why
Why Club 21? See for yourself...
club 21
What makes Club 21 different is that it specializes in providing services solely to individuals with Down syndrome. Concentrating on children with Down syndrome has allowed Club 21 to develop tools which have proven effective in responding to the unique learning styles and needs of our students aged birth through high school. Because all of our children are similar (though, of course, not the same) in their needs, it is easier for our staff to stay up-to-date with research and teaching techniques.
21 Reasons We Need Club 21
Education
- Even with IDEA law, some elementary and most middle and senior high schools are not inclusive and offer students only the option of “the room down the hall.” Parents and schools need our support and training to make inclusion a positive experience for teachers and a successful venture for students.
- Our teachers need additional training and resources to help educate our children.
- We need to be connected to universities and research groups to get the most current information and resources that can be so valuable.
- We need to provide support and help in modifying curriculum so our children can stay included.
Parent Training
- Most families will encounter the need for an advocate or at least additional training for an IEP meeting because of lack of understanding about the law and different expectations of parents and school professionals.
- Families need information and connection through technology through podcasts, fact sheets, webcasts, message boards. It is expensive and we need skilled volunteers to lead us.
- Respite care for some families whose children are ages 12-20 is difficult to find and we need to cultivate relationships and provide training to help alleviate the stress for families.
- Parents with a prenatal diagnosis do not receive the information and support they need to go on this journey. We need to provide a place that will allow parents to find hope
- Families that have children with the dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome and other complex needs can feel isolated and not sure where to get resources. We can respond to those feelings
- The bureaucracy of the funding and service systems make it difficult for all families to know what they are entitled to and how to get it.
- No one family can afford all of the books, CDs, DVDs, software, etc related to Down syndrome. We can provide a resource library that is open to families and be the central place for information about Down syndrome.
- New parents need the mentoring, support and information that can make their lives so much easier.
Connections
- Our community of people with Down syndrome needs the gifts of the greater community of volunteers who can provide their talents gifts and resources to enrich our lives. We need a place where they can offer their gifts as well as receive the training they need.
- We need a central place where parents and educators can collaborate, where they can together find resources, get training, and develop new ideas.
- Siblings need support in a safe place where they freely share the joys and hardships of having a sibling with Down syndrome.
- We need to gather advisory groups within the medical and educational fields who can speak to the specific challenges professionals face as they relate to children with Down syndrome.
- We need to impact the private school sector with opportunities to not only contribute to the lives of our children with Down syndrome but to also have relationships and be changed by children with Down syndrome.
- We need a place where parents can enjoy being around other parents without the pressure to explain their about their child.
Awareness
- Society at large needs to see that children with Down syndrome can be successful in school and go on to live independent lives that contribute significantly to the people around them.
- We need a non-threatening place where the community can interact with our children.
- Schools, churches, hospitals, rec centers, etc. all need to know about our children - their strengths and challenges.
You see the need. Now become part of the solution!
