Health Examiner: First Down syndrome education and research cent

[Guest guest]

Very interesting, of course, but far from the first.

The Kennedy-Willis Center at Pathfinder Village has been around for years.

They may not have the extensive connections and programs, but they sponsor

workshops and education programs all over the country and hold workshops

there as well. They have a pretty good library, too, and are working on

expanding. From their webpage:

As part of Pathfinder Village's service to humanity, an education and

information center was envisioned during the village's planning phase.

Opening in 1996, today, the Kennedy.Willis Center on Down Syndrome provides

resources and support to those who have Down syndrome. The Center shares

the hopeful message of the village -- " ... that each life may find meaning "

-- with the world. The center has a three-fold mission of serving people

through hands-on education,

<http://www.pathfindervillage.org/5-KWC-edu.html> direct

<http://www.pathfindervillage.org/5-KWC-direct-con.html> counseling, and

research. <http://www.pathfindervillage.org/5-KWC-research.html>

<http://www.pathfindervillage.org/media-lifestyle-photos/photos/kwc-.jpg>

Since opening, the Kennedy.Willis Center has informed people regarding

resources <http://www.pathfindervillage.org/5-KWC-resource.html> on Down

syndrome, organized conferences and workshops, internships, life planning

services, healthcare agency retreats, and one-on-one counseling sessions. It

has attracted a diverse audience through conferences on the spiritual needs

of the disabled, addressing problem behaviors, financial planning, and the

links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. The effect of these

services is already evident: letters, telephone calls, e-mail messages,

program evaluations and face-to-face discussions show that the center is

providing badly needed services. The center's outreach functions will

continue to grow, and it will become a major avenue through which Pathfinder

Village serves a worldwide audience

CK

Mom to Ian (2/89),

(9/90),

and Rose (6/94)