Resources and Links

Universal Design for Learning Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all.

http://www.cast.org/research/udl/index.html

Federal Student Aid website has posted the instructions on how to apply to be a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program so that students will be eligible for financial aid.
http://www.ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/

062110TitleIVEligibility.html

Application for Title IV Approval of a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program

If an institution wishes to have a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program determined to be an eligible program for the Federal student aid programs, it must submit an updated Electronic Application for Approval to Participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs (E-App) to the Department (34 CFR 600.20).  The E-App can be accessed at (http://eligcert.ed.gov/).   After submitting the electronic application, the institution must mail the signed signature page to the Department and submit, via email, a detailed description of the program, as described below, along with any other requested supporting documentation.

New Website For Individuals with Disabilities & their Families

Physician & Professionals DS Information Packets Now Available

Acton Up with Downs’ Physician and Professional Information Packets are available to provide doctors, obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, social workers, therapists and other professionals with the most current information about Down syndrome. We are currently compiling our distribution list and welcome healthcare professionals to call and request these materials.

Also, The National Down Syndrome Congress has created a guide to assist physicians facing the challenge of informing parents that a child has or may have Down syndrome. http://ndsccenter.org/physiciansguide

Following is a letter written by Dr. William Cohen, national leader in the Down syndrome movement who died on February 6, 2009 Dear Health Care Professional,
Today, people with Down syndrome are achieving more than ever thought possible. People born with Down syndrome, who only twenty five years ago may have been institutionalized, are now living independently and semi-independently, obtaining paid employment, graduating from high school and attending post-secondary schools. They are musicians, artists, actors and athletes. People with Down syndrome have friendships and meaningful relationships and marry. While it is important to avoid placing unrealistic expectations on children with Down syndrome, they should be challenged to do their best and follow their dreams-just like any child.

As health care professionals, we are in a unique position to both shape parents’ first impression of their child and also to guide that child’s health throughout his or her life. From the moment of diagnosis, it is important to deal with each child as an individual with unique strengths and challenges.
The world is changing for people with Down syndrome and the medical community must also change. We must challenge ourselves to recognize and overcome our stereotypes and to treat these children and their families with the highest level of care. I believe we are up to the task.

William Cohen, MD
Director, Down Syndrome Center
Auxiliary Faculty, The "UCLID" Center at the University of Pittsburgh
Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Child Development Unit
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

APD's monthly newsletter http://apdcares.org/champion/