Connecting Families
Building a Circle of Support is one of the most significant and valuable things you can do for your family. It is important not only for the well-being of your loved one with Down syndrome, but also for the well-being of you and your other family members.
The Circle of Support is a group of trusted people – family, friends and professionals — that provides information, social connection, and advocates-in-arms as we move through life with Down syndrome.
Often, the connections we make when our children are young become associations and friendships that last a lifetime. The DS ACT facilitates these important connections through our own regional support groups and through those maintained by other organizations with similar missions.
Sources of connection supported directly through the DS ACT are generally geographically based. A list is available on our Regional Support Groups page.
Two things that will have a direct impact on your quality of life with a person who has Down syndrome are planning and flexibility. It is never too early to start planning, or too late to change your plans to better meet your circumstances!
There are many resources available to assist you in building your circle of support and planning to meet the needs of your loved one with Down syndrome at different points in life. DS ACT mini-grants provide up to $500 to Connecticut organizations for support of inclusive community efforts and activities. Summer camp grants are allocated to DS ACT members in order to build social connection and independent living skills.
Beginning in late 2018, members will have access to our Out of the Box binder and group coaching. Some of the materials included in the binder can be downloaded from the organizations listed below.