Down Syndrome Topics
This project will offer information and guidance summaries across the range of issues
of concern to people with Down syndrome and those who support and care for them.
The Down Syndrome Topics project will enable the charity to meet the demand for
accurate, reliable and up-to-date summaries on key issues affecting the development
of individuals with Down syndrome from birth to adult life.
The project involves the production of a series of topic summaries. Each topic summary
will provide the reader with a pertinent overview of an issue along with directions
to more comprehensive information and resources. The topic summaries will provide
a first line of enquiry into the charity's comprehensive information resources (such
as Down Syndrome Issues and Information) as well as
a route to recommended information resources elsewhere.
Each topic summary will be freely available to view and download at the Trust's
Down Syndrome Online website. They will be closely integrated
with the Down Syndrome Abstracts online service.
The topic summaries will cover various aspects of early intervention strategies,
speech and language, cognitive development, motor skills, memory, reading and writing,
number skills, social development, behavioural issues, inclusive education, and
family issues. Development of the summaries will be prioritised based on the issues
commonly encountered by our AdviceLine service and frequently observed in online
discussion forums.
These topic summaries will be developed to complement, not replicate, the more general
information leaflets provided by other Down syndrome organisations.
They will be written by members of the charity's expert services and research team
(including psychologists and a speech and language specialists).
The summaries will then be made accessible via an interactive question-focused query
system. Rather than relying on the person seeking advice knowing what words and
phrases are likely in the appropriate answer, the question-focused system will aim
to locate answers based on the question in mind.
The project provides a mechanism for the charity to share the practical outcomes
of its research activities. Information about which topic summaries are the most
frequently viewed will also help direct future research activities.
- An enhanced advice service, providing more information on demand, 24 hours per day,
7 days per week, to benefit a greater number of individuals with Down syndrome and
their families worldwide.
- Information and advice provided on the topic summaries will enable parents and professions
to provide more effective and appropriate care for children with Down syndrome.
Progress
This project is ongoing - the topic summaries are currently under development.
Funding
We are seeking funds for development of future topic summaries.
If you would like to support this work, please
make a donation online or contact giving@downsed.org.
This project has been supported by CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation Europe,
DD McPhail Charitable Settlement and the Vodafone UK Foundation.