DDC

Down syndrome Development Council

Lake County, Illinois

 

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Please note that information presented in this website should not be construed as objective or definitive, but represents the opinions and understanding of various DDC Members and other contributors.

 

 

Welcome

 

The Downs (Down syndrome) Development Council, DDC, is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and volunteer support group established in 1978 by parents of children with Down syndrome.

 

Our mission is to promote a greater acceptance and understanding of Down syndrome, by enlightening the broader community to recognize the individuality, uniqueness and capabilities of individuals with Ds.


Events

 


 

Special Needs Presentations by Attorney Brian Rubin

Brian Rubin, a parent of a child with special needs

as well as an attorney, is offering a series of presentations for families of individuals with special needs, and theprofessionals who serve them. For a complete list of presentations please visit www.BrianRubin.com or www.SpecialNeedsFuturePlanning.com.

 


 

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) provides free training seminars on Special Education Rights on Saturday mornings and the first Tuesday morning of each month. FRCD is located at 20 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 300, Chicago. For more information and to pre-register, call FRCD at 312-939-3513.

 


 

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Center, located at 1555 N. Barrington Rd. Suite 415 in Hoffman Estates is pleased to announce the opening of The Pediatric Down Syndrome Clinic. Appointments are now being taken for the Down Syndrome Clinic. Children in this clinic are evaluated by members of a multidisciplinary team with extensive expertise in providing medical and developmental care to children with Down syndrome. For more information please call 847.490.4222.
 

Dr. Nancy Keck, MD, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Cesar Ochoa, MD, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Christopher Watson, PsyD
Gretchen Hatchett, Social Worker
Maureen Lenke, Occupational Therapist
Colette Titus, Speech-Language Pathologist

 


 

Special Needs Swimming Lessons

There is an awesome swimming program at the Vernon Hills YMCA for special needs children. There is 1 on 1 instruction for those too young to swim and the program is supported by a pediatric therapist.  The cost for both members and non-members is $86.00.  For more information, call Mary at 847-367-6797.

 


 

Need help teaching your child to ride a bike?
People call Richard Klein the Bike Doctor for his work in teaching special-needs children to ride their bikes. During the process, Klein replaces bike tires with a series of eight custom-built rollers. His process usually takes four to five days.  Easter Seals has offered camps featuring Mr. Klein and his “Lose The Training Wheels” program.  For more information visit www.losethetrainingwheels.org.

 


DDC Events
 

Monthly Meetings

 

DDC meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at different locations.  Meetings are open to all.  Please call or e-mail RaeAnn Collins to RSVP and for the current location. 

rjohncol@comcast.net

847-265-8482
 

Playgroup

 

Our monthly playgroup now meets on the 2nd Wednesday evening of the month.  Families are encouraged to bring all of their children for an interactive group play therapy session, led by our developmental therapist Kris Murray and hosted by various DDC parents. The Wednesday evening playgroup includes a light dinner. A Spanish language interpreter is available with advance notice.  These playgroups are completely free of charge and open to all DDC member families!  Playgroup dates are listed below.  PLEASE RSVP to Angela at:  aziehmke@hotmail.com

New Baby Social

Are you the family of a “new” (ages 18 months or younger) little one with Down syndrome? An open house for the newest members of our extensive DDC family offers a chance to mingle with other babies and their families, to chat with other DDC parents of preschool-age children (we’re the hosts that day so our kids stay home so we can focus on yours!) Share information about Early Intervention and Early Childhood programs, swap contact info of favorite therapists, to get ideas about what to help your child do next, to eat a bagel or a donut, drink some coffee, and marvel at how lovely all our kids are! Siblings and grandparents welcome!

 It is an OPEN HOUSE so feel free to drop in any time from 9:30am-11:30am. Please RSVP for the date(s) you are planning to attend in order to help plan for food. To RSVP or for more information on the schedule or to get on our email list contact Jennifer Jenkins, only_connect@msn.com or (847)970-6797. See you there!  Dates are listed below

 


 

May 2012

 

New Baby Social

Saturday, May 5th

Fremont Public Library,

Mundelein, 9:30-11:30 AM

RSVP to Jen Jenkins, only_connect@msn.com

or 847-970-6797

 

Playgroup

Wednesday, May 9th

Wednesday, May 16th

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for food

Kris Murray - 847-630-4991
or e-mail Angela, aziehmke@hotmail.com

 


 

June 2012

 

New Baby Social

Saturday, June 9th

Fremont Public Library,

Mundelein, 9:30-11:30 AM

RSVP to Jen Jenkins, only_connect@msn.com

or 847-970-6797

 

Playgroup

Wednesday, June 13th

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for food

Kris Murray - 847-630-4991
or e-mail Angela, aziehmke@hotmail.com

 


 

July 2012

 

Playgroup

Wednesday, July 11th

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for food

Kris Murray - 847-630-4991
or e-mail Angela, aziehmke@hotmail.com

 


 

October 2012

 

Playgroup

Wednesday, Oct 10th

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for food

Kris Murray - 847-630-4991
or e-mail Angela, aziehmke@hotmail.com

 


 

November 2012

 

Playgroup

Wednesday, Nov 14th

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for food

Kris Murray - 847-630-4991
or e-mail Angela, aziehmke@hotmail.com

 

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