Testimonials from parents and families

"Thank you for all of the great work you do researching and supporting children and adults with DS and their families. Sue Buckley's research has been invaluable to me as I am teaching my 23 month old to speak and communicate. As well as teaching his therapists all about using sight reading as a way in to speech.  THANK YOU!" Parent, USA

"I feel a great debt to Sue and all those who have dedicated themselves to helping all children with DS meet their potential, without people like her I would not have the hopes and dreams that I cherish for [my daughter] and am starting to see realised. The work of DownsEd has empowered me..." Parent, UK  

"As for teaching reading, Downs Ed are the best starting point…" Parent, UK  

"We have received invaluable support from many organisations and individuals, but it was principally the workshops, training, resource materials, and 'Early Development Classes' provided by Down Syndrome Education International(DownsEd ), in Portsmouth that gave us the understanding and confidence we needed to help our daughter to achieve her best. With their help, our daughter, learned to read before she started mainstream school at the age of four and a half years." Parent, UK

"DownsEd are wonderful and the facilities they provide are second to none, the fact that parents/professionals come from other countries (people from Holland and Oman were there attending a workshop last time I went) speaks volumes, but most of the advice goes over the internet, and most resources are available on-line or to order anywhere in the world!" Parent, UK

"We've used the research and practical advice that DownsEd offer, plus their help with [our son's] tribunal hearing. It's great to have psychologists, therapists, etc., expert in DS and educational implications, all in one place and offering training and documentary backup." Parent, UK  

"…as a new parent, I have found yourself and the rest of the staff at the Sarah Duffen centre to be extremely professional and helpful." Parent, UK  

"We've been visiting the Sarah Duffen Centre regularly since [our son] was 3 weeks old…I knew nothing about DS and in my daze of ignorance I asked Sue what I should be doing with [our son] – she said the most important thing was to take him home and love him. After 3 weeks of fear I saw past the Down Syndrome and fell in love with my little boy. It was THE most important thing anyone has ever said to me. Since then we've learned everything we can from Sue and her colleagues and [my son] is coming on great – starting mainstream in September at just 4 and 1 month! I can't thank the Centre and team enough for the advice and support they've given us so far." Parent, UK