Down Syndrome Connection Helps More Bay Area Families at New Location

When Danville resident Martha Hogan discovered her son Blair had Down syndrome, she was shocked.

"I was young. It knocked me for a loop," says Hogan, Director of Advocacy and Support for the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. "If I hadn't found support through the Down Syndrome League, I wouldn't have made it."

That was 32 years ago and the league no longer exists. But in 1998, Hogan co-founded the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, where more than 100 children attend after-school classes each week, both in Danville and at sites around the Bay Area.

Hogan's son Blair is now grown and for the last four years has worked at Contra Costa Country Club in golf services.

"The head pro took a chance," says Hogan, adding that Blair has always loved sports, especially golf. "He says it's a great job for Blair and a great opportunity for the country club."

In February, Danville-based Down Syndrome Connection moved to a new location with an extra 1,000 square feet of space.

"We're very excited to have this space," says Executive Director and Danville resident Nancy LaBelle. "We have two classrooms now, instead of just one. The new classrooms are enclosed which means the children can stay focused on what they are doing."

The new space also has room for an office, storage room, bathroom and kitchen – amenities that the organization lacked before.

Classes for all ages

The organization offers a variety of classes and therapies for all ages, from babies through adults.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 733 births in the United States. It causes developmental delays and mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

"The classes enhance the ability of the children and help them to reach their full potential," says LaBelle.

There is also a parent support group that meets every month, sibling support, and education for parents who are expecting a child with Down syndrome.

Natalie Burbach of Livermore has been bringing her 5-year-old daughter Rachael to the program since she was born. Rachael, who is one of six siblings, has Down syndrome.

"I came here primarily for comfort and education," says Burbach. "I didn't know how to care for a child with Down syndrome."

Burbach enrolled Rachael in the Baby Steps program, which she attended for three years. Now she's taking speech therapy once a week from speech therapist Heather Peterson.

"We've been to a lot of speech therapists, but Heather is the best," says Burbach. "She's working wonders with Rachael's speech."

Burbach says Rachael now speaks in sentences thanks to Peterson's help.

"We can understand her, it's amazing," says Burbach. "Her school teacher has seen a remarkable improvement."

Burbach says that organization has meant the world to her and her family.

"They are there for education, support and love," says Burbach.

When Rachael was refused admission to her local school, Burbach enlisted the help of Hogan, who accompanied her to the school meeting and helped convince the administration to let Rachael attend regular kindergarten. It's a decision that has worked out well.

"Rachael loves school," says Burbach. "She's making friends and has been invited to lots of birthday parties. The other kids are very accepting of her."

The organization also offers tutoring in reading and writing through tutor Natalie Hale's program "Special Reads for Special Needs."

Jo Kelley's 4-year-old son Cole attends the Small Steps class for 3- to 5-year-olds. The Danville mother says Cole likes the class, especially circle time.

"The class works on skills that kids need entering kindergarten, such as following directions and opening up to new experiences through art and singing songs," says Kelley.

She says she can't even measure how the organization has benefited her and her family.

"By going to Baby Steps and talking with other parents, I got to enjoy my baby," says Kelley. "Having a child with Down syndrome is a different journey, but it's just as pleasurable and doable. We work through the struggles and celebrate the successes."

Teens with Special Needs

Like most teenagers, kids with Down syndrome have their ups and downs. The organization caters to teens through the Next Steps (ages 12-15) and Team Cool (ages 15-20) classes.

"We started teen classes many years ago," says Hogan. "Teens need friendship and a safe place to go to talk about things that might be bothering them."

Kathy Harkins, Director of Operations for the organization, has been involved since its inception and a staff member for eight years.

Harkins 16-year-old son Patrick was born with Down syndrome. 

"When Patrick was born, I was given two brochures, one about adoption and one from Martha with the Down Syndrome League," recalls Harkins. "I contacted Martha. She said it was going to be okay, that there are lots of families and support."

She says Patrick attends the teen class once a week where he learns friendship-building skills and works on self-esteem.

"It's a place to be him," says Harkins. "Here he can be Patrick, not Patrick with Down syndrome, just Patrick."

She says she's made great friends from the organization that she would never have met if it hadn't been for her son.

Funding and Friends

LaBelle says the organization receives funds from trusts and foundations, as well as donations from parents and the community.

"Forty percent of our money comes from fund-raising efforts," says LaBelle. "For example, both the St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus and Elliot's Bar host an annual golf tournament."

Since they moved to their new office space, the organization received $6,500 from Buffy Wachs of New York, a good friend of one of the members.

"The $6,500 will be used for technology and new parent support," says LaBelle, who sees this as an exciting new avenue to learning. "It has allowed us to purchase a laptop, two TVs, DVD players and a Wii system, so teens and adults can dance, exercise and do sports like bowling."

She says it will also allow for workshops and classes via Skype and enable the organization to enlist new expertise, including occupational therapists.

LaBelle says it's not just money that keeps the programs going.

"Our volunteers are our life blood," says LaBelle, who gives a special nod to her teen helpers. "They give so much of their time, it's amazing."

This year's fundraisers include the 7th Annual Bowl-A-Rama at the Dublin Bowl on May 2; the 1st Annual Charity Auction Gala at the Diablo Country Club on Sept. 18; and the 2010 Bay Area Buddy Walk on Oct. 23.

For more information on the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, visit www.dsconnection.org or call 362-8660. The office is located at 101-J Town and Country Drive in Danville.