DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth

DavianStrivesforIndependenceatDorothySpainhourChildDevelopmentCenter

Fayetteville, NC –During the month of October, we’ve been highlighting the progress made by individuals we serve at Easterseals UCP, who are diagnosed with Down syndrome. We are increasing awareness in our communities about Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder. One in 700 babies are born today with Down syndrome which equates to 6,000 infants annually. It occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, people with Down syndrome have varying degrees of cognitive delays, from mild to severe. The cause of Down syndrome is unknown.

Davian, age two, has been receiving services at Dorothy Spainhour Child Development Center since he was ten-months-old. Staff is proud of his improvements in all aspects of his development. Davian interacts with friends, follows adult lead activities during circle time, and has begun feeding himself independently.

Davian’s little voice can now be heard saying small words such as, “Hi” and “bye”. He loves to sing and dance with his classmates too.

The Easterseals UCP Child Development Centers provide early care and education for children from six weeks to five-years-old. Although Easterseals UCP is known for its work with children with disabilities, our children’s centers provide an inclusive program for typical learners as well as children with special needs. The Dorothy Spainhour Child Development Center in Fayetteville, NC is licensed through NC Division of Child Development Early Education as a 5 star center with special Developmental Day Certification. This program is also an NC Pre-k site for Cumberland County.

For more information about Easterseals UCP Child Development Centers

KathyEdgertonEastersealsUCPChiefCommunicationsOfficerKathy.Edgerton@eastersealsucp.com(O)919-865-8660(C)919-208-0621

NewsRelease

FORIMMEDIATERELEASEOctober26,2017Fayetteville,NC

Additional Resources: National Down Syndrome Society North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Global Down Syndrome Foundation – list of NC Organizations ABOUT EASTERSEALS UCP Easterseals UCP works side-by-side with adults and children who are managing disabilities and mental health challenges. We serve as a nurse, a therapist, a social worker, a job counselor, a teacher, a psychologist, a caregiver and a compassionate friend all rolled into one. Our purpose is to help neighbors in need achieve better days and live their best possible life. Learn more about Easterseals UCP at www.eastersealsucp.com