended by both families and professionals
Search for other information on this website
The search facility (top right) will enable you to locate other relevant information on this site. For example information about hearing, vision, communication and behaviour support will be interest in any learning environment.
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