Down syndrome doesn't deter young artists

from Evansville Courier & Press, NECN.com:
Down syndrome is no hindrance to the creation of art. That's the lesson seven area youths with Down syndrome are learning during an eight-week Art Smart class being taught by local photographer and artist Nikki Davis.
Davis, who is also interim director of S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, tells her students that art has no boundaries, no limitations and that artists use their creative vision to express their feelings or ideas.
S.M.I.L.E., is an acronym for Support, Management, Information, Love and Encouragement, a network and support organization for parents and families with Down syndrome children. Although the organization focuses on individuals with Down syndrome, the classes which explore different media — clay, acrylics, watercolors, pencils, charcoal and pastels — are also open to individuals with autism.
"Art provides one more avenue of ability, rather than focusing on a disability, it provides opportunity for creativity," Nina Fuller, founder and president of S.M.I.L.E, told the Evansville Courier & Press ( ).
As paint brushes swirled watercolors across paper, the budding artists learned to use bright colors, water and different types of brushes to create their own vision of landscapes.
"What's the first thing we learned?" Davis asks the students.
"Everybody's painting will look different" she and the students reply.
Davis, started the classes because she felt through art the students learn valuable life skills that can also translate into everyday life.
"I chose to pursue this as option for our members because art helps meet a number of goals that we have for our attendees. Art offers: physical and occupational training through improving motor skills, cognitive training by improvement of memory, prioritization, planning, organization, psychosocial training by improving interpersonal skills, expression of feelings and meets emotional goals by improving impaired control, by easing anxiety, and by giving our artists a sense of pride and accomplishment," Davis said.
Classes are held every other Monday, free of charge to participants at Wired Coffeehouse in downtown Evansville. Supplies are provided by SMILE with help from a grant from the Evansville Optimist Club.

Raising a Child with Down Syndrome: Advice and Resources

from Amy Julia Becker:

When our older daughter, Penny, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, it felt daunting to consider the medical, social, educational, and behavioral challenges ahead. I had no idea how much support and encouragement we would receive from family, friends, and the larger community of other parents with kids with Down syndrome, as well as from dedicated and caring therapists, teachers, and medical professionals. Although we have many years to come, and many lessons to learn as we parent Penny and our other children, here are a few pieces of advice that I and other parents of children with Down syndrome can offer.

It then includes 8 sections with suggestions within each:

1. Learn the Facts First
2. Get In Touch with Other Parents
3. Organize Relevant Information
4. Find Good Doctors, Therapists, and Specialists
5. Put Together Your Village
6. Remember Your Child is a Child First
7. Prioritize Communication
8. Focus on Your Child’s Strengths

Click here to read the whole article on parents.com: How to Raise a Child with Down Syndrome: Advice and Resources.

iPad for kids with Down syndrome

From wfmj.com:

Marina Donadio isn't even in kindergarten yet, but the five-year-old is already learning to spell and read. Her mom, Kelly Donadio, says it's all because of apps on an iPad. "It's mind blowing to me that she's able to do that."

And since children with Down Syndrome often face challenges with fine motor skills, the iPad's touch screen makes activities more accessible.

Donadio says, "Holding a pencil is a chore sometimes for children with Down Syndrome because of the low tone in their hands. Eventually they do that, but this is a great way to help it not be such a challenge."

Now, other children like Marina will have the same opportunities to improve their education and communication skills. Recently, the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley gave away 21 iPads to member families.

DSAV Board Member, Chris Donadio says, "The iPad is a pretty big deal. It's being used in a lot of special education settings around the country, and right here in the Valley, we're on the cutting edge."

Parents say they expect the teaching tool will be useful both at home and at school.

The iPads were purchased with grant money from Ronald McDonald charities, as well as money raised from DSAV's annual Buddy Walk.