Down Syndrome Congress launches new venture with the University of Connecticut. 

May 15,  2006, Farmington, CT – The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) announced today a new collaboration with the A. J. Pappanikou University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Services (UCEDD) at the University of Connecticut whereby the UCEDD will support individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing administrative support for the activities of the CDSC.  The UCEDD will now serve as the central office for the CDSC’s statewide programs.  According to Mr. Walter Glomb, the president of the CDSC, “Our new collaboration with the Pappanikou Center will enable us to better serve our members and expand our activities.”  Dr. Julia Rusert, Associate Director of the UCEDD, added “The University is very pleased to provide our resources to leverage the important work of the Down Syndrome Congress.”

The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress is a private, non-profit, advocacy organization founded in 1986 and staffed mainly by parent volunteers that promotes opportunity, equity and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  Informational resources of the CDSC include packets of information for new parents of babies with Down syndrome, a quarterly newsletter, a web site at http://www.ctdownsyndrome.org/ and an Internet message board at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/cdsc_members/.  Activities include local playgroups, “Mom’s Nights Out,” local social events, a summer picnic and an annual convention for parents and professionals.  The group’s activities are funded entirely by member contributions and charitable donations from individuals and businesses.

The A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is a premier institution committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.  The Center is Connecticut’s leader in providing model programs in innovative disability related research, training and technical assistance. Strong collaborations with the University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut Health Center and the Disability Network contribute to the Center’s success in advancing policies and practices to support individuals with disabilities.  All activities of the Center are guided by a belief in individualized supports, inclusion, self-determination, natural supports and collaboration with organizations to address policy issues and systems change.

CDSC caps year with state-wide convention featuring national personalities and seminars on life with Down syndrome 

November,  2006, Farmington, CT –  Ending a year of successful events around the state, the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) will hold its 21st annual state-wide convention on Saturday, November 4, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The theme this year is “What Now? Futures for the Inclusion Generation” and the program will feature two nationally respected keynote speakers: Steve Riggio, a Parent and the CEO of Barnes & Noble Bookstores, will describe how “I want for my daughter what she wants for herself: a parent’s journey in advocacy” and Chris Burke, self-advocate, actor and performer, will speak and perform his musical show “Everyone can be a Singer with the Band.”

At the convention, the CDSC will recognize individuals and organizations who contributed to the good of individuals with Down syndrome in Connecticut – including scholarships to students with Down syndrome who are pursuing postsecondary education.

The day will also offer twenty educational sessions on early childhood, special education, issues facing adults with Down syndrome and other topics including an all-day forum for self advocates. Copies of the convention brochure and registration form are available on the CDSC website: www.ctdownsyndrome.org . The convention is open to everyone.

The convention caps a year of state-wide events that began in May with the organization’s golf tournament at Twin Hills Country Club in Coventry where more than 100 golfers braved wind and rain to support the organization.

In July, more than two hundred family and friends enjoyed the sun and surf at the annual CDSC summer picnic at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Then, in September, Sonia Baghdady, anchor at WTNH television, led five hundred people in the 2nd annual Buddy Walk at Hammonasset to raise awareness of Down syndrome and support the CDSC.

In October, two teams ran races in the Hartford Marathon to raise funds for the CDSC. “Team M.A.D.” had 28 runners participating in the 13.1-mile half-marathon and, for the third time, Kevin Duplin ran the 26.2 mile marathon in honor of his nephew Patrick who has Down syndrome. The “Run For Patrick” also had runners participating in the 5K distance. On November 5, the “Run for Bridget” in the New York City marathon will also support the CDSC.

The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress is a private, non-profit, advocacy organization founded in 1986 and staffed by parent volunteers that promotes opportunity, equity and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The CDSC provides packets of information for new parents of babies with Down syndrome, a quarterly newsletter, a web site at www.ctdownsyndrome.org and a message board http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/cdsc_members/. Activities include local playgroups, “Parents’ Nights Out,” local social events, a summer picnic and an annual convention for parents and professionals. The group’s activities are funded entirely by member contributions and charitable donations from individuals and businesses.

CDSC awards college scholarships to students with Down syndrome 

November,  2006, Farmington, CT – At the organization’s annual convention on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut, the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) will award scholarships to three young adults with Down syndrome ages 18 to 21 who are pursuing postsecondary studies at Manchester Community College with tutoring support from Community Enterprises, Inc.

The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress offers educational scholarships to students with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education opportunities. The scholarship was created with a grant from the Bobby fund, which was established in 1991 by Jill and Bob Ailleo in memory of Bobby Jr., the Ailleo’s only son, and first-born child, who passed away when he was only three months old due to a heart defect. Jill and Bob have continued, year after year, to provide support to many local non-profit groups that enhance the lives of our children who have Down syndrome. This is done through the Annual Bobby Fund Golf Tournament fundraiser held every July.

Manchester Community College (MCC) (www.mcc.commnet.edu) is the largest of the state’s community colleges, with nearly 6,000 undergraduates in credit programs each year. Founded in 1963, MCC is the only community college in the country nationally recognized for academic excellence by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. MCC offers more than 90 degrees and certificates, with programs designed to fit the varying needs of students. Classes are held days, evenings, weekends, and online, and they prepare students for entry into a growing career field or transfer to a baccalaureate institution for further study.

The mission of Community Enterprises, Inc. (CE) (www.communityenterprises.com) is to support self-determination for individuals with disabilities and/or other challenges to actively live, learn, and work in the community. The CE program at MCC is a unique partnership of CE, MCC and local businesses. The overall program goal is to effectively train adults with developmental disabilities in a variety of skills and place them in careers within the business community. The program includes assessment, training, placement and follow-along.

The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (www.ctdownsyndrome.org) is a private, non-profit, advocacy organization founded in 1986 and staffed by parent volunteers that promotes opportunity, equity and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The CDSC provides packets of information for new parents of babies with Down syndrome, a quarterly newsletter, a web site and a message board. Activities include local playgroups, “Parents’ Nights Out,” local social events, a summer picnic and an annual convention for parents and professionals. The group’s activities are funded entirely by member contributions and charitable donations from individuals and businesses.