Beautiful dolls and toys that demonstrate the diversity of the children in our communities have been available for many years, and should be found and enjoyed in classrooms, daycare and our children´s toy collections. Some parents have found dolls with disabilities to be offensive representations.

Children with physical disabilities should have accessible playgrounds in their communities and schools. We find great designs in accessible playgrounds and play areas in communities of all sizes, and we can also learn from the shortcomings we find in our own neighborhoods and local schools

Every child deserves accessible playgrounds and naturally integrated play areas in their classrooms or schools. Families of children with disabilities may find that local playgrounds and school play areas can be made accessible with a bit of community effort and reasonable cost, with benefit to all.

Grandfathers and great uncles can make a world of difference in the lives of children with special needs, whether they are supporting dads, or taking on some of the responsibilities of fathers who are away from home

When a newborn is diagnosed with Down syndrome, parents may be told about the challenges the baby and family may encounter months or years later, when they deserve more than anyone just to bask in the glow of their baby´s first days and weeks.

Children with special needs have shown great success in learning to print and write in cursive when given the support, encouragement and tools that should be readily available to them as well as their mainstream classmates

Children may have difficulty learning handwriting due to physical or neurological immaturity, motor planning or sensory integration difficulties, developmental disability, or lack of opportunities, modifications or tools that accommodate, reduce or eliminate the challenges they face.

Down syndrome research is conducted at university and medical research centers around the USA and the world. Families, therapists, educators and medical professionals can learn about past research, current studies and how this information benefits children with Down syndrome today.

Moms of children with special needs are mothers first, and it is often that fierce basic mother love that inspires advocacy and awareness efforts that positively change the world for their daughters and sons

Transitions during the elementary school years can be well planned and supported so that children with special needs may concentrate on educational opportunities, maintaining self confidence and developing healthy relationships.