Down syndrome

People with Down syndrome are living longer, but the health system still treats many as kids

Marilyn Lesmeister sits with her daughter Samantha “Sammee” Lesmeister after Sammee’s horse riding lesson in Cole Camp, Missouri. Sammee Lesmeister is one of a growing number of adults living with Down syndrome. More than … READ MORE

Disability activists grace cover of British Vogue

One of the most recognizable fashion magazines in the world is highlighting notable people with disabilities on its cover as part of a larger push toward acceptance in the industry. The May issue of British Vogue will have covers … READ MORE

Calgary girl with Down syndrome stuck at home due to lack of school supports

Calgary Board of Education says it’s working with the family to address concerns. Shawna Risdon says it feels like no one seems to care that her seven-year-old daughter Sadie isn’t able to attend school because of a lack … READ MORE

Earlier intervention in Down syndrome may be possible

Study shows oxidative stress occurs in people with Down syndrome at the cellular level, leading to dysregulated neural differentiation. Nathan Anderson photo on Unsplash. CCO Public Domain Carie Behounek, Guest Contributor, University … READ MORE

Meet InReturn Strategies, a start-up intent on unlocking the value of America’s disabled workforce

The Kansas City, Kan., company connects people with disabilities ― a chronically untapped talent pool ― with prospective employers. Scott Brouillette, left, is the chief executive and Jim Atwater is the founder of InReturn … READ MORE

Learning disability, Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy tied to COVID-19 mortality

People with learning disability, Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy have a higher risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than individuals without these conditions, a recent study suggests. How to help children with … READ MORE

Zen and the art of adaptive surfing

Catching a wave creates a visceral connection with ocean and energy. As your board accelerates, time slows and you enter a Zen state of “here and now.” By ride’s end, your brain is flooded with endorphins. Whether it’s your … READ MORE

New Calgary coffee shop serves up opportunity for employees with intellectual disabilities

Lil E Coffee Café hires those with intellectual disabilities. Shelby works at Lil E Café which hires only people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Terri Trembath CBC Terri Trembath, CBC News Calgary February 13, 2021 … READ MORE

‘What does this mean for us?’ People with developmental disabilities left out of vaccination planning

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution and prioritization plans roll out across Canada, people with developmental disabilities, their families, support workers and community agencies have been asking: What does this mean for us? Dr. Yona … READ MORE

COVID-19 is 10 times deadlier for people with Down syndrome, raising calls for early vaccination

When the COVID-19 pandemic descended last winter, Catherine Ross was filled with dread. Her 36-year-old sister, Amanda Ross, has Down syndrome (DS), which makes her especially vulnerable to respiratory viruses. Amanda Ross on the day … READ MORE

Jaw-strengthening teether designed for children with Down syndrome

Hannah Ferrill, a Purdue University alumna in industrial design from Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts, has developed a jaw-strengthening teether for children with Down syndrome. Hannah Ferrill Chris Adam, Purdue University April 6, … READ MORE

I’m scared: parents of children with disability struggle to get the basics during coronavirus

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all Australians, but there are very good reasons why the impact might be more keenly felt by people with disability and their carers. More than isolated: The experience of children and young … READ MORE

2020 Adapted bike program is OPEN – Cerebral Palsy Kids & Families

Our 2020 Adapted Bike Program is OPEN. We are working on one-on-one curbside appointments. See HOW IT WORKS. Registration now open. Space is limited. Bikes are loaned on a first come/first served basis. Braceworks has provided The CP … READ MORE

Surf therapy improves physical fitness of children with CP

Surf therapy is a viable therapeutic option to improve physical fitness among children living with physical disabilities due to cerebral palsy, a study says. Surf’s up, mate. These days, graduate student Kelli Hingerton is on the … READ MORE

Early orthotic intervention in pediatric patients, Part 2: Down syndrome, other neurological conditions, and toe walking

The Case For Early Intervention. Down Syndrome is associated with a long list of compensatory gait symptoms due to hypotonia, triplanar foot and ankle misalignments, sagittal and coronal compensation at the knee, proximal weakness, … READ MORE

15th Annual Calgary Resource Fair for youth and young adults with disabilities

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and the Calgary Resource Fair committee invite you to the 2019 Inter agency Resource Fair for Youth & Young Adults with Disabilities. Family Support for Children with … READ MORE

When the shoe doesn’t fit: footwear in Down syndrome

These children often have wider, more flexible, and more pronated feet than typically developing kids that don’t fit well into conventionally sized and shaped footwear. Ill-fitting shoes are linked to foot-specific disability and … READ MORE

Orthosis use in children with Down syndrome

The literature on preschool-aged and older children with Down syndrome tends to be consistent with conventional understanding of orthotic principles, but in very young children clinical decision-making about orthoses must also … READ MORE

Alberta law to allow unwed parents to share financial burden of disabled adult children

The proposed legislation would allow parents to apply for financial support from ex-partners. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who is 18 but still requires constant care due to her Down syndrome and several other medical … READ MORE

Taekwondo school offers unique course for people with Down syndrome

Hydra Martial Arts partnered with Calgary Ups and Downs society to start special needs class. Instructors at Hydra Martial Arts teach Taekwondo to students with Down syndrome in Calgary. Anis Heydari CBC Anis Heydari, CBC News Calgary … READ MORE

Low wages are driving a shortage of care providers – elders and the disabled now face a crisis in California

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 14 percent of Americans have developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. The rates of such disabilities are on a steady rise, and some members of … READ MORE

My son has Down’s syndrome – and he belongs in a mainstream school

The success of the Finnish system is proof that inclusive education is best for all children, whether disabled or not. ‘Stories of inclusion in education need to be brought to life in all their personal, painful, comic, mundane and … READ MORE

Children with special needs can be an asset to society – our café proves it

On Down’s Syndrome Day, the public and businesses should challenge their perception of what children with additional needs are capable of. The 3 Café and Kitchen in Bath. Beata Cosgrove, The Guardian Lucy Beattie, The Guardian 20 … READ MORE

Canmore figure skater with Down syndrome finds expression, recognition on ice

‘Meg doesn’t want to talk a lot, but we discovered she can perform.’ Meg Ohsada has surprised friends, family and teachers with her innate musicality, athletic ability and talent. Monty Kruger CBC Jessica Barrett with … READ MORE

Meet the bike designer who changes lives

Custom bikes make cycling dreams come true. Jerzee Wasylnuk’s mobility was achieved thanks to Freedom Concepts, a Winnipeg company where a team custom designs and builds bikes for people — mostly children — who would never … READ MORE

New South Wales Brainwave Camp at Point Wolstoncroft

LAKE Macquarie has turned on the fun for 12 special families from across NSW. The families have children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and epilepsy. Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation … READ MORE

Freedom through mobility – adaptive cycling liberates kids, adults, and veterans

Project Mobility, the charitable arm of The Bike Rack in St. Charles, is hosting its fifth annual bike ride fundraiser dubbed Everybody Rides 2017 on Sept. 24 at James O. Breen Community Park in St. Charles, Illinois, near Chicago. … READ MORE

Bikes for special needs children in Brooklyn

It all started with a run — uphill, and against traffic. Sandra Alfonzo was taking her daily jog in Prospect Park two summers ago, training for another marathon, when she saw a boy about 6 years old in a wheelchair being pushed … READ MORE

Understanding hypotonia

Diagnostic challenges should not delay clinical intervention. Hypotonia, or abnormally low muscle tone, is by itself not a disorder but a symptom of an enormous array of issues—many of which can be difficult to diagnose accurately. … READ MORE

‘It doesn’t seem fair’: Unwed parents in Alberta don’t share financial burden once disabled child turns 18

‘Unless you’ve been married, you fall through the cracks,’ says Calgary woman challenging provincial law. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who just turned 18 but still requires constant care due to her … READ MORE

1 2 »