"Children born with Down Syndrome have delayed physical and cognitive development. Here at Kiwanis, we try to narrow and bridge this development gap."

Those were the words of Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF) National Centre's administrative director Angie Heng as she spoke to Bernama here recently.

"Like every child who deserves the opportunity to be educated, the Down Syndrome child is no different. At KDSF, we are dedicated to assist the child with Down Syndrome achieve their maximum potential," she said.

Angie said for Down Syndrome children, simple tasks may require longer time to achieve but they do learn.

"We started out with a vision to give children with Down Syndrome an opportunity to discover themselves and to experience life.

"Along the way, many have proven that they can be taught albeit at a much slower pace," she said.

MISSION, ACTIVITIES

The KDSF National Centre , previously known as KDSF Petaling Jaya, was established in 1989 by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur.

The KDSF is committed to the welfare of children with Down Syndrome. Its main focus being the education of these children who are below six years old.

Among KDSF's main activities are giving counseling to families of children with Down Syndrome and creating public awareness on this genetic disorder.

The foundation also maintains a comprehensive resource centre with information on Down Syndrome and special education aids as well as maintaining and upgrading special education programmes and training of teachers in special education needs.

CURRICULUM

Angie said the KDSF adopts a developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates the children's needs, interest and abilities with their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

"Each child is observed and valued as an individual with his or her own developmental and maturation pace. It is important that our curriculum matches their developmental needs.

"Hence our programme is tailored towards guiding the children according to their level of functioning and expanding their learning capability so that they can explore their world independently," said Angie.

She said parents' active participation and support are an essential part of KDSF's programme.

"Parents, in partnership with our teachers, play a crucial role in ensuring the success of KDSF's programme by being part of the learning process in school and reinforcing them at home," she said.

KDSF'S PROFESSIONALS

KDSF teachers are not only qualified and trained in either early childhood or special needs education, but are also highly motivated to guide each child towards realizing his or her potential.

At the KDSF National Centre, a team of physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist continuously observe the children's development in the related areas and provide feedback for improvement in both curriculum and practical application.

REGISTRATION, ENROLLMENT

Parents who wish to enroll their Down Syndrome child at the KDSF National Centre are required to fill in the application form apart from providing documents like the child's birth certificate and medical certification regarding the child's medical condition.

"Contrary to public belief, enrolling a Down's Syndrome child at Kiwanis is not expensive. If parents cannot afford the fees, they can appeal for the fees to be lowered," said Angie.

There are three programmes at the KDSF National Centre.

The Infant Stimulation Programme has a one-hourly session weekly while the Toddler Programme is three times per week at two and half hours per session.

The Special Education Programme is four times a week at three hours per session.

As for the monthly fees, RM130 is for the Infant Stimulation Programme while the Toddler and Special Education programmes are at RM160 and RM190 respectively.

The KDSF National Centre follows the national school calendar. It is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur (KCKL).

The KDSF National Centre relies on the KCKL and public contributions for funds needed for the establishment's operations. It also holds events like the KDSF National Centre's Sports Day (on May 16) and Annual fun fair (in August).

The KDSF National Centre is located at Lot 13490, Jalan Jenjarum, Off Jalan SS23/1, Taman Sea,47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Angie Heng can be contacted at 03-7803 0179 9 (fax: 03-7806 462). More information can be obtained at www.kdsf.org.my (e-mail: admin@kdsf.org.my). The first in a series of articles on Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation. (By ZULKIPLE IBRAHIM/Bernama)