Down Syndrome Association Western Cape
Events Organisers in Cape Town

Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape (DSAWC) offers support and a number of services to people with Down syndrome and similar disabilities an.

Down Syndrome Association Western Cape (DSAWC) is a non profit organisation. We provide support to people with Down syndrome and their families. Down Syndrome Associatio n Western Cape (DSAWC) is a non profit organisation. This was before cell phones, the internet and social media. Gloria Botha, a mum of a little baby girl called Cheré, asked her local clinic sister to please let her know if any other mums with a baby with Down syndrome visits the clinic. A few days later another mum, Hillette Henn, visited the clinic with her baby girl, Amanda, and the sister gave her Gloria’s number. The fathers where roped in too, and in 1976 the Association was registered under the name of the Western Cape Down Syndrome Association. The building that DSAWC still uses today was bought in 1978 and paid for by the first group of parents. Leaving a wonderful legacy to those who would follow in their footsteps. Always remember that people tend to take your behaviour, reactions and attitudes as an indication of how they should react to you. Using the correct terminology will be showing that you value your child. Family and friends will usually want to support you, and if you are able to focus on positive aspects of caring for your new baby, they will likely want to share in your joy! You should also consider offering friends and family members information about the developmental aspects of Down syndrome so that they, too, can share in celebrating your baby’s accomplishments. Speak openly about your child and your friends will feel more and more at ease with the situation. If someone does not react in the way you would hope, remember that he or she may have personal reasons for doing so that have nothing to do with you or your baby. It is possible that they may also be dealing with their own grief or pain. Grandparents, for example, may be dealing not only with the news that their grandchild has a disability, but also with the knowledge that their child is in pain. Support group membership is usually open to grandparents and other relatives, so you might consider letting them know that it’s an option available to them. Don’t be afraid of sharing your emotions with your trusted friends and family members. They are often eager to provide emotional support or other assistance. Give your family and friends the opportunity to hold your baby and play with him, or ask them to baby-sit for you if necessary. If you share your feelings honestly and openly, you create opportunities for them to do so. Remember that whenever you do turn to others for assistance, it’s a good idea to be specific about how much help you want or need, and what your needs are. People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first.