Election of Officers
Elections for new officers for the CCDSS are coming up in June. As such, we have posted a description of each of the officer’s duties. Previously, we had five officer spots, including two secretaries; this has been reduced to four with one secretary. Officers will serve for two years in the capacity outlined in the job description, as well as being on the board. The board will also include volunteer members from the community so we can have a mix of parents and other folks working together for our families.
How to run for an officer position
Candidates for officer positions 2009
Web-based Survey Research Study
Parents of children with Down syndrome and adult siblings of persons with Down syndrome are invited to be in a web-based, survey research study. The purpose of this Penn State study is to learn more about needs and expectations for genetic counseling. No prior experience with genetic counseling is necessary. The survey takes about 30 min to complete. If you are interested in being in the study, please, go to https://online.survey.psu.edu/downsyndrome/
General results will be shared with the Centre County Down Syndrome Society at the completion of the study. For more information contact Kathy Peters, MS at 814-865-1392 or kfp1@psu.edu.
Centre County Down Syndrome Society
Welcome to the homepage of the Centre County Down Syndrome Society (CCDSS), an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress. The CCDSS was organized by a group of families in the Centre County PA region who recognized a need for, and wanted to provide, a local informational and support resource network. This site has been designed as a resource for families who have received either a prenatal (during pregnancy) or postnatal (after birth) diagnosis of Down Syndrome, as well as for healthcare professionals seeking to provide their patients with more informed, comprehensive service.
The main goal of CCDSS is to let parents, grandparents, siblings, other relatives, friends, community members, and healthcare professionals know that individuals with Down Syndrome are unique, energetic, capable, loving people who exist right here in Centre County and throughout the country and world. They play, laugh, go to school, work, love, and contribute like the rest of us. If you are a parent of a child that has been diagnosed prenatally or postnatally with DS, we want you to know that while raising a child with DS may be challenging, complex, exciting and, at times, a struggle, the same can be said for raising any child. No matter what, raising a child with DS shouldn't be viewed as a prospect that inspires fear, anxiety, or sadness.
The pages on this website have been constructed based on the contributions of a number of member families and what they thought they would have wanted to see in terms of information and support when they first received their diagnosis of DS. The information contained herein is intended to answer some of your basic questions and address some basic issues regarding DS. It is also intended as a starting point, as many external links are provided for those wishing to pursue more in-depth research. Additionally, member families and friends of CCDSS are listed here as a resource, with the idea that if you do find yourself anxious, scared, or confused about an issue associated with a child or adult with DS, we are more than willing to discuss our experiences and what knowledge we have accrued as a group, either in person, via e-mail or by phone. Please feel free to explore the website and contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions.
The CCDSS gratefully accepts donations from anyone willing or able to give. Contributions of any size are appreciated. Funds are used to increase awareness of the issues surrounding DS, promote our activities, and advocate for members of our community. Note that you can use the button below to make a contribution with any major credit card. You do not need a Pay Pal account.
1Kidder, CS and Skotko B. Common Threads: Celebrating Life With Down Syndrome. (2nd ed.). Band of Angels Press, Rochester Hills, MI, 2007.