New Parents
CONGRATULATIONS! The birth of a new baby is, and should be, a time for celebration and the feeling of joy. Your baby may not be as you have dreamed, but please let us assure you that your baby is more like other babies than unlike.
Because of specialized services and a dramatic shift in our culture, individuals with Down syndrome are more fully included in schools, the community and workforce today than ever before. Individuals with DS can and do achieve great things. Like Emma Corrigan who was reading before she entered kindergarten, or Ryan Teed who recently gave the commencement address at his high school. A college degree is now attainable by many, career pursuits are satisfied (take Patricia Moody who was the first individual with a disability to be hired as a teacher's aide in her local school district), athletic dreams are captured (Karen Gaffney swam a relay of the English Channel), and meaningful, life-long personal relationships are fulfilled.
We realize that with the birth of your child with Down syndrome, you may have entered into a whole new world -- one that can be confusing and filled with deep feelings at first. It is our hope that through information and support, you will be able to gain an understanding of your feelings, of your baby's special needs, and of the love your baby has to offer.
Our organization has a Parent Visitation Committee, which consists of trained parent volunteers, each of whom has a child with Down syndrome. We are here to talk at any time, whether it is in the hospital, at your own home, or on the phone. Each volunteer is more than willing to answer questions and offer support. These parents understand your feelings and can answer some of your questions better than anyone else because they have been where you are. If you are interested in talking to another parent, please call Parents of Children with Down Syndrome at (248) 827-9135. Leave a message and someone will get back to you shortly.
Download the New Parent Letter & Resource List
Download Light at the End of the Tunnel Brochure
