There are multiple organizations in the central Illinois area that exist to help the individuals with, and the families of those with Down Syndrome.
One of such organizations is the Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association. This is a not-for-profit organization. The main goals of HOIDSA are as followed:
• To offer support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome.
• To promote public awareness and increased understanding of Down syndrome.
• To help improve the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome.
• To integrate persons with Down syndrome into all aspects of educational and community life.
• To serve as advocates for ALL.
They also have events and group activities that you can attend, publications to read, and external links to other internet resourses. For more information, visit the link below. The phone number and e-mail address for the group is also listed below.
Website: http://www.hoisda.org/
Phone: (309) 712-4852
E-mail: info@hoidsa.org
Another resource that offers help and support is the National Association for Down Syndrome, also known as NADS. NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. Some of the resources on the NADS website include workshops for parents, parent support programs, medical and psychosocial services, outreach to Spanish-speaking families, mentoring programs, a public awareness program, and much more. For more information about the National Association for Down Syndrome, you can visit their website by simply clicking on the link below. Also listed is the e-mail address and the phone number for the group.
Website: http://www.nads.org/
Phone: (630) 325-9112
E-mail: info@nads.org
Another organization in the Central Illinois area is the Central Illinois Down Syndrom Organization . Also known as CIDSO, this organization originated in 1975 around the Bloomington, Normal and McLean country area. CIDSO is a not-for-profit organization of families and interested persons working to increase public awareness, support families, and improve opportunities for those touched by Down syndrome. Their website includes goals that they hope to achieve, facts about Down Syndrome, resources, events to attend, and even newsletters. To view this page, simply visit the link below. Also listed is the group's e-mail address and phone number.
Website: http://www.cidso.org/default.asp
Phone: (309) 452-3264
E-mail: info@cidso.org
Another organization that helps individuals with, and the families of those with Down Syndrome is Riverbend Down Syndrome Association. On their website, they have monthly newsletters that they have written, as well as articles on various topics. These articles include thoughts on homeschooling, early intervention, language, communication, and much, much more. To view these newsletters and articles, you can click on the link below. Also listed below is the e-mail addressed listed on the website.
Website: http://www.riverbendds.org
E-mail: support@riverbendds.org
Another facility is Apostolic Christian Timber Ridge. Some of the disabilities addressed are down syndrome, moderate intellectual disability, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, profound intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hypothermia, asthma, scoliosis, esotropia, severe intellectual disability, mild intellectual disability, spinal fusion, and colostomy are a few listed. It is an adult facility with 74 beds. The services provided are wheelchair accessible, 24-hour care, nurses present, hygiene, activities, food, transportation, sensory, OT/PT, and bible study. The price is $56,400 a year, which is paid by Medicare and Medicaid, also donations from Apostolic Christian church.
Website: http://www.achh.org/
E-mail: Inforequest@achh.org
Another facility is Apostolic Christian Oakwood Estate and Linden Estate. These two facilities are 16 beds. Many of the residents are higher fuctioning than at Timber Ridge. Some of the residents have down syndrome and there are many other disabilities like the ones at Timber Ridge. These two facilities are not however wheelchair accssible and residents who live here that get worse usually end up at Timber Ridge. It does however have 24-hour care, a cook, own bedrooms, living area, family area, sunroom, and it is right by Timber Ridge for a nurse and there physical therapy and sensory.
Website: http://www.achh.org/
E-mail: Inforequest@achh.org
These are a select few organizations out there to help those with Down Syndrome. Many of the other organizations are listed in the above links.