A baby package is available to new parents free of charge in hard copy format. Below is a list of the package contents as well as links to download PDF versions of each publication where available. Click on the links below to download. (You will need Adobe Reader to view).

ACSD Forms and Information

Canadian Down Syndrome Information

A Checklist for Parents of a Child with Down Syndrome (recommendations only):

Contact some of the following Early Intervention Programs:

• Children First 519-250-1850 www.children-first.ca  Children First provides services to families with children birth to 6 years who have special needs. These needs may include developmental and mental health. It is a community based non-profit agency. Staff includes speech/language pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and resource consultants. Parents may self refer.
• John McGivney Children’s Centre 519-252-7281  For children up to 21 years of age who have special needs. Services may include: speech/language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. They have a preschool program for children 18 months to 6 years old.
• Connections Early Years Family Centre  519-252-0636        http://www.connectwithus.ca/ Offering the following programs;
  • Talk 2 Me – For children up to 5 years of age. Services may include: speech/language assessment, educational workshops and parent intervention programs.  This service is not in addition to the services provided by JMCC or Children First.
  • Be Back Soon – Parents may drop off their children for short, supervised stays.  For example, doctor appointments.
  • Ontario Early Years Centre – Free stay and play drop-in centres where parents can participate in early learning activities with their children.
  • Parenting Courses and Groups
  • Infant Hearing Screening
  • Blind Low Vision Program
  • Dads Matter

Request a referral to a Pediatrician to get a full medical evaluation to rule out any medical causes for delays. Many medical conditions may co-exist with Down syndrome

• Ask your pediatrician about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) shot that every baby with Down syndrome is medically covered to receive through Met Hospital for the first 2 years of life during the winter months.

Research information on Down syndrome

• Call Up About Down; Windsor-Essex Down Syndrome Association at 519-973-6486 to become a member. Your membership includes: a baby package and hospital or home visit upon your request, newsletters, resource library, group meetings, and social functions for the whole family and subsidies towards therapeutic services.  Memberships are free.
• Down Syndrome Association of Ontario (DSAO): 1-905-439-6644; www.dsao.ca; e-mail info@dsao.ca  Memberships are available.
• Down Syndrome Research Foundation: 1-604-444-3773; www.dsrf.org; info@dsrf.org.
• Call Canadian Down Syndrome Society 1-800-883-5608; www.cdss.cafor more information on Down syndrome or to become a member. Memberships are $20 per year and include a vote at the Annual General Meeting, four issues of CDSS Quarterly Newsletter, information and assistance from the toll free information line and resource centre, discounted conference registration fees, and periodical discounts on selected publications.

Apply for all government grants. See what’s available online at www.children.gov.on.ca

• Family Respite Services 519-972-9688; www.familyrespite.org Respite support services are provided to enhance the quality of life for children with various disabilities.
• SSAH-Special Services At Home 519-254-1651 Helps children with developmental disabilities and their families by providing monthly funding to purchase services and supports.
• ACSD-Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities provides financial help to assist with some of the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability. Financial and medical criteria must be met.
• Disability Tax Credit is for people who have a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability. Form T2201.
• Disabled Person Parking Permit-DPPP: You may qualify for this permit. Form to be completed by a Physician www.mto.gov.ca

Other Funding Options:

• Easter Seals 519-944-0044 Ext.223 www.easterseals.org
  • For children 3 years of age and up with incontinence issues. Funding is provided for supplies. Receipts for supplies must be submitted annually. See your family doctor to complete necessary paperwork.
  • Access2 Card covers the cost of a Support Person while attending a movie with a card holding member.  Accessible entertainment at Cinemas throughout Canada.

Investigate recreational programs and services:

• Nursery schools, Preschools and Daycare for socialization in language rich environments.
• Winstars 519 972-1397; http://www.winstarsgym.com/
  • Private gymnastics sessions by Melinda Outram are available on request.  Can be very helpful in helping children with Down syndrome with gross motor development and strengthening.
• Windsor/Essex Therapeutic Riding Association 519-726-7682; http://wetra.ca/
• SPEQTRA Special Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Association 519-322-2463; http://www.speqtra.ca/
• City of Windsor Parks and Rec. offers a 10% discount for special needs children
• Check out the local community rec. centre in your area, many offer parent and baby swimming, yoga and stroller fitness classes.
• Mother Care-Support for New Moms (Paramed Health Services) 519-966-5200: Personal Support Workers provide support by doing a variety of tasks such as; meal preparation, prepare formula, light housekeeping, care for older children and assist mom with infant care.  Fees do apply.

Parent Support Groups:

• Up About Down: 519 973-6486
  • Our members are divided into the following age groups: Newborn – 5 years, 6 – 12 years, 13 – 21 years, and 22 + (Adults).  Connections are made with other parents through events and activities planned by the group leaders of each age group.
• Windsor-Essex Family Network 519-974-1008; https://windsoressexfamnet.ca/
  • Become a member for $10 per year and receive newsletters and workshop information.
  • The UAD Resource Library is located at this facility and our extensive collection of materials are available for borrowing and researching.
• Ensemble 519-776-6486, Ext. 225  www.ensembleunderstands.com or email ensemble@communitylivingessex.org
  • Connecting parents with parents of children with special needs.
  • Provides workshops and webinars.

Planning for the Future

• Contact a lawyer to establish a will with a “Discretionary Trust” (Henson Trust) left for your child.
• RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)
  • Contact your Financial Institution to discuss setting up a RDSP for your child.  The RDSP was introduced in 2008 and some Financial Institutions have more experience than others.