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Seminars
The Centre du syndrome de Down , Inc. (DSAHRC) holds educational seminars for individuals with Down syndrome, families and professionals.
Read more for a list of Seminars that have been held..
Direct Impact Grants
Sunshine Fund
The Sunshine Fund was established several years ago to provide a gift of treats to our children (any age) when they are hospitalized.
Aim High Scholarship Program
The Aim High Scholarship was established in 1999 and is administered through the Community Foundation for the Capital District. To date, the Centre du syndrome de Down (DSAHRC) has awarded scholarships of $250 - $2,000 each to ten area high school or college students.
Office and Meeting Space
Our modern office space is available for use by members for a variety of purposes, including seminars, meetings, sibling groups and movie nights. The office has an AV Projector, a projector screen and a large conference table. The multi-media Lending Library is housed at the DSAHRC.
There is also a computer available for use by individuals with Down syndrome and their families.Feel free to browse the Internet for information, or to use the software available in our Lending Library for educational purposes.
Families and Professionals are invited to visit the DSAHRC to see all that we have to offer!
Call us at (518) 738-0020 x3726 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know that you are planning a visit.
Triple Play Playgroup
Triple Play Playgroup is a group of parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers with Down syndrome. For more information about the playgroup, please contact the DSAHRC office at (518) 738-0020 ext.3726 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Support Groups
The Staff at the DSAHRC can assist you in finding the appropriate supports and resources in all areas. We will do our best to provide the help and support you need. To contact the Centre du syndrome de Down , please call (518) 738-0020 x3726 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Publications
We can provide Educational packets for parents and professionals that contain all the latest best practices in education for individuals with Down syndrome. To obtain a packet, please call (518) 738-0020 ext. 3726 or email Namita Modasra, Educational Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Educational Services
Education Coordinator
We have an Education Coordinator available to assist families and professionals in developing Individual Education Plans and attend Committee on Special Education meetings.
Training Topics
We offer educational training seminars, support and materials to assist in navigating all of the following systems:
- Early Intervention –Birth to age three
- Pre-school Special Education- Age three to five
- Kindergarten to age 21
- Post Secondary Education
- Transitional Services
Extra M.I.L.E. Program:
- The Centre du syndrome de Down
(DSAHRC) is excited to announce the Extra M.I.L.E. (Modifications to Improve Learning Excellence) Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities. This program is made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Marjorie Rockwell Fund for the Disabled and Tearing Up the Turf for Timothy and and his friends with Down Syndrome Golf Tournament.
The goal of this program is to create modified curriculum units at the primary and secondary level for students with disabilities to improve their access and mastery of the general education curriculum. Each unit will be provided to the school or family for their student or child as a color, hard-copy resource. - Extra M.I.L.E. Information & Request form can be found here.
Our other training topics are as follows:
- IEP Tool Kit : Navigating the Special Education process
- Team Approach to Inclusive Education
- Advocacy from Day One
- Down Syndrome Facts, Faces and Fallacies
Development of visual supports:
Providing visual support while educating individuals with Down syndrome greatly helps them participate in, and gain access, to the general education curriculum. Our offices are equipped with tools and computer software needed to develop visual supports and we can help in developing appropriate visuals for your children and students. For more information contact our Education Coordinator, Namita Modasra at (518) 738-0020 ext. 3726 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Sports & Therapeutic Recreation Instruction/& Developmental Education (STRIDE) Recreation for Challenged Children
STRIDE's Mission: STRIDE is a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer organization, dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities, by offering sports and recreation opportunities. Challenging people, potential, and possibilities.
Social and Family Events
The Centre du syndrome de Down (DSAHRC) holds a variety of events throughout the year for families to enjoy, such as the Buddy Walk, Family Dances, Teen Dances, Playgroups, and Family Picnics.
Check the Calendar for a full listing of events currently planned. We encourage everyone to attend our events and get involved in our organization. We promise that you will have lots of fun and you will be sure to meet other wonderful families and make new friends!
For more information, contact the DSAHRC at (518) 738-0020 x3726 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Buddy Walk
Annual Event in October (Down syndrome awareness month)
The Capital Region Buddy Walk is a one-mile inspirational walk and day of free activities that aims to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome by inviting the surrounding community to learn more and to, ultimately, embrace the individuality of their neighbours.
Become a fan of our new Capital Region Buddy Walk Facebook page. Receive updates about the event, tell us about your "Team" plans and upload photos.
For more information about the Buddy Walk, to join the committee, or for Sponsorship Information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Continue for More Information »Teen Dances
Teen Dances are held several times throughout the year for individuals in Grades 6 and up.
Come meet new people, enjoy food and beverages, and dance with your friends at the next event!
If you would like to be on the mailing list for the Teen Dances, contact the Centre du syndrome de Down (DSAHRC) at (518) 738-0020 x3726 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bike Camp
Each summer The Centre du syndrome de Down
partners with STRIDE and Albany Autism Society,
for "THE I CAN RIDE" Bike Camp, specifically designed to teach children with special needs how to ride a two wheel bike.
Each camper is assigned one session, which is their session for five consecutive days. There are no overlapping sessions. It is important to arrive in a timely manner, to get the full extent of instruction time and practice. We advise being there 5-10 minutes early. Participants must be at least 7 years of age, with an inseam of at least 22 inches.
If you want more information about the Bike Camp, please contact us!DSAHRC Gala and Casino Night
Aim High Awards
Each year, the Centre du syndrome de Down (DSAHRC) presents the Aim High Awards, which recognize members of our community who have made a difference in the lives of people living with Down syndrome. The Aim High Self Advocacy Award is also presented, recognizing an individual with Down syndrome for outstanding achievements and for being an inspiration to others.