When parents first hear the news that their child has a genetic condition, they want support and accurate and up-to-date information right away. They fundamentally want to know what life is like for people living with those conditions. However, sometimes they may receive outdated information or resources that leave them frustrated and confused. Parents may also receive a list of medical conditions associated with a condition without information about life outcomes and social supports. Continue reading
Tag: Stephanie Meredith
New Online Learning Center Available through HDI
Virtual training at the Human Development Institute has a new look as a new online learning center is available for interdisciplinary online training. HDI is using a new learning platform to host free and low cost online training. The new online learning center meets requirements for accessibility, as well as responsive to the size of the device a learner accesses the site on. Continue reading
HDI’s National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources Presenting at Seminar in Japan
On June 3-4, 2016, Stephanie Meredith, Medical Outreach Director of the Human Development Institute’s (HDI) Lettercase Program/National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky, will be speaking at a seminar in Japan for the Yokohama Project—an advocacy group in Yokohama City led by community leaders and disability advocates. Ms. Meredith is being hosted by the Yokohama Project to speak about new and expectant parent support following a diagnosis of Down syndrome; outreach to medical professionals; and the value of community inclusion and cross-cultural communication to improve the diagnosis experience. The seminar was arranged by Hiroko Kondo, a parent advocate in Yokohama and Director of the Yokohama Project. Continue reading
“Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” Book Now Available in Spanish Thanks to the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation
The new parent guide, “Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” by Nancy McCrea Iannone and HDI’s Stephanie Meredith, has just been released in Spanish thanks to a generous grant from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. The newborn book published last year was specifically written for new parents during the first months after the birth of their baby with Down syndrome and includes topics like breastfeeding, adjusting to a diagnosis, preparing siblings, understanding medical issues, preparing for the future, and, most importantly, it shares diverse stories about the daily lives of families whose children have Down syndrome at different ages.
The Spanish version of “Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome” is available in print at http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/books/ and also free online through the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. This book was also reviewed by top professionals in the medical, education, and Down syndrome communities and includes beautiful photography. Continue reading