downsyndrome OK

affiliated to Down's Syndrome Association

  Programme for 8th May 2004

10.00am	Registration and coffee
10.30	Hazel White Nutritional intervention - vitamins and minerals Based on the belief that the intestines of babies and children with Down's syndrome may not absorb sufficient vitamins out of food, Mrs. White, a parent member, will describe the approach recommended by Canadian firm Nutri-Chem, one of the North American 'targetted nutritional intervention' (TNI) suppliers. Questions will be welcome as will contributions and details from parents already giving supplements.
11.15	Annual General Meeting of dsOK. (agenda was mailed with "dsOK news 4" to members) Non-members can attend as non-voting observers
12.30	Lunch  (please order with booking if you require lunch). The crêche will close during the lunch break.
1.45	Anthony Hannon (who has Down's syndrome), presenter of our video: Growing Up with Down's Syndrome ... Going to College, will tell us about his experiences during and since college.
2.00 pm parallel sessions	Issy Valenti The onset of puberty - preparing young people for the changes in their bodies and emotions.   Young people will be welcome.	Sowing the seeds of and forming good social habits with young children.  Linda Lopez
3.00	Workshops for sharing concerns and learning from others over a cuppa and cake. There is a great hum of conversation at Open Day break times. Here is a real opportunity to talk in small groups about issues that worry you, for the benefit of yourself and of others with the same concerns. Topics to be included are listed below. Please mark or add your particular concern on your booking form
	Adult issues - housing options, group discussion for those with Down's syndrome; Education - statementing, starting school, changing schools; Parenting - being a Mum, Dad, grandparent, sibling.	Health - further discussion on nutritional supplements (Mr. & Mrs. White will be present), digestion, colon or gut disorders including Hirschsprung's disease, leukaemia, atlanto-axial instability, cranial osteopathy;
4.00 to 4.10	The children from the crêche present their art then end of meeting

Booking: The meeting is free to all full members of dsOK and DSA (non-members may join at the door). There is a nominal charge of £2 for non-members to be paid at the door. Booking forms should be sent to:
Mrs. Jo Tofts, 33 Ardrossan Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7AU (tel. 020 8337 6715).
No acknowledgement of bookings will be sent unless accompanied by stamped addressed envelope.

Crêche Facilities are limited and the day is very long for children and for the volunteers caring for them. Parents are requested to arrange not to bring their children if possible. Places in the crêche must be booked in advance. The charge will be £5 per child payable at the door. Children in the crêche should wear names pinned on securely. Please provide nappies etc. and a pram/carricot if your child is likely to want to sleep. For their art activity, each child will need a painting overall or old shirt. It is suggested children over age 8 bring an activity they are willing to share with others. Space outside could be available - please provide a coat. The crêche will close for the lunch break.

Lunch: A light lunch, if ordered in advance using booking form, will be available to purchase at £3 per head payable on the day. You may bring your own lunch if you prefer. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available for purchase during the day.

Members will be invited to wear name labels. It is hoped during the breaks you will take the opportunity to meet other members, especially parents who live in your area or whose child is about the same age as yours.

Books, of interest to parents and professionals, in the dsOK Mini-Library will be available for browsing during the day and may then be borrowed. Usborne books will be available for purchase.