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News for Members and Friends, January 16, 2014
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Ahh...the new year and accompanying resolutions. Have you made any?
This quote has been attributed to Maya Angelou, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Now that's a resolution you can keep: to know better and then do better in 2014!
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In 2014, learn more about Down syndrome.
Of course the most excellent way to learn more is by attending our convention! July 11-13 in Indianapolis, you'll have the opportunity to hear from the world's best when it comes to Down syndrome. And maybe just as important, when you attend the NDSC convention, you learn so much from the other parents...in the hotel, in meeting rooms, in the hallways, standing next to the dance floor, at restaurants around town...the learning takes place everywhere! Registration will open on March 3rd, but you should mark your calendars NOW and start planning that trip! If you've ever wondered if you should attend, this will be a great year to come. Indianapolis is a wonderful, walkable, family-friendly city that you will totally enjoy. You'll leave the convention with so much knowledge, unique resources, and tons of new friends. You'll "know better and do better"! (If you want a second opinion, check out this blog post from a mom who attended her first convention last year in Denver.)
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In 2014, attend a HealthMeet Webinar.
 Another great opportunity for learning is through the HealthMeet project. In the comfort of your own home or office, you can attend these great webinars for free! There are some really informative ones already scheduled for January and February, including: addressing health care needs as youth transition to adult care; seizure disorders in adults; and improving seizure outcomes with an online tracking tool. You can read the full list of upcoming webinars with complete descriptions here. Don't forget, if a webinar doesn't fit your schedule, you can always listen to the archived version afterwards (although a small fee may be required for some archived sessions).
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In 2014, help a teacher do better, be better.
As a parent, you are your child's biggest advocate and cheerleader. You can help your child's teacher (and even the whole school) do better and be better, by becoming more knowledgeable about education law and familiar with classroom strategies that work. This list comes from the website/blog called A Day in Our Shoes. Share these ideas with your child's teacher. Of course, not every strategy works for every child...that's why there are so many ideas! Don't give up. If one strategy doesn't work, try another.  Here are some of our favorites: - Visual schedules
- Advance notice of transitions
- Preferential seating in the classroom
- Alternating preferred and non-preferred tasks
- Working with a buddy when learning a new concept
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In 2014, set high expecations.
We love this essay published by CNN.com, and not just because is was written by NDSC board member Bret Bowerman. We love it because it truly sends the same message that we work so hard to convey every day here at the NDSC. That we should have high expectations for our children with Down syndrome. That people with Down syndrome are more alike than different.
 We love this quote about four year old Ellie:
"The people closest to Ellie know the truth. They know that she is capable of much more than what most expect of her."
Read the entire article here.
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In 2014, help researchers do better.
Have you provided information about your family member with Down syndrome on DS-Connect yet? By joining this patient registry, you'll help facilitate contacts and information sharing among families, patients, researchers and parent groups. You can help the Down syndrome community by joining today!
Check out the frequently asked questions page to have your questions answered, or contact DSConnect@nih.gov for information that has not been addressed on the website.
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| Making a difference. One family at a time. |
National Down Syndrome Congress
30 Mansell Court, Suite 108
Roswell, GA 30076
800-232-6372; 770-604-9500
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Fax: 770-604-9898| Email: info@ndsccenter.org | Website: www.ndsccenter.org Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved. |
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