Scholarships Awarded for Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Published: July 13, 2006

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) announced today that thirteen individuals have been awarded scholarships to participate in the Sixth Annual Early Childhood Inclusion Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Each scholarship recipient is the parent of a child with Down syndrome and was nominated by an NDSS Affiliate group to represent the local organization at the Institute and in systems change efforts in their states. The scholarship recipients will be ongoing participants in the NDSS Early Childhood Inclusion Advocacy Network to promote the inclusion of young children with disabilities in preschools, child care and community-based settings with typically-developing children. The scholarships are funded through a generous grant from The Taishoff Family Foundation to the NDSS Early Childhood Inclusion Project.

"NDSS is delighted with this strong and capable group of parent advocates who will put their talents and knowledge to good use back in their local communities," said Pamela van der Lee, chairperson of the NDSS Board of Directors. "The work they will be doing to promote inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities is critically important. Preschool inclusion creates a solid foundation for young children with disabilities to participate in a welcoming community from childhood through adulthood." The Taishoff Family Foundation scholarship awardees, and the NDSS Affiliate groups they represent, are as follows:"NDSS is delighted with this strong and capable group of parent advocates who will put their talents and knowledge to good use back in their local communities," said Pamela van der Lee, chairperson of the NDSS Board of Directors. "The work they will be doing to promote inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities is critically important. Preschool inclusion creates a solid foundation for young children with disabilities to participate in a welcoming community from childhood through adulthood."

The Taishoff Family Foundation scholarship awardees, and the NDSS Affiliate groups they represent, are as follows:

• Dani Archer, Omaha Down Syndrome Parents Network, Nebraska
• Susan Bryant, Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South, Tennessee
• Rebecca Dupuis, Down Syndrome Association of Alexander County, North Carolina
• Cindy Gould, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma
• Christy Knight, Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan-College Station, Texas
• Jeff Leach, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, Florida
• Joy McCoach, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, Florida
• Kim Reynolds, Parents of Children with Down Syndrome in Oakland County Michigan, Michigan
• Pam Rockwell, Ups-N-Downs of Western Kentucky, Kentucky
• Tasha Rodgers, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma
• Robin Smith, Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, South Carolina
• Zena Trout, Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, Ohio
• Petrice Welch, Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri

The Sixth Annual Early Childhood Inclusion Institute will take place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from July 25-27th, 2006. The Institute is sponsored by the National Early Childhood TA Center (NECTAC), the FPG Child Development Institute, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in collaboration with a number of state and federal agencies. Scholarship awardees will have the opportunity to meet with leading experts in the field and learn about research findings, resources, strategies and effective models of early childhood inclusion.

See http://www.nectac.org/~meetings/InclusionMtg2006/splash.html for more information about the Institute.

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the more than 350,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in supporting and enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. We demonstrate this commitment through our education, research and advocacy initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. To learn more about NDSS, visit http://www.ndss.org or call (800) 221-4602.

Contact:
Theresa Renaldi
National Down Syndrome Society
773-989-3286
trenaldi@ndss.org