As a new parent to a child with Down syndrome, we'd like to offer you a free first-year membership.
Please call us at (866) 327-DSAW or fill out our membership form. After the first year, ongoing membership fees help defray the cost of our office expenses, web site operation, newsletter printing and member activities.
Through our Hospitals Program, you can expect to receive our New Parent Packet, full of information that will answer questions and provide valuable contact information for your child's ongoing developmental and healthcare needs. Didn't receive one? Please let us know.
For your convenience, we've placed a New Parent Packet online:
Awaiting a Baby with Down Syndrome It's a scenario all new parents fear: Test results will show a problem with their unborn child. What happens when the test results reveal that you're carrying a baby with Down syndrome? As Rachael Smith knows firsthand, with education, support and preparation, this news doesn't need to destroy the joy of waiting for, and then nurturing, your child.
You'll also appreciate this video from CBS News portraying a couple's experience awaiting their daughter's birth.
Welcome to Holland Start off with some great perspective in a story written by Emily Perl Kingsley. And trust us, Holland offers you vistas that Italy NEVER could!
You mean there is no Guarantee? An inspirational DSAW newsletter article written in 2004 by our Newsletter Editor and board member, Carole Shafer. Her son Alec, born in 1994, has Down syndrome.
Baby Announcement Let's face it... this part can be tough. But perhaps this sample can offer you some guidance.
Down Syndrome Clinic of Wisconsin - Children's Hospital This organization is committed to improving the health and well-being of children and adults with Down syndrome, which may include complex issues. This requires a comprehesive, multidisciplinary health care approach. The DSCW is connected with a statewide network to assist families in need.
Katie Beckett Program - Supplemental Insurance Children born with DS often experience medical complications at birth, many of which today are corrected with routine procedures. In addition, DS children will benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy in their first months and years. But all of this comes at a cost.
While your personal health insurance may provide coverage, the Katie Beckett (named after a young girl in Iowa when the program started under the Reagan Administration) Medicaid program can cover costs that insurance plans sometimes will not. Children who are not eligible for other Medicaid programs because the income or assets of their parents are too high may be eligible for Medicaid this way.
Our experience shows us that many DS children qualify for Katie Beckett benefits, so make sure to contact your local Katie Beckett representative to determine your own eligibility.
Birth to 3 - Wisconsin's Early Therapy Intervention Program This is Wisconsin's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Through it, your child will receive (in most cases) in-home physical, occupational and speech therapy depending on his or her needs, often at little-to-no cost to your family.
A federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provides a framework for a comprehensive program and coordinates developmental, health and social services within the community.
Wisconsin First Step Statewide information and referral service dedicated to helping families and professionals find resources for children birth to 21 years with special needs. Call their hotline at 1-800-642-7837 to find the closest regional center for CSHCN, Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Family Support Program In-home support for families with children who have severe disabilities. Offers information and help in finding service programs and community resources, some funding to purchase necessary goods and services unavailable elsewhere and links to other families to build a support network.
FACETS - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, Inc.
Informs and instructs parents how to obtain appropriate education
Works to improve education results
Helps resolve issues between families and schools or other agencies
Provides a critical resource to connect families to community resources
Birth to 3