Our children need us to be their number one advocates. It is one of our most important responsibilities as parents. As parents of children with special needs, the responsibility is only greater.

 Advocating for our children includes:

• Finding a pediatrician who is knowledgeable in the medical issues associated with Down syndrome and guaranteeing they receive quality medical care.
• Making sure they receive early childhood intervention (ECI) therapy services from birth to three years and private therapy, when necessary.
• Being thoroughly prepared for the ARD process when they transition from ECI at age three.
• Staying actively involved in our children's education and the IEP process of special education and inclusion.
• Contacting elected officials and staying abreast of pending legislation, both local and national, impacting special education, disability rights and related issues. 
• Becoming actively involved in advocacy efforts to help pave a better road for our children and future children and parents like us.