Interdisciplinary approachInterdisciplinary approach

Each of these fields Each of these fields alone have tried to find alone have tried to find one-dimensional one-dimensional solutions to the solutions to the problemproblem

Creative integration of Creative integration of these fields will produce these fields will produce a novel solution that a novel solution that will be more effective will be more effective and sustainableand sustainable

Down Syndrome Friends Down Syndrome Friends of Central Floridaof Central Florida

websitewebsite

Front page will present statement of purpose:Front page will present statement of purpose:

““To creatively integrate the latest information from various To creatively integrate the latest information from various fields, while advancing new ecological and holistic fields, while advancing new ecological and holistic approaches that emphasize relationships, community approaches that emphasize relationships, community involvement, and life fulfillment for those with Down involvement, and life fulfillment for those with Down syndrome and their families.syndrome and their families.””

LinksLinks– For parents and family membersFor parents and family members– For physicians and healthcare workersFor physicians and healthcare workers– Local organizations and support groupsLocal organizations and support groups

For parents and family membersFor parents and family members

Basic information in Basic information in layman’s termslayman’s terms– using latest using latest

recommended recommended approachesapproaches

– practical but practical but encouragingencouraging

Positive storiesPositive stories

Discussion forum for Discussion forum for familiesfamilies

For physicians and healthcare For physicians and healthcare workersworkers

Relevant clinical and Relevant clinical and epidemiological epidemiological informationinformation– regularly updatedregularly updated– reminders of importance reminders of importance

an ecological, an ecological, integrative approachintegrative approach

Positive storiesPositive stories

Discussion forum for Discussion forum for healthcare providershealthcare providers

Local organizations and support Local organizations and support groupsgroups

Virtual bulletin board for announcementsVirtual bulletin board for announcements– upcoming events upcoming events – awareness campaignsawareness campaigns

Discussion forum for local groupsDiscussion forum for local groups

Positive, inspirational storiesPositive, inspirational stories

The pages for both The pages for both family and physicians family and physicians will have the same will have the same link to another page in link to another page in our site with storiesour site with stories

– success stories of success stories of people living with Down people living with Down syndromesyndrome

– they will challenge they will challenge stereotypes about stereotypes about people with Down people with Down syndromesyndrome

Discussion forumsDiscussion forums

To provide support To provide support and to facilitate and to facilitate dissemination of dissemination of informationinformation

Three discussion Three discussion forums:forums:

– For parents and familiesFor parents and families

– For physiciansFor physicians

– Local organizations and Local organizations and support groupssupport groups

VolunteersVolunteers

Contributions and Contributions and maintenancemaintenance

Variety of sourcesVariety of sources– family members of family members of

those with Down those with Down syndrome syndrome

– graduate students or graduate students or internsinterns

– members of local members of local advocacy groups advocacy groups

Success stories can Success stories can become more become more

commoncommon

Their potential has exceeded all expectations Their potential has exceeded all expectations based on what society felt possible even ten to based on what society felt possible even ten to fifteen years agofifteen years ago

They are able to obtain and carry out jobs and They are able to obtain and carry out jobs and live their lives semi-independently or live their lives semi-independently or

independently.independently.