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

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

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

The mission and goal of the organization is:

- Support and assistance to families with persons with Down syndrome;

- Supporting integration processes of people with Down syndrome in society;

Projects of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome"

- Annual themed calendars to spread information about Down syndrome (organizing photo shoots and photo exhibitions for children with Down syndrome and printing calendars with these photos annually 2018-2024

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

- Project "Speak - I hear!" using alternative augmentative communication means for non-verbal children 2024-2025

Children studying in inclusive general education schools cannot attend extended day groups because there are difficulties finding and employing teacher assistants for extended day groups. Since children with Down syndrome need adapted learning materials for better understanding with multiple repetitions, time after lessons should be used beneficially for learning.

Therefore, parents of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" decided to create a permanent extended day group at the organization's premises - a socialization studio for 10 children with Down syndrome studying in general schools. It's planned to organize social-household orientation classes, master classes, creative activities and create additional opportunities to master the school program.

Parents will have the opportunity to solve their household issues (visiting doctors, hairdressers, dentists, etc.) or work several hours a week. This studio will also create a platform for mutual support and mutual assistance groups for parents of children and youth with Down syndrome.

Currently, children and youth of NGO "Poltava Down Syndrome" meet once every two weeks at a socialization studio conducted by the NGO with their own resources. Children and youth can attend master classes on painting plaster figurines, making postcards, etc., and have opportunities for social-household orientation lessons: working with microwave ovens, setting tables for tea time.

At the socialization studio, children and youth with Down syndrome find friends, communicate, engage in creativity - instead of being alone at home after school. The NGO invites volunteers from the volunteer squad of Poltava Medical Dental Academy to conduct classes, who provide feasible help to children and youth to relieve parents of children with disabilities. Parents in their free time can participate in mutual support groups organized alongside children's activities. The mutual support group is conducted by a certified specialist from among the organization's parents.