Description
The Trust
The Down Syndrome Educational Trust is one of the world's leading organisations for providing research, information and services that benefit people with Down syndrome all over the world. This unique charity focuses on pioneering original research with practical outcomes in the areas of speech and language development, cognitive development (including thinking, reasoning, and working memory skills), reading and literacy development, number skills and inclusive education. Our research over more than twenty years has led to better understanding of the effects of Down syndrome on the development of young children. The Trust is one of the few organisations worldwide that takes part in scientific research while providing ongoing practical advice, support and information to families.
Achieving Potential
The Down Syndrome Educational Trust aims to help children with Down syndrome to achieve their potential and be fully included in our society. We achieve this by offering practical advice and information based on the current research and making this information as accessible as possible to parents and professionals.
Research
Many of the research projects, which have taken place through the Trust, have had an impact on services for children with Down syndrome. As a direct result of this research, it has been shown that many children with Down syndrome find it difficult to learn through listening alone, but visual memory is a strength. In other words, many children with Down syndrome are visual learners and learn best when supported with visual methods such as sign language, pictures and early reading. Most children with Down syndrome can learn to read and should start during their pre-school years. Research indicates that this will lead to permanent improvements in speech, language and short-term memory skills. Research undertaken by The Down Syndrome Educational Trust has also shown that children with Down syndrome who are educated in mainstream settings have improved communication and literacy skills and are more mature socially. These findings have practical implications and have changed the ways in which children with Down syndrome are taught and educated.
Information
As well as undertaking research projects that provide information for good, quality, evidence-based practice, the Trust is a leading provider of information about Down syndrome. Drawing on many years of research and experience, the Trust provides a wide range of information resources and teaching materials concerned with the care, education and development of children and adults with Down syndrome. ‘Down Syndrome Issues and Information' is a range of practical and informative books providing current information and practical strategies associated with all areas of development. The Down Syndrome Information Network ( http://www.down-syndrome.info/ ) provides a comprehensive library of information available through the Internet. In addition, periodicals for parents, professionals and researchers are also available through the Trust. ‘Down Syndrome Research and Practice' is a peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to Down syndrome research. ‘Down Syndrome News and Update' is a periodical for parents and professionals that includes information about the care and education of people with Down syndrome. The Trust produces many of its own books, journals and teaching materials, providing employment opportunities for several adults with Down syndrome the production studio. In addition, the Trust is responsible for educating parents and professionals through specially designed workshops, training events and conferences held in this country and abroad.
Advice and Support
The Down Syndrome Educational Trust provides advice and support in a variety of ways. One-to-one advice and consultations are available as well as independent developmental and educational assessments. In additional to this, the Trust runs an advice line service where people can ring, write or e-mail individual questions and/or concerns regarding issues surrounding Down syndrome and they will receive support, guidance and information from a member of the Trust team. This service is free of charge to parents and professionals.
Direct Services
Our aim at The Down Syndrome Educational Trust is to provide advice and support based on the most current and detailed scientific research. We run early development groups for families from all over the south of England using the information collected through current research and experience. Families attend pre-school sessions, which focus on giving children with Down syndrome the best possible start in life. We employ the latest research-based teaching techniques and activities, focussing on speech and language development, literacy development, cognitive development, and number skills. Families attend these groups to learn practical ways of supporting their child's development. In addition, this is also an opportunity for children and families to come together and support one another, building friendships that last well past the pre-school years.
Supporting inclusive education is also a focus for The Down Syndrome Educational Trust. Teachers and education authorities in the UK benefit from training and advice provided from members of the Trust team. The Trust also directly assists children with Down syndrome in mainstream schools in southern England , advising and training school staff and teachers as well as families.
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