New Parents
As a new parent to a child with Down syndrome, we are here to provide friendship, support, resources and information.
Please contact Maria, our Family Network Coordinator at 920-460-9494 or maria@dsawfoxcities.org OR join our email list to receive emails about upcoming family gatherings and other events. Also, if you decide to become a member of DSAW-Fox Cities, you will have access to a safe place where you can ask questions or for advice from the other parents of DSAW-Fox Cities. There are no fees to join DSAW-Fox Cities.
We invite you to take part in the DSAW Parent's First Call Program. For new and expectant parents of babies with Down syndrome, Parent's First Call offers up-to-date resources (Expectant Parent Packs and New Parent Welcome Baskets), and the opportunity to connect with other parents who have had similar experiences. The Parent Packs and Welcome Baskets include up-to-date resources, books, DSAW goodies, and more.
The DSAW Parent's First Call Program is a statewide group of trained support parents available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information. These support parents can help you at any stage in your journey. DSAW partners with Parent to Parent of Wisconsin to connect you with a parent in Wisconsin who has a similar background, interests and experiences. To learn more about becoming a Support Parent, click here.
There are many ways to get in touch with Parent's First Call. Fill out and submit the new/expectant parent contact form, call 1-866-327-DSAW (3729), or email firstcall@dsaw.org to request an Expectant Parent Pack / New Parent Welcome Basket and/or talk with someone. You'll have the option to be matched with another parent with a similar experience - someone who has been there.
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Other resources:
Baby Announcement
Let's face it... this part can be tough. But perhaps this sample can offer you some guidance.
Welcome to Holland
Start off with some great perspective in a story written by Emily Perl Kingsley. And trust us, Holland offers you vistas that Italy NEVER could!
Katie Beckett Program - Supplemental Insurance
Children born with DS often experience medical complications at birth, many of which today are corrected with routine procedures. In addition, children with DS will benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy in their first months and years. But all of this comes at a cost.
Birth to 3 - Wisconsin's Early Therapy Intervention Program
This is Wisconsin's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Through it, your child will receive (in most cases) in-home physical, occupational and speech therapy depending on his or her needs, often at little-to-no cost to your family.
A federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provides a framework for a comprehensive program and coordinated developmental, health and social services within the community.
COPS - Community Options Program
Community-based services to Wisconsin citizens who need long term assistance in performing the activities of daily living.
CYSHCN
Statewide information and referral service dedicated to helping families and professionals find resources for children birth to 21 years with special needs. Call their hotline at 1-800-642-7837 to find the closest regional center for CSHCN, Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Down Syndrome Clinic of Wisconsin - Children's Hospital
This organization is committed to improving the health and well-being of children and adults with Down syndrome, which may include complex issues. This requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary health care approach. The DSCW is connected with a statewide network to assist families in need.
While your personal health insurance may provide coverage, the Katie Beckett (named after a young girl in Iowa when the program started under the Reagan Administration) Medicaid program can cover costs that insurance plans sometimes will not. Children who are not eligible for other Medicaid programs because the income or assets of their parents are too high may be eligible for Medicaid this way.
Our experience shows us that many DS children qualify for Katie Beckett benefits, so make sure to contact your local Katie Beckett representative to determine your own eligibility.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS)
Listing of services in Wisconsin for those with disabilities.
Talk About Down syndrome - People First Language
How should I talk about Down syndrome? We must sometimes remind ourselves to communicate about individuals with Down syndrome (and
other special needs) in a positive and accurate manner. All People are People First and Foremost and people with special needs secondary. The diagnosis or medical condition of an individual does not define who they are or what they are capable of. Their personality, individual characteristics, gifts and talents define who they are. We must remember to focus on the possABILITIES and not the DISabilities of a person. This document is designed to provide suggestions to help talk about Down syndrome.
