Educator Resources
Down Syndrome Indiana offers resources for parents and educational professionals to better serve children with Down syndrome. We offer a variety of publications and training to assist educators.
Down Syndrome Toolkit
This tool kit includes links to educational videos and brochures and handouts that are free to download.
Access the Ds Educator Toolkit here: https://dsindiana.org/educator-tool-kit
Awareness Presentations
Target Audience: All grades especially 3rd graders
Let DSI staff and Self Advocates visit your school and present a message of inclusion and acceptance. This fun-filled interactive presentation is great for groups of 10 to 300. Presentations are especially great for Disability Awareness Month in March, World Down syndrome Day on March 21st or Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose a specific month, DSI will present any time of year! Contact DSI at info@dsindiana.org to schedule your presentation today. Help us get our message out to 2,000 students this year!
Supporting Student with Down syndrome – Educator Presentations
Target Audience: Special Education Teachers, General Education Teachers, Paraprofessional, Therapists, and Administration
Down Syndrome Indiana offers a presentation to educators on how to support students with Down syndrome in the educational setting. The presentation is ideal for General Education teachers, Special Education teachers, paraprofessional, and the administrators who make up a child’s educational team. The presentation typically lasts about 1-1/2 to 2 hours and we come to your location. Professional Growth Points are offered for this FREE presentation. To schedule a presentation or for more information, email Stephanie Garner at garner@dsindiana.org.
R-Word Cards
Target Audience: All Ages
Order a stack of business card sized cards that remind individuals that words can hurt. These easy to hand out cards encourage individuals to choose their words carefully and to use respect. Order cards for your friends, classroom or the entire school. Free of charge. Please contact Stephanie Glowner to order.
The JMFriends
Target Audience: Pre-K thru 4th grade
The JMFriends Program is a unique way to teach awareness and acceptance of all others with the help of child size puppets. The puppet troupe hosts puppet shows and Q&A sessions to teach Pre-K thru 4th-grade students the importance of accepting others. Down Syndrome Indiana and the Joseph Maley Foundation formed a partnership to include education about Down syndrome awareness in the puppet troupe curriculum.
If you are interested in scheduling a performance at your school, please contact Vivian Maley or Stephanie Garner.
Ds Quiz Show
Target Audience: 5th through 12th grade and adult
Request a “Jeopardy” style quiz show presentation for your classroom. It is a fun way to learn about Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Students leave the presentation with a greater awareness and appreciation for individuals with Down syndrome. This presentation is great for grades 5 thru 12, and for adults. To schedule a presentation, contact garner@dsindiana.org.
Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition 
Target Audience: Ages 14 to 22
If you are a student or if you know of a student with intellectual or developmental disabilities, are you wondering… “Why Not College?” So are we. The Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition promotes postsecondary education (college) options for students with developmental disabilities, like Down syndrome.
Click Here for a Factsheet on Think College Indiana: Postsecondary Education Options (1)
Adult Life Packet
Target Audience: Ages 18 and up
An adult life packet contains adult life resources for individuals with Down syndrome. You will find information on local Self Advocacy groups, information on aging and Down syndrome, financial tips, reading lists, area activities and more. Please contact info@dsindiana.org to order your copy today.
Getting To Know Me Booklet
Target Audience: Any age
Parents can utilize this Getting to Know Me booklet to let their child’s teacher know important their child. Print this Getting to Know Me version and hand write in your answers or email info@dsindiana.org to have a Microsoft Word version sent to you.