We have organised this day in our popular series of education opportunities.
Experts from the Down's Syndrome Association
and Numicon will be giving practical guidance for teachers, LSAs and parents on increasing the understanding of numbers by children with Down's syndrome. Tried and tested methods of helping children with Down's syndrome, who often find numeracy particularly difficult, will be demonstrated and shared during this day through workshops and talks.
These techniques and resources also benefit other children who find numeracy challenging. This is a big benefit for your Senco and teachers.
The attendance for this years information day was surprisingly low, even though we had a couple of great speakers and offered a free creche facility. We'd love to know why this was so please visit our forum where you'll find a quick poll and can also leave any comments or suggestions.
New website - Askability
Posted 2nd July 2007, Jason
We've recently been advised of the launch of a new website which might be of interest to our members. www.askability.org.uk is a fantastic, unique website designed specifically for disabled children and young people.
As well as providing access to news, sport, celebrity news, book and club reviews, jokes etc. it also offers children and young people who may have become isolated an opportunity to share their views and feelings by posting statements onto a "graffiti wall".
Summer Picnic - Reminder
Posted 29th June 2007, Jason
This years dsOK summer picnic is being held in Tilgate park on Sunday 15th July from midday onwards. Meet at the Children's playground (near the lake) and keep an eye out for the dsOK banners. A map is available on the events page.
With the recent unseasonal weather, let's hope for a day of glorious sunshine and a large turnout of dsOK members, friends and family!
Information day - Change to published programme
Posted 9th May 2007, Jason
There is a slight change to the published programme for this Saturdays information day as the speaker from AbilityNet has unfortunately had to cancel. We have however arranged an alternative speaker who will cover the topic of Speech and Language.
If you still want to come, but haven't yet returned your form, please e-mail
to confirm details of who will be coming. It is especially important we know if you are bringing children to the Creche as we need to ensure we have the right ratio of carers to children.
The booking form for the Information day is now available. Click here to download.
Information day - Reminder
Posted 15th April 2007, Jason
Just a quick reminder that this years Information day / AGM will be held on 12th May 2007 at Brook First School in Maidenbower. Click here for the agenda.
An application form will be posted to dsOK members later this week and will also be available for download from the website.
Music & Movement Fundraising Event
Posted 19th March 2007, Jason
MAPS are hosting a fun dance/movement session on Saturday 24th March. The event is aimed at children with special needs aged up to 10 years and is being
held at Christ Church Infants School, Lime Grove, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3TW.
The charge for attending will be £5 per child or £8 for 2 children. e-mail info@mapschildren.org.uk for more information.
dsOk are hosting a Bowling evening on Friday 23rd February from 7 - 10pm to be held at The 5 Lanes Function Suite, David Lloyd Club, Bushey Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8DE. Click Here for a Map
The evening is open to teenagers and young adults with a learning difficulty as well as any siblings and friends who fall within the same age group. A bar is also available for any carers/parents who want to stay and it is a non-smoking venue.
The cost will be £4.50 per person which includes a basket meal (Drinks extra). Cheques should be made payable to downsyndromeOk and sent to:-
Mrs Donna Self, 28 The Glade, Stoneleigh, Surrey, KT17 2HB
Please provide the names and ages of those attending along with a contact telephone number.
Makaton Nursery Rhymes
Posted 3rd January 2007, Jason
The popular 'Makaton Nursery Rhymes' video featuring childrens presenter Dave Benson Phillips was recently re-released on DVD and can be purchased from
Amazon for £7.99.
Aimed at younger children, it includes nursery rhyme favourites such as 'Old Macdonald Had A Farm', 'Baa, Baa Black Sheep' and 'Wheels on the bus' which Dave sings as well as sign's in Makaton.
for £7.99.