The Learning Program

i. Down Syndrome Education International
ii. Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County

“We have taught many children with Down syndrome to read from 2 years of age and we are quite convinced that it is the single most effective way to help children overcome the learning difficulties associated with Down syndrome. All the early readers we know have made exceptional progress through school and into teenage life. All these children have been taught reading and language side by side by their parents in their preschool years. It is not difficult to teach children with Down syndrome language through reading, and most children would succeed and benefit if those around them had confidence in the value of reading and worked consistently in small steps.” – Sue Buckley and Gillian Bird

“The old view was that Down syndrome caused equal delay across all areas of development. We now know that this is not true. Research has identified a specific profile of developmental strengths and weaknesses in children with Down syndrome. We are also learning that there is a huge capacity to positively or negatively impact development through intervention.” – (Sue Buckley, Online Presentation, January 2010).

“We want our children to be embraced by the community. We want our parents to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. We want our parents to be able to work with the system, not be shut down by the system. We are here to support you.” – Dana Halle, Creator of the Learning Program