"Help expands possibilities!" - socialization studio that helps children and youth with Down syndrome socialize.

NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" operates in Poltava and Poltava region.

Main conditions NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" works with - people with Down syndrome, families raising people with Down syndrome

Organization's mission and goal is:

- Support and assistance to families with Down syndrome members;

- Supporting integration of people with Down syndrome in society;

Projects of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome"

- Annual thematic calendars to spread info about Down syndrome (photo sessions and exhibitions for children with Down syndrome and calendar printing 2018-2024)

- Events supporting and advocating inclusive education for families raising children with Down syndrome

- Project "Speak - I hear!" using alternative additional communication for nonverbal children 2024-2025

Children studying inclusively in schools can't attend extended day groups due to difficulties finding and hiring teacher assistants. Since children with Down syndrome need adapted materials with repetition, after-school time should be used beneficially for learning.

So parents of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" decided to create permanent extended day group - socialization studio for 10 children with Down syndrome studying in schools. Plans include social-domestic orientation classes, workshops, creative activities and additional school program support.

Parents will have time for personal matters (doctor, hairdresser, dentist visits etc.) or work several hours weekly. This studio will create platform for mutual support group for parents of children and youth with Down syndrome.

Currently children and youth of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" meet biweekly at socialization studio run by the organization. Children can attend workshops on plaster figure painting, card making etc., and social-domestic orientation lessons: microwave work, tea table setting.

In socialization studio children and youth with Down syndrome find friends, communicate, do creative work - instead of being alone at home after school. For classes the organization invites volunteers from Poltava Medical Dental Academy who help children and youth to relieve parents of children with disabilities. Parents can participate in mutual support group organized alongside children's activities. Support group is led by certified specialist among organization's parents.