Support Groups
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio offers several different support groups to provide support and information to families and children with Down syndrome. Our goal is to increase awareness and improve the quality of life for those living with Down syndrome. The groups include:
• New Parent Support Group: For new or expectant parents of babies with Down syndrome. This group helps ease the worries of new parents and provide the information they need. The group meets 7 to 9 p.m., fourth Monday of every month at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Childcare is available for siblings and children with Down syndrome who are mobile. All are welcome.
• 3 to 6-year-olds Group: This group focuses on issues such as toilet training, sibling relationships and public education. Information about the IEP process is essential as children transition into public education. Play groups are often developed as parents continue to develop their networks and begin to find resources for their children in the community for therapies as well as recreation.
• 7 to 10-year-olds Group and 11 to 14-year-olds Group: In these groups, parents continue to network and educate themselves on the IEP process and other special education issues. Topics include social appropriateness and building friendships. Activities are planned to afford more social opportunities to this age group as friendships among the children and the parents become stronger.
• 15 to 19-year-olds Group: This group’s focus begins to shift to the support of the teens themselves. Activities begin to allow the teens the opportunity to be more independent. Many of the teens enjoy a group called PALS which allows them to discuss issues among their peers without parental involvement. This is an exciting yet scary time as both the teens and their parents begin to learn about transitioning and life after public education. Parents continue to learn a great deal from each other as a whole new set of issues and options present themselves.
• Adult/Self-Advocate Group: This exciting group allows individual preferences and interests to be expressed as the adults themselves are more involved in the planning of activities including our Annual Adult Conference held in late summer. Discussions turn to post-secondary education, employment, self-advocacy and independent living. At this point, parents are more bystanders and enjoy the friendships of other parents as they share in the joys and trials of their adult’s life.
• Support Our Siblings: We collaborate with Easter Seals on this new program where brothers and sisters of children with special needs can meet each other. First session is 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday, July 13 through August 10, 2010. Second session is 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, September 16 through October 14, 2010. In addition, two Saturday “Fun Days” have been set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 18 and November 20, 2010. (download registration form)
All groups and Fun Days are held at the Easter Seals office, 3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Please note: If you are a sibling of someone with Down syndrome, are 16-years-old or older and would like to volunteer to help with this group, please let us know.
If you have any questions about Support Our Siblings, contact Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio at 614-263-6020 or e-mail info@dsaco.net.
Additional Support Groups & Playgroups
Below is a list of area support groups and playgroups that you may find helpful.
Delaware County Playgroup
6:30 – 8 p.m.
1st Wednesday of every month
Dunlap Center
439 Dunlap Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Contact: Bethany Mirka – 740-666-222 or e-mail tbmirka@hotmail.com
Fairfield County Support & Playgroup
Contact: Michelle Dexter – 740-654-0972 or e-mail mdexter@fairfieldDD.com
Licking County Support Group
1st Friday of each month
6:30 to 7 p.m. – Social/Snack Time
7 p.m. – Speaker begins
Meeting concludes at 9 p.m.
E.S. Weiant Center
116 N. 22nd Street
Newark, OH 43055
Contact: Wanda Krupp – 740-344-6921 or e-mail wkrupp3@hotmail.com
Madison County Support & Playgroup
Contact: Julie Brand – 740-852-6323, or e-mail dave_julie@sbcglobal.net