Last Updated (Monday, 20 July 2009 12:44)

What education services and vocational opportunities are available for people with Down syndrome?

Today early intervention programs, pre-school nurseries, and integrated special education strategies have demonstrated that youngsters with Down syndrome can participate in many learning experiences which can positively influence their overall functioning.

Research has shown that early intervention, environmental enrichment, and assistance to the families will result in progress that is usually not achieved by those infants who have not had such educational and stimulating experiences.

Children with Down syndrome, like all children, can benefit from sensory stimulation, specific exercises involving gross and fine motor activities, and instruction in cognitive development. Also, preschool nurseries play an important role in the young child's life since exploring the environment beyond the home enables the child to participate in a broader world.

Later, the school can give the child a foundation for life through the development of academic skills and physical as well as social abilities. Experiences provided in school assist the child in obtaining a feeling of self-respect and enjoyment.

School should provide an opportunity for the child to engage in sharing relationships with others and help to prepare the child to become a productive citizen. Contrary to some views, all children can learn, and they will benefit from placement in a normalized setting with support as needed.

During adolescence, youngsters with Down syndrome should be exposed to prevocational training in order to learn good work habits and to engage in proper relationships with co-workers.

Appropriate vocational counseling and job trainingwill result in meaningful employment, and this, in turn, should lead to a feeling of self-worth and of making a contribution to society.