Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network provides the following services;

New parent education and support - This will be provided through new parent binders mainly distributed by local area hospitals.  These are three ring binders that contain information about CODSN, essays written by other families in our group, phone numbers, and email addresses of community and national resources, general facts and information about Down syndrome, health care guidelines for children with Down syndrome, and inspirational stories about families whose lives have been touched by Down syndrome.

Prenatal diagnosis packets – These are provided to doctors in our community to be given as a resource to families who receive a positive diagnosis of Down syndrome.  The packets contain general information about Down syndrome, resources to obtain more information including; the other resources CODSN has to offer,  resources for adoption services, and one paragraph essays with photos of people living with Down syndrome in our community.

Website – Our website contains general information about Down syndrome, health care guidelines for children with Down syndrome, a listing of resources available free of charge in our lending library, resources and community partners with links or contact information for each, a calendar of events relating to CODSN and our community partners, a photo gallery, membership information, newsletters, and other resources.

School Age Education Program – A program we are partnering with Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL) to provide school age children education on diverse abilities.  This is a valuable program as it is so important to begin at an early age teaching people about differences and the uniqueness of individuals.  The program involves teaching young people to recognize and value people’s abilities, rather than their disabilities.  Provided with learning opportunities and a better understanding, young people will be better equipped to accept differences, and will be more apt to embrace diversity throughout their lives.

Lending Library – A library of books and media resources available for loan, free of charge.  This extensive library consists of books and videos.  A list of these resources can be located on our web site.

Quarterly family fun days – Quarterly events geared towards anyone whose life has been touch by Down syndrome.  Events encourage people to interact and participate in activities such as; movie night, picnic in the park, Bend Christmas parade, Buddy Walk, World Down syndrome day and other events.  This provides important networking opportunities for families.

Community Education Program – Education to members of the medical community and caregivers.  This program can be tailored to the agencies needs.  For example, educating medical professionals about appropriate ways to address families whose new baby was diagnosed with Down syndrome, education on what issues families and people with Down syndrome face in everyday life.  These classes combine the real life expertise our families have with accurate information on Down syndrome.