The Tribune

THE Bahamas Down Syndrome Association and centre has launched a documentary, ‘Don’t Look Down Look Up.’

It was presented to the Prime Minister, Minister of Education and to the Minister of Social Services at the New Providence Community Church recently.

The film was launched to help the Bahamian community become more aware of Down Syndrome and to share the positives of children born with the challenge.

“We have much to accomplish here in the Bahamas, being such a young organisation. We must help our families change their mentality of keeping our children hidden as well as educating our Bahamian people on “What is Down Syndrome?” said the organisation.

The group’s classroom and office was opened in September 2011 and provides a dedicated learning space for younger children.

The group has eight children in its early intervention program. They receive the best in education from highly qualified teachers as well as speech, physio and occupational therapies.

In July, 2012 the group launched an adult programme designed for adults who have been “sitting at home”. Their programme includes maths, English, reading, writing, cooking, art and music as well as outings to the grocery store, the bank and field trips.

The group said: “We would like to see our centre as a safe haven, to educate and provide the best learning facility for our children and provide a space for our adults to learn the life skills they need. We also want to ensure that our children get the necessary therapies that they need to enhance their learning and future development.”

The night the documentary was unveiled was a big success with the opening prayer by the Rev James Dale Neilly and the Bahamas’ National Anthem sung by the children and adults of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association.

Ida Poitier Turnquest gave a welcome speech and Master of Ceremonies was Father James Palacious.

Mizpah Bethel and her son Ty gave a moving testimony and song. Michelle Farrington introduced the documentary with a vote of thanks by Cheryl Johnson Newell.

If anyone would like to know more about the centre, please call Denise Bullard, secretary and office manager, at (242) 393-0107.