Today is a very special day to Toneworks and many of our families, as March 21st marks the 12th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day! For those of us who have been lucky enough to know someone with Down syndrome, we know that it is a lifelong journey made up of sacrifices, successes, challenges, hopes, laughter, and moments that we will cherish forever. No matter where you are in your journey, we want you to know that there are resources and support groups available in your community to help you along the way.

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMN) – DSAMN offers so many amazing resources, including information and support groups for new parents, expectant parents, family members, and self advocates. They also hold annual conferences for parents, grandparents, service providers, educators, and youth and adults with Down syndrome. Click on the bolded name to take you straight to their website to learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

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. Check out their website above to learn more!

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 of encouragement and support from families who are on the same journey. Jack’s Basket also hold events and fundraisers to spread awareness and to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome.

Help Me Grow (Minnesota) – Help Me Grow is a great resource for those who are seeking guidance on different developmental milestones for children with Down syndrome.  They offer  caregiver strategies to support development, screening and evaluation, and information about how to address developmental concerns.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

To add to these local resources, here are a couple of websites that may provide more information for you:

1. National Down Syndrome Society – The leading human rights organization for individuals with Down syndrome.
2. Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) – PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities
3. Band of Angels – The world’s largest provider of non-medical information on Down syndrome.

If you ever need help or support, please reach out – you are not alone. We’ll leave you with a few pictures of the pure joy that we experience every day with our clients, who have touched our lives in ways that we will treasure forever.

Lacey Reimnitz, MT-BC | Board Certified Music Therapist at Toneworks Music Therapy