Hello everyone!
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, so for this week’s blog post we compiled a list of resources, mostly local to Minnesota, that we think are doing wonderful work for the local Down Syndrome community. Whether you are a caregiver for someone who has Down Syndrome, or simply want to learn more, these awesome organizations have a lot to share! Down Syndrome affects more than 400,000 people in the United States, including people of all ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Each individual who has Down Syndrome is unique in their own way, and we believe it is up to us as a community to cherish and support each individual’s talents, in addition to supporting them in their areas of need. For more information, read on about some awesome Down Syndrome resources right here in the Twin Cities!

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota

The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a wonderful resource in that it not only offers information about Down Syndrome but also conferences, events, parent resources, and healthcare for all individuals with Down Syndrome, whether they are a child or an adult. A little over a month ago, Toneworks had the opportunity to present at the DSAMN’s conference, Voices and Choices. This annual conference, specifically geared towards young adults with Down Syndrome, offers a variety of workshops that teach important life skills. It was a day full of education, fun, and catching up with friends. DSAMN offers events throughout the year to spread awareness and provide resources for families living with Down Syndrome. Visit the DSAMN website to see upcoming events.

GiGi’s Playhouse – Twin Cities

GiGi’s Playhouse is an awesome resource if you are looking to give back to the Down Syndrome community and participate in tons of programs and events! They offer free therapeutic and educational programming for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. GiGi’s Playhouse offers programs for all ages including; early learners, school-aged, teenagers, young adults, and adults. Programs offer support in academia, family involvement, health and wellness, and gross motor, social, career, and fine motor development. Read more on their website.

Jack’s Basket

Jack’s Basket, a non-profit organization, focuses and cherishes babies who are born with Down Syndrome and also offers support and resources for parents who may have a difficult time transitioning into parenthood. Families who are interested in this organization may request a basket that contains multiple Down Syndrome resources, a few books, some lullaby CD’s, and most importantly a letter from families that are there to support. Jack’s Basket also hold events and fundraisers to spread the awareness of Down Syndrome.

Help Me Grow – Minnesota

Help Me Grow is a great resource for those who wonder if their child or loved one is meeting the correct milestones as they grow up. They offer information about each age group and clearly lay out what motor, communication and language, social and emotional, and cognitive milestones each age group should be able to succeed. What makes this resource unique is that they share information on the Individuals with Disabilties Education Act (IDEA) as well as having their site available in Español, Somali, and Hmoob, making is accessible for many families.

We hope these resources offer some education or useful perspective! We are all unique individuals who have various needs and abilities. As caretakers, therapists, and citizens, it is our job to notice and foster the needs and abilities of those we love. Are there any other Minnesota Down Syndrome resources we should add to our list? Let us know, and spread the awareness! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Alannah Forstner, Toneworks Music Therapy Intern