Parents with a new Down syndrome Diagnosis
This is a link to one of the best booklets we've seen for new parents! You can download the booklet for free. You can also order hard copies of the booklet and of a pamphlet that helps doctors better deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis. LDSA has copies of both of this. If you are a new parent and would like a hard copy or you know a doctor who would like some, please let us know and we would be glad to get them to you/them. You can reach us at contact@lancasterdsa.org.
Online Resources
The International Down syndrome Coalition
This group advocates for people with Down syndrome from diagnosis to natural death. They have many facebook groups and a meetup every year at all of the Great Wolf Lodges all over the Country and Canada. The local one is in the Poconos and typically has 200+ people attend.
http://theidsc.org/resources/ (contains links to facebook groups)
Baby Center Down Syndrome & Down Syndrome Pregnancy Forums:
These groups are very large and the forum format is user friendly.
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a14515/down_syndrome_pregnancy
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a315/down_syndrome
National Down Syndrome Society
The NDSS is a national organization that lobbies for the rights of people with Down syndrome. The are the national organizer of the Buddy Walks.
National Down Syndrome Congress
The NDSC contains valuable resources for families and self advocates. They have a large convention yearly that filled with amazing resources and seminars.
General Resources
IU13
Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU 13) strives to improve student learningby providing both direct educational services and educational support services for Lancaster and Lebanon counties’ 22 school districts, as well as for adult education students, nonpublic schools, and preschoolers and their families.
Lancaster County MH/MR/EI Program
The primary function is to help people with serious mental illness evaluate strengths and needs, assist in setting goals, link member with needed services, advocate for their rights and support them in their treatment and working toward recovery.
1120 Frances Ave
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 393-0421
Support
The Arc of Lancaster County
Founded in 1962 by a group of parents seeking services for their children with disabilities, The Arc of Lancaster supports individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families. We are recognized as a leader of advocacy and community education services in both Lancaster County and Pennsylvania.
630 Janet Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-394-5251
http://thearcoflancasterco.org
contact: peggy@thearcoflancasterco.org
Pennsylvania’s Education for All Coalition
PEAC works to promote education that includes all children by providing individual technical assistance, advocacy, and supports to families; assisting institutions of higher education better prepare teachers to effectively teach all children; and influencing and supporting schools, policymakers, and the community to effectively implement inclusive practices and policies. We are a partnership of parents, educators, related professionals and others who believe that children of all backgrounds and abilities should be successfully educated together in their neighborhood schools within the general education curriculum
The Cast Iron Building
718 Arch Street 6N
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone (267) 232 - 0570
E-mail: info@paedforall.org
SibNet and SibKids
The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.
United Disabilities Services
The UDS Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Lancaster, PA, committed to helping people with disabilities, including veterans and the elderly, lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
1901 Olde Homestead Lane
PO Box 10485
Lancaster, PA 17605
888-837-4235
College Supports for Students with Disabilities
This website has a large list of tips and resources for people with disabilities looking to attend college.
Medical/Therapy
Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County
Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center offers premier outpatient physical, occupational and speech-language therapy to children with
disabilities, developmental delays and acquired injuries.
625 Community Way
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-393-0425
CHOP: The Trisomy 21 Program
Established in 2003, the Trisomy 21 Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia assesses the developmental, behavioral and health needs of children and adults with Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
267-426-5283
trisomy21@email.chop.edu.
http://www.chop.edu/service/trisomy-21/home.html
Ephrata Area Rehab Center
In the fall of 1968, the idea for the Ephrata Area Rehab. Services (EARS) emerged when a small group of people was studying the role of the church in the community. EARS opened in November of 1970, to train mentally disabled individuals to become productive and contributing members of the community. This heritage is continuing today in all the training and production services of EARS. We are proud of our ability to give our clients the opportunity of achievement.
Excentia (including S. June Smith)
Excentia provides comprehensive services that are warm, caring and respectful. Services are available from childhood through adulthood and are utilized as needed. Excentia is recognized as a center of excellence for all services offered. With this commitment to excellence, we invite you to get involved and participate as an individual, a family member, or someone looking to make a real difference as a staff member, volunteer or supporter.
717-519-6740
earsbt@dejazzd.com
Recreational
Aaron’s Acres
Since 1998, Aaron’s Acres continues to provide children and young adults with disabilities ages 5-21 social and recreational programs to promote age-appropriate socialization and communication skills. Although established in Lancaster County, the organization expanded into Berks and Dauphin Counties with summer camp, monthly school-year programs, and resources for family support.
1861 Charter Lane, Suite 114
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 917-6101
Risa Paskoff, Executive Director, risapaskoff@aaronsacres.org
Special Olympics
Founded in 1983, Special Olympics of Lancaster County is a year-round sports training and competition program for individuals from ages 6 and up with intellectual disabilities. Lancaster County offers 15 different Olympic-type sports at no cost to the athletes or their families.
Special Olympics sports have specially adapted rules sanctioned by the International Sports Federation of each to make them competitive for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
P.O. Box 7442
Lancaster, PA 17604-7442
717-299-2930
info@specialolympicslancastercounty.com
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