Scholarship for NDSC Annual Conference

Scholarship for NDSC Annual Conference One $200 scholarship is available to a member of the Michiana Down Syndrome Group to attend the 40th Annual National Down Syndrome Conference.  Applicants must be an active member of the Michiana Down Syndrome group and have participated in group activities including volunteering.  By accepting the scholarship the recipient understands that they will be required to share conference information at a parent support meeting. The Conference is in Washington DC on July 19th- 22nd.  For specifics on the Conference please visit their website:  http://convention.ndsccenter.org/ Additionally, 50% of the expenses up to $1000 can be obtained by applying to the Governor’s Council (http://www.in.gov/gpcpd/).  Mini Grants can also be applied. Application Deadline is May 15, 2012    Click here for application  
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An unexpected revelation on my kid’s extra chromosome.

From the blog Praying for Parker  (go to the link for a beautiful picture of Parker) "I’ve always known that language shapes perception. That is why I fight so hard against the use of the r-word. But this, this never even made my radar. Maybe it’s because I don’t focus on the Down syndrome as much as I do about the whole keeping a kid alive thing. A quote by Rose Mordi, Nigeria at the UN conference on World Down Syndrome Day: “Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition.” …..naturally occurring. Not an abnormality. Not a disorder. Not ‘What’s wrong with him?” Not a 90% abortion rate. I have a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. My life has just as much value as any other, including yours. Can you imagine a doctor walking in and saying, “Your baby has Down syndrome. Don’t worry though. Children have been born with Down syndrome since the beginning of time. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosome arrangement that has always been part of the human condition. Your child will be blessed to be a member of an amazing population of people that make this world a better place to live in.” Something as simple as the language we use could change the perception of how the world views my child and so many other children. What a wonderful, wonderful world it would be."
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Plan to attend the annual Special Needs Resource and Transition Fair

When: Saturday, March 24th Time: 9 am to 1 pm Place: Student Activities Center at IUSB (this is a new location from past years) FREE admission NEW this year will be activities and games for kids. Check out the Breakout Session schedule so you can make plans to attend those as well. Click here for the flyer resource fair 2012
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