This fall, the Inclusive Support Team organized some special events to support our district’s students with Down syndrome, their families and school-based teams.
Events started off with a beautiful sunny day at the park in September. This fun filled picnic included lots of games, snacks, Trishaw rides and even a dance party. While students played, parents were able to connect with each other and school-based team shared ideas.  

A huge thank you to Oso Negro, The Kootenay Co-op and Bob from Cycling Without Age for their time and generous donations!

In addition, we held an information sharing and planning day at the board office in November. The event focused on the particular learning needs of students with Down syndrome. Topics included:

• Planning academics through a lifetime approach to learning: being, belonging and becoming
• The impact of low muscle tone
• The benefits of stimulating the vestibular (balance and spatial orientation) system
• Interoception (sensations from your heart, lungs, stomach, bladder, muscles, skin, and even your eyeballs that tell you how you feel).
• Executive functioning
• Sexual health
• Behavioural support
• Communication skills

It is always such a pleasure to spend time with children, families and school-based teams.

 Canadian Down Syndrome Week was from October 22-28, 2023, and World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March 21, 2024.