Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network
Important Links
Advocacy Agencies
SVDSN Yahoo Group An online discussion group for families of people with Down syndrome
National Down Syndrome Society

National Down Syndrome Congress

 Two national groups that focus on all things Down syndrome, from issue advocacy to research promotion to developing the support structures for our kids.  Each sponsors a national conference once a year as well as a variety of other activities.  Both also have valuable information for new parents on their websites
The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation An organization dedicated to the furtherance of research into the biology of Down syndrome, to develop treatments that may assist our children
Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society Fresno has one of the most dynamic local Down syndrome groups anywhere. They have offered a myriad of helpful training sessions and conferences over the years, and they have been a great encouragement to many of us in the Bay Area.
Flourish Network A new Bay-Area site devoted to networking and advocacy on behalf of children with special needs
Our Fiscal Agent
The Valley Medical Center Foundation The VMC Foundation exists primarily to support the Valley Medical Center of in San Jose. However VMCF has contracted with SVDSN to serve as our fiscal agent. This means that donations to SVDSN are handled through VMCF with their 501(c)3 registration. VMCF also provides insurance to cover SVDSN events, and helps us with publicity and other organizational assistance.
Service Providers
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area Based in Danville, DSCBA offers a services specific to children with Down syndrome and their families. DSCBA is in the process of expanding their service to centers in other cities/regions in the Greater Bay Area
Parents Helping Parents A local provider offering services to a wide variety of persons with special needs and their families.
Abilities United Formerly C-A-R Inc., provides to people with a variety of disabilities throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
One Step Closer A therapeutic horse and pony riding program for kids with special needs.  Based at Calero Ranch in the South Bay, One Step Closer serves nearly a dozen SVDSN member kids!
NCEFT The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT), located in Woodside, California, has provided equine assisted therapy and activities to individuals with special needs for 37 years.
SJ Parks/Rec Therapeutic Services The City of San Jose provides a variety of therapeutic services and recreation programs for people of all ages with various disabilities. Our members have enjoyed playgroups, dance programs, art and other activities, facilitated by staff specialists and volunteer students from SJSU therapy programs.
Publications & References
Down Syndrome Quarterly Scientific publication dedicated to research into Down syndrome.  Also the source for the definitive Health Care Guidelines for children with DS and a variety of other useful clinical and medical information at http://www.dsrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=inform.medical.
Research Institutions
The Stanford Center for Research and Treatment of Down Syndrome Right in our own back yard, the first laboratory in America dedicated explicitly to research on Down Syndrome
The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Another research institute based at the University of Colorado
Health References

Please Note: There are multiple schools of thought regarding appropriate health interventions for people with Down syndrome. Like any large group of people, there is substantial diversity of opinion among the members of SVDSN. The following links are provided without any endorsement or advocacy by SVDSN or its member families, but rather in the interest of providing parents the opportunity to examine different perspectives. If you are like most parents, you will appreciate one of the two links below, and have serious doubts about the other one!

Be sure to discuss any health intervention with your own, trusted health-care provider. No information from the internet should be taken as a substitute for competent, professional health advice!
Down Syndrome Health Issues Dr. Len Leshin, the author of this site, provides a number of articles and links regarding medical and scientific research and treatment of people with Down syndrome. Dr. Leshin is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of the National Down Syndrome Society.
Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support Group Riverbend is probably one of the most popular and comprehensive sites for the discussion of alternative therapies and educational approaches for people with Down syndrome.
Legal References
The Lanternman Act Know your legal rights in California!
Wrightslaw The Wrightslaw Bootcamp and other training sessions have been invaluable to many parents of children with special needs, as they provide a comprehensive overview of the legal challenges to accessing free and appropriate public education for your child. The website contains a wealth of useful reference material as well