SW FL PODS Angels Down Syndrome Family Support

Located on the West Coast of Florida
Cape Coral & Fort Myers area.

The purpose of SW FL PODS ANGELS is to:

Provide Social Opportunities in the community; operate a nonprofit Support Group and Resource Center, exclusively for charitable purposes:

a) SW FL PODS Angels Family Support Group, Inc., is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families through the networking of social activities, help families get early intervention and make new parent hospital visits. (These opportunities are often the parent’s first ray of hope and source of support after their child is born.)

b) Give support and information from the best resource: other parents. Families who have children with Down syndrome will help families look beyond their child's diagnosis and delight in the joys of parenthood

c) Help families understand the new terminology, service and supports that will help their child developed successfully. Connect the families to local services.

d) Provide information on all aspects of Down syndrome in person, by phone or Internet with free information and support, inspirational material and a list of resources. When they visit SW FL PODS Angels on line at www.podsangels.org they will find local and national resources, connect with other families and get information they need about Down syndrome.

e) To offer a lending library of assistive technology free of charge. To form an advocacy team as back up for families in need of our support. To provide every means possible to empower the person and their family to be self-sufficient.

WELCOME!

If you are visiting this site because you have received the news that your baby has Down Syndrome, congratulations are in order. First of all you have a baby (or are going to have a baby). I realize this isn't the baby you expected. Welcome to Holland Babies with Down Syndrome are as unique and adorable as every baby that is born. This website's purpose is to inform you of the life realities that a person with Down Syndrome can look forward to today. Undoubtedly you will be told of the medical possibilities. You will be advised by well meaning family members, friends, and medical professionals. Hopefully your Dr. is enlightened about the positive points to parenting a child with Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, much of the time they only present the medical possibilities and fail to mention the great potential that children born with Down Syndrome have and the joy they bring to their families. Any decision is yours. Do not ask opinions of people who are not in your situation. If they do not have a child with Down Syndrome they can not tell you what it is like. I have included stories and photos from parents of children with Down Syndrome. There are links to other sites so you can read more detailed stories and learn more about Down Syndrome. An excellent book that we suggest you read is Babies With Down Syndrome A New Parents Guide edited by Karen Stray-Gundersen. Join the Down Syndrome News Group and ask hundreds of parents any question. Information on how to subscribe and how to contact The National Down Syndrome Society and The National Down Syndrome Congress can be found at: Welcoming New Babies and Down Syndrome Sites. And for the most comprehensive Web Site on Down Syndrome and related topics see the Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support Group and HealthLink U.S.A.

To download or print 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' an informative pamphlet designed for parents with a prenatal diagnosis by parents who had prenatal diagnosis' and now have children with Down syndrome click here: http://www.proudonline.org/prenatal.htm

* Down Syndrome Parenting Support *

* Angel Gatherings in the Park *

* Advocacy Trainings Through Advocacy Tea Parties *

* Teach n Release Advocacy Services *

* Broward County *

* Florida *

Created February 25, 2006