“My family always volunteers to be part of GSDSS events. We’ve begun to feel like family. Everyone is always so loving and caring. We’ve been associated with GSDSS for 5 years now and are looking forward to many more years of volunteering at events and spending time together with its members.”

— Jason Strader

The opportunities for assistance are available! Here are several for our community that can help in a variety of ways. Please use the links provided OR feel free to contact GSDSS at any time for additional questions/assistance. We look forward to continually serving the needs of our Down syndrome families.

Local & State Resources-

Grand Strand Miracle League

Isabel Shen (Program Director)

www.grandstrandmiracleleague.com
843-448-7712

MUSC Down syndrome clinic

843-876-1524

Special Olympics of SC

www.so-sc.org

Carolina Care Medical Supply LLC

843-365-2273

Medicaid Medical Transportation Program

843-445-9954

Savannah’s playground

https://savannahsplayground.org/

Special Olympics South Carolina- The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Family Connection South Carolina- Have a child with a disability or special healthcare need or know one? They can provide resources and support from others who have traveled the same journey.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program- For the past fourteen years, the mission of SCATP has been to increase the provision of, access to, and funding for assistive technology (AT) for South Carolinians of all ages and all disabilities through a variety of comprehensive activities and services available statewide.

While we have many resources within the Grand Strand and South Carolina, you don't have to stop looking there. Here are additional resources that reach even beyond "home" to a national level.

National Down Syndrome Organizations-

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
NDSC is located in Atlanta but is a national organization with board members from all across the country. They have a great website, a fantastic national public awareness campaign (“We’re More Alike Than Different”), publish a newsletter and other informational materials, and hold a national convention for families and self-advocates every summer. The NDSC convention in 2010 will be in Orlando, Florida in July 2010.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
NDSS is located in New York, NY and has a National Policy Center in Washington, DC. NDSS has a variety of education, research, and advocacy programs and oversees Buddy Walks across the country.

National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS)
NADS is located in Wilmette, Illinois and serves the greater Chicago area.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical care, Education and Advocacy.

International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association
IMDSA is designed to provide support, information and research to any family, individual or professional whose life has been affected by mosaic Down syndrome.

Association for Children with Down Syndrome ACDS's primary headquarters is located in Plainview, New York with a second facility in Levittown, New York and serves families in those areas.

Dental Care Guidance for Caregivers of Patients with Down Syndrome When it comes to heading to the dentist, there can be feelings of stress and anxiety. For patients with Down syndrome, these feelings can be much more intense. These dental experts have spent many years working with patients and caregivers on preparing for their dental visits and providing them with tips and care for instilling good oral hygiene habits.

Changing the Face of Beauty- They are on a mission to encourage the integration of individuals with disabilities into general advertising and the media.

Friendship Circle- Friendship Circle of Michigan is a non-profit organization affiliated with Lubavitch of Michigan. Their goal is to provide every individual with special needs the support friendship and inclusion that they deserve.

Band of Angels- The world's largest provider of non-medical information on Down syndrome. Established in 1994, Band of Angels provides support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through a commitment to establish greater understand and acceptance, Band of Angels has been the voice of hope, inspiration and independence for persons with Down syndrome.

Beyond Basic- Beyond B.A.S.I.C. assists special needs adults in becoming contributing members of society, by providing a program that fosters independent living skills beyond the basics. Our curriculum will provide quality programming to individuals with special needs in a safe and healthy environment while encouraging inclusion within the community. They are located at 70 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

First Hand Foundation- First Hand Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding for individual children—both domestically and globally—who need assistance with clinical necessities (such as surgery, medication and therapy), medical equipment and travel related to care.

Basecamp Supply Company- This organization provides Dads with supplies they need while spending time at the hospital with sick children. They are working on serving as a support system for fathers going through such a challenging time.

National Down Syndrome Congress- The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. The vision of the NDSC is a world with equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome International- Down Syndrome International (DSi) is a UK based international charity, comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the world, committed to improving quality of life for people with Down syndrome worldwide and promoting their inherent right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of their communities.

The International Down Syndrome Coalition (IDSC)- This organization is dedicated to helping and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome from conception and throughout life. We promote the dignity and respect of individuals with DS and assist the families who love them. We provide support, education and connection to other families as well as to local resources. The IDSC operates and advocates independent of any political cause or religious affiliation, and we welcome ALL to our community.

Online Resources-

Brighter Tomorrows
This program, provided by the Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky, is designed to help answer your questions, educate you about Down syndrome and share the stories of other parents in similar situations.

Down Syndrome Parents Network

DS: For New Parents

Downsyn.com is a resource for those who love someone with Down syndrome.

UNO MAS! Down Syndrome Online
Message board for Spanish speaking families effected by Down syndrome.

Know Me First
Educational resource for families facing a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
Connects and supports families with a new diagnosis, with active online groups by birth year.

Jack's Basket
Celebrates every child born with Down syndrome and congratulates their family with gifts, support and resources.

For New Parents-

Welcome To Holland

Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis, Lettercase

Down Syndrome Pregnancy, Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky

A New Parent Handbook, DSAA

A Promising Future Together, NDSS

Growth Chart

A CDC-funded study in Pediatrics provided new growth charts in 2015 for children with Down syndrome in the United States. Families and healthcare providers can use these new charts to monitor growth among children with Down syndrome and assess how well a child with Down syndrome is growing when compared to peers with Down syndrome. Click here to download the new charts.

Blogs-

Enjoying the Small Things- By the author of Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected. "This blog grew from an itty bitty space to a bigger floor plan in 2010 when I wrote about the birth of our daughter, Nella, who was born with Down syndrome. From there, I wrote a book, Bloom, about our first year with her."

Garden of Eagan- A blog about life with an older child who has Down syndrome. It may give some insight to the future for parents who read this family's point of view.

Noah's Dad- One father blogs about his son Noah as they journey through Down Syndrome. He provides tips, stories, and lots of resources.

Down Wit Dat- A blog by a mother of twins, one having Down Syndrome. She shares about their lives, medical research and advocacy for people with Down Syndrome.

The Sanchez Six- This blog is about a family who had their third son, Joaquin, who was an unexpected blessing- he was born with something extra called Down syndrome. That inspired them to adopt Sofia from an orphanage in Ukraine, who they fell in love with from a single image posted on the web. They hope that their story will help open people's eyes to the beauty and gift of all children no matter what color, shape or form they style!

Sofia Sanchez- This site is about Sofia Sanchez, the girl with Down syndrome who was adopted from the Ukraine by the Sanchez Family. Click to see her bio and all the amazing adventures and goals she has undertaken so far. See Sofie’s resume and video clips here.

TV Shows & Documentaries-

Kelly’s Hollywood- We had the pleasure of meeting the maker of this film, Brian Donovan, big brother to Kelly, and what a blessing it was. About this film: Honest and raw, Kelly’s Hollywood tells the intimate story of an aspiring actor who brings his sister, born with Down syndrome, out to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. But as her health begins to fail and she becomes increasing jealous of his fiancée, he is forced to confront his co-dependent sibling relationship and the threat it is posing to his engagement. Watch the trailer here.

Born This Way- Winner of the 2016 Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, Born This Way follows a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome as they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships and work, all while defying society’s expectations.

In their willingness and courage to openly share their lives, through a lens that is not often shown on television, we learn they have high hopes just like anyone else. The series also gives voice to the parents, allowing them to talk about the joy their son or daughter brings to their family, and the challenges they face in helping them live as independently as possible.

Switched at Birth- Show featuring one of our own, Sofia Sanchez. Watch on Amazon Prime here.

Businesses-

Shine Counseling Center- Amy Hess, M.Ed., LPC-A, and National Certified Counselor started Shine Counseling Center to serve the needs of special needs parents in South Carolina. Amy is passionate about ensuring that parents receive their own care with personalized mental health counseling services. She is a mom of 3, including 2 neurodivergent kids. She sees clients throughout the state and is based in Myrtle Beach.

Amy works with children ages 8 and up, families, adults and couples. Some of her focus areas include anxiety, depression, school issues, life transitions, grief and perinatal concerns.

To learn more, visit www.shinecounselingcenter.com or email shinecounselingcenter@gmail.com. You may also call (843) 968-2364.

Praise 21 Embroidery- Creates ready to order and custom embroidered products to make your personal style even more personal. This business is owned by a mom who's young son has Down Syndrome. She is an enthusiastic advocate who can make you something pretty, or hold your hand during scary moments as you learn about your own child's diagnosis.

Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop- Amy married “Mr. Wright” 23 years ago. They’re the proud parents of four children – the two youngest, Bitty & Beau, having Down syndrome – which makes them feel like the luckiest people on the planet. As advocates for the value, inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the Wrights have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for their children and others living with IDD. The Wrights opened the original Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, January 2016 in Wilmington, NC.

JoAnn with her daughter and inspiration, Maya.

JoAnn Briseno- Jo Ann Briseño is a multimedia artist, an entrepreneur, and the mother to and ardent advocate for a child with special needs. Art has been an integral part of Jo Ann’s life since she was fourteen years old, when she discovered photography and completely fell in love with it. Since then, she has added illustration and painting to her preferred media. Parenting Maya, her lovely and talented daughter who happens to have Down syndrome, has reinforced Jo Ann’s philosophy that beauty and fulfillment are to be sought in each moment and that being present and positive, no matter what abilities a person has, leads to richness in life. You simply MUST see her work to appreciate it! Her lunch box drawings (found on her website) are the best thing since PB&J!

The Behr Down Foundation- This non-profit organization is named after its founder's son, Behr, who was born with Down Syndrome. Their goal is to give back to others with the same diagnosis. Their niche... providing eye glasses for children with Down Syndrome who cannot afford them. Go check them out!

Books-

Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother's Guide to Down Syndrome- This book is available for immediate download and print from www.downsyndromepregnancy.org

Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide to the First Month- This book is available for immediate download and print from www.downsyndromepregnancy.org

Zee Zee Does It Anyway- Have you ever met someone with an EXTRA 21st chromosome? If you have, then you already know someone with Down syndrome. But if you haven’t met someone with this trait before today, please meet Zee Zee and learn what is different about her DNA.

But surprise! She’s not as different as you might think. Zee Zee is a fun-loving and determined girl who can bake, dance, swim and even fly!

Often it is assumed that people with Down syndrome can’t do what other kids do, but Zee Zee proves that with a little help and perseverance, she can do anything she sets her mind to. This inclusive book is full of positivity and inspiration as Zee Zee shares her empowering story. It is a perfect introduction to Down syndrome for those who are unfamiliar or just want to learn more.