Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Manitoba Down Syndrome Society

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 12/2/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Ken Hodges and his son, Braden, whose family joined the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society about 13 years ago after Braden's birth. (BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

WHAT THEY DO:

A support and awareness organization for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and support workers, and the general public.

HOW TO HELP:

Cheques can be sent to MDSS, 204-825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. For questions call 992-2731 or go to www.mbdss.ca

THEIR GOALS:

Children with Down syndrome no longer face a life shut away in an institution, but they still face challenges in society.

Ken Hodges, president of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, said an ongoing issue is with inclusion in schools.

"There's certainly a challenge with the school system on how to provide full inclusion for children and what that looks like," said Hodges whose family joined the organization about 13 years ago after the birth of his son, Braden.

"There is support across the country for inclusion, but it is still a work in progress for how it will look."

Hodges said that's one of the reasons for the existence of the society.

The MDSS has been helping people with Down syndrome and families since 1991.

The organization believes people with Down syndrome have the right -- like all Manitobans -- to participate fully in all aspects of community life.

Hodges said the organization runs an annual workshop for educators and families called See Me Beautiful to show how children with Down syndrome can be welcomed into classrooms.

The organization also provides new parents of Down syndrome children with a kit that includes the book, Babies with Down Syndrome, and a new parents' guide.

As well, the organization can send trained volunteer parents to meet with the new parents and organizes special Baby Love events for them to meet other families with Down syndrome babies.

Hodges said they also run several activities for all ages including parent networking evenings, family fun days, and youth groups.

To raise funds and increase awareness, the organization holds a Buddy Walk in the fall.

"We always want to raise awareness and understanding of people with Down syndrome," Hodges said.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 2, 2010 B2

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.