Education Programs at KDSP - A Down Syndrome Organization

Implementing inclusion in education for individuals with Down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) require additional support to progress socially and academically in mainstream society. With our school readiness, inclusion facilitation, life skills, and tailored assistance programs, we are working towards making Pakistani society equipped for and capable of inclusion. We also empower parents and students to advocate for their needs and thrive in society.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2016

Established

84

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Community

Updated

April 2024

Our vision is to increase the inclusion of students with DS in mainstream schools and in society at large. We want to build the capacity of teachers, parents and other stakeholders in catering to the needs of individuals with DS in all areas of life and hope to see increased confidence and satisfaction in children and adults with DS when navigating through and participating in mainstream society.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

The inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) in Pakistani society, especially in mainstream education, as well as a lack of resources, has been a challenge. Through early intervention and consistent support, we aim to facilitate students’ development. Our innovation is a system of academic and social support for individuals with DS, as well as their families, teachers and employers.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Our innovation focuses on the educational journey for students with DS from early years to adulthood. The goal is to prepare them to thrive in mainstream society through individualized education plans (IEPs), and removing all academic, social and financial barriers. The school readiness program enrolls preschool students and prepares them for both the social and academic aspects of mainstream schools. Upon graduating, we assist them with transition to mainstream, through school collaborations, teacher training and IEP development. For older students who struggle with meeting academic goals in schools, we provide afternoon tailored assistance to help bridge education gaps by equipping them with foundational and life skills. For adults with DS above 14 years of age struggling with formal education, the innovation helps in development of vocational and digital skills, and assists with workplace enrolments and internships.

How has it been spreading?

We started with just the school readiness program and 9 enrolments. Today we are catering to more than 80 students across 4 programs. Since inception we have benefited over 100 students and have expanded from only working with students aged 1-3, to covering all age groups. 50+ of our students from the school readiness program have transitioned to mainstream schools, and 6 students have been enrolled in internships till date. In 2023, the organization expanded its services to Islamabad, where the education innovation will be implemented by the end of 2024. We won the Zero Project Award 2024, for Inclusive Education and presented the innovation at the Zero Conference in Austria. In the future we plan on enrolling more students and expanding our afterschool program within schools.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Each program has guidelines regarding its implementation, as well as a program curriculum with Student Learning Objectives. We also mention required resources such as apps, educators and manipulatives. To learn more about our policies, curriculum and resources, you can email us at educationandtraining.kdsp@gmail.com or message us on WhatsApp at +92 311-6335377. You can also visit our website.

Media

Our program for inclusive education and preschool program won the Zero Project Award in 2024. https://zeroproject.org/view/project/f4be8c28-51aa-4b6e-90e8-b58cd2b0b6cb

We were awarded a grant from the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) to conduct an inclusive education training for stakeholders such as educators, parents and school and government officials. https://puan.pk/breaking-barriers-a-tale-of-hope-and-inclusion/

Our crafters have their artwork displayed in our shop, both physcial and online, for anyone interested in buying their art. Proceeds from sales help support individuals with Down syndrome. https://www.instagram.com/lehrbykdsp/

We regularly work with schools to promote inclusion and enrollment of individuals with Down syndrome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QffFDIpc8UA

Implementation steps

Beginning the Inclusive Education Journey in the School Readiness Program (Preschool)

The first stage of the journey begins in the 1-year school readiness program. Preschool students and their guardians eligible for admission and on our waitlist are interviewed and shortlisted. Classes begin every August. Students are taught classroom behavior, sitting tolerance, social, literacy, numeracy, fine and gross motor skills, and also do enrichment activities as per their IEPs. After one year, students graduate from the program and transition into our Program for Inclusive Education.

Entering the Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) after Completing the School Readiness Program

Once a student is ready for mainstream school, we collaborate with and train schools so they are ready to work with students with Down syndrome. The aim of PIE is to facilitate the enrolment of students in mainstream schools and ensure they are thriving. Our trainings consist of academic and non-academic modules. We also provide awareness sessions on DS to schools. Parents can also request for the development of IEPs through our collaboration with them and the school.

Enrolling in the Afternoon Tailored Assistance Program (TAP) for Additional Support

Students from grade 6 to 9 who are either unable to continue with mainstream schooling or require additional support can enroll in TAP. Through IEPs, students are supported in functional literacy, numeracy, cognition and life skills that are taught through evidence-based, multi-sensory approaches. All these skills, along with social skills modules, aim to build a strong foundation for increased independence.

Transitioning into Vocational Training Through the Education for Life (EFL) Program

Students over 14+ years can enroll into EFL. The purpose of this program is to increase independence and prepare them for self-employment or work placements. They are taught vocational and life skills ranging from money handling and time management, to computer, and painting skills etc. Students can also go through an employment readiness program that equips them with soft skills. We aim to collaborate with institutions to prepare them to be ready to understand and accommodate our students.