Why Club 21:

What makes Club 21 different is that it specializes in providing services solely to individuals with Down syndrome. Concentrating on children with Down syndrome has allowed Club 21 to develop tools that have proven effective in responding to the unique learning styles and needs of our students aged birth through high school. Because all of our children are similar (though, of course, not the same) in their needs, it is easier for our volunteers, guided by our staff, to stay up-to-date with research and teaching techniques.

21 Reasons We Need Club 21

Education (1-4)

Even with IDEA law, some elementary and most middle and senior high schools are not inclusive and offer students only the option of “the room down the hall.” Parents and schools need our support and training to make inclusion a positive experience for teachers and a successful venture for students.
Our teachers need additional training and resources to help educate our children.
We need to be connected to universities and research groups to get the most current information and resources that can be so valuable.
We need to provide support and help in modifying curriculum so our children can stay included.

Parent Training (5-12)

Most families will encounter the need for an advocate, or at least additional training for an IEP meeting, because of lack of understanding about the law and different expectations of parents and school professionals.
Families need information and connections through technology with podcasts, fact sheets, webcasts, message boards. It is expensive and we need skilled volunteers to lead us.
Respite care for some families whose children are ages 12-20 is difficult to find and we need to cultivate relationships and provide training to help alleviate the stress for families.
Parents with a prenatal diagnosis do not receive the information and support they need to go on this journey. We need to provide a place that will allow parents to find hope
Families who have children with the dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome, or other complex needs can feel isolated and not sure where to get resources. We respond to those feelings
The bureaucracy of the funding and service systems make it difficult for all families to know what they are entitled to and how to get it.
No one family can afford all of the books, CDs, DVDs, and software related to Down syndrome. We can provide a resource library that is open to families and can be the central place for information about Down syndrome.
New parents need the mentoring, support and information that can make their lives so much easier.

Connections (13-18)

Our community of people with Down syndrome needs the gifts of the greater community of volunteers who can provide their talents gifts and resources to enrich our lives. We need a place where they can offer their gifts as well as receive the training they need.
We need a central place where parents and educators can collaborate, where they can together find resources, get training, and develop new ideas.
Siblings need support in a safe place where they freely share the joys and hardships of having a sibling with Down syndrome.
Advisory groups are available within the medical and educational fields who can speak to the specific challenges professionals face as they relate to children with Down syndrome.
We need to impact the private school sector with opportunities not only to contribute to the lives of our children with Down syndrome, but also to have relationships with and be changed by children with Down syndrome.
We need a place where parents can enjoy being around other parents without the pressure to explain about their child.

Awareness (19-21)

Society at large needs to see that children with Down syndrome can be successful in school and go on to live independent lives that contribute significantly to the people around them.
We need a non-threatening place where the community can interact with our children.
Schools, churches, hospitals, recreational centers all need to know about our children - their strengths and challenges.



CLUB 21 IS AN AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THESE NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.