Support: {verb} – to assist or help

hospitals and medical providers

21_ Connect believes the birth of a baby with Down syndrome is meant to be celebrated.  Unfortunately, we have found it to be a somber experience for families, with little support or guidance as to what the future holds.  For this reason, we have created a program called “First_Connections”.  We are reaching out to all hospitals offering the support of a basket filled with items that provide inspiration and education on raising a child with Down syndrome.  We are also offering our own personal experience as support, if the family desires a visit.

If you know of a family that would benefit from our basket outreach program or if you are a part of a service or business that works closely with these families, please let us know at connect@21connect.org or by phone at 716-427-3575.

Medical Providers

It cannot be stressed enough that everything you do and say when giving a diagnosis of Down syndrome will have a profound impact on the parents.  It is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Click here for a presentation created by parents who have experienced it first hand.  It provides medical practitioners a guide to make it easier for new and expecting parents.  21_Connect and the Down Syndrome Parents Group of WNY have presented this topic in a series of seminars at Western New York area hospitals.  Contact us if you would like to schedule a seminar at your hospital or office.

medical providers

Click here to view a brochure that you can to give to new or expecting parents that have received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child.  Clear, relevant, and up-to-date information is critical!!

RESOURCES

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network – DSDN is a group of parents from all over the United States and around the world who each have a child with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and a great desire to ensure families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis are receive current information and support.

Down Syndrome Pregnancy – Down Syndrome Pregnancy provides honest, compassionate, medically-reviewed, and informative support for those preparing for the birth of a baby with Down syndrome.

Lettercase.org – Lettercase offers a library of resources that provide accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information for new and expectant parents learning about a diagnosis of Down syndrome and other genetic conditions.