Down Syndrome Family Network

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Down Syndrome Family Network

💛 Our mission is to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.

We believe in presuming competence, inspiring inclusion, and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome. Instead of having 46 chromosomes in each of his/her cells, a person with Down syndrome has 47. The extra chromosome may be derived from either the egg or the sperm. It is believed that during cell division of a sperm or egg, the two #21 chromosomes do not separate properly (non-disjunction). Thus, one cell will have an extra #21 chromosome, which later, if united with a normal germ cell, which has among others one #21 chromosome, may lead to trisomy 21. The first cell at conception then has 47 chromosomes instead of "normal set" of 46 chromosomes. When this cell with three #21 chromosomes continues to multiply, and the pregnancy is carried to term, a baby with Down syndrome will be born. This form of chromosome error, trisomy 21, is found in about 95% of persons with Down syndrome.

01/01/2026

Only a few memories and milestones from a successful 2025 💛 A year of advocating for inclusion, amplifying the voices of self advocates, and equipping resilient parents and loved ones with the tools that truly matter 🌍💙

As we step into 2026 we’re dreaming bigger speaking louder and building even safer brighter and more inclusive spaces for the entire disability community ✨💪📣

Here’s to progress purpose and potential unlocked together 🌟

SelfAdvocates InspireInclusion LookingAhead2026 GratitudeInAction FutureIsInclusive

30/12/2025

A community built one workshop at a time 💛✨

Through shared stories, advocacy, laughter learning and love we’ve created something powerful together 🤝🌍

These workshops didn’t just build skills, they built confidence friendships, support systems and a family rooted in inclusion 💙💪

Grateful for every voice every parent, every self advocate and every step forward 🌟

More moments. More memories. More community!

29/12/2025

More moments more milestones more magic 💛✨

We’re not just celebrating memories we’re celebrating momentum 🌍💪

2026 holds bigger breakthroughs louder voices and new opportunities for the entire disability community 🧩💙🎄

Here’s to another year of inclusion progress and milestones worth cheering for 🎉🌟

23/12/2025

Reminiscing on our Trinidad End of Year Workshop 💛🎄✨

🤝🌟 Moments of connection reflection and celebration that remind us how far we’ve come as a community and why this work truly matters 💙

As we look ahead to the new year we’re inspired by the milestones still to come ✨
📣 Stronger advocacy
🌍 Greater inclusion
💛 More opportunities for our families and self advocates 💪

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, love filled and inclusive season 🎄✨🤍

22/12/2025

More moments from our Tobago DSFN Family Workshop 💛

Each photo reflects connection growth and the power of community coming together in a shared space of inclusion and support 🌍✨

We are thankful for the families self advocates and partners who made the day meaningful and memorable.

The work continues and so does the progress 💙

19/12/2025

𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢 End of Year Workshop ✨
Amazing Day, Essential Conversations 💚💙

18/12/2025

Today we came together in 𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢 for our DSFN Family Workshop 💛

A day filled with connection, learning, reflection and celebration as families, self advocates and supporters shared inspiration, stories and strength 🌍✨

We are grateful for every voice every moment and every milestone reached together.

The journey continues and so does our commitment to inclusion opportunity and community for all 💙

16/12/2025

✨ DSFN Family Workshop 𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢✨

As we wrap up the year we’re bringing our families self advocates and community together for connection reflection and celebration 💛💙

We are pleased to share that Alvin (Big Dougie) Douglas will be joining us as a guest speaker 🙌✨

Alvin Douglas is Vice President of the Association of Tobago Dive Operators Managing Director of Frontier Divers Ltd and Owner and Director of Tobago Marine Safety and Security Services Ltd bringing valuable insight leadership and lived experience to the conversation.

📅 Thursday 18th December 2025
⏰ 9:00am to 1:00pm
📍 Buccoo Integrated Facility Tobago

Join us for a meaningful year in review inspiring speakers parent testimonials awards entertainment prayer and sharing 🌍✨
🎟️ FREE to attend registration is required
👨‍👩‍👧 Maximum 4 per family self advocate plus 3

🔗 Live link in bio
🔗 Or register here https://tinyurl.com/DSFNTobagoDec

14/12/2025

Today we celebrate Tyrese Niles, soon to be 27 years old 💛
Born in Trinidad and Tobago as a young man with Down syndrome his future was once seen as dismal because of the lack of equal opportunities for his development.

Through the Down Syndrome Family Network Tyrese secured an internship with shipping company Aeropost.com. With commitment diligence and strong work ethic his internship was extended and he was eventually hired as permanent staff where he worked for four and a half years 🙌✨ He is now a storeroom clerk and support sales clerk at one of Detour Stores flagship locations.

When he isn’t working Tyrese is living life to the fullest 🎮⚽🎶 He is an avid gamer loves sports sings and dances along to music videos and enjoys binge watching Netflix. He also loves himself deeply 💪🪞 staying fit through spin classes and workouts in the home gym then checking the mirror for his own approval.

Tyrese’s journey reminds us that opportunities reveal potential. Inclusion does not happen by chance it happens by choice. When we open doors we don’t just change one life we change the future of our society.

10/12/2025

Repost: The Art of The Possible.

This group of individuals breaking barriers and witnessing together the gifts, talents and abilities we all bring.

But there are so many more people like us inspiring and doing the same.
Artists, musicians, bodybuilders, college students, cheerleaders, Boy Scouts, restaurant workers, business owners, speakers, Girl Scouts, dancers, valued employees etc.- the list goes on and on.

Why is this representation important?
Because it encourages and moves society towards changing very out-dated attitudes and roles of what is possible for people with Down Syndrome.

It moves acceptance, belonging and understanding.
Empathy and compassion.

It helps to reduce fear of the unknown until it becomes known.

A label is just that. It blinds society from seeing what is actually possible.

Each person with Down Syndrome, just like the rest of the population, possesses different gifts and talents.

And we are here to show what is possible.

Diagnosis is not destiny.

💙💛

09/12/2025

Tune in as DSFN Board Member Paul Enoe and Rhoda Christopher continue the much needed conversations around World Disability Day 💛💚💙

Speaking from the perspective of parents of children with Down Syndrome they will share real experiences meaningful insights and key issues affecting our disability community 🌍✨

📅 Tuesday 9th December
⏰ 1:15 p.m.
🎙️ Nicole Larsen Live 91.1 Talk City Radio

Let’s listen learn and keep building spaces where every voice counts 💙

08/12/2025

✨ 𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢 Family Workshop ✨
As we wrap up the year we’re bringing our families self advocates and community together for connection reflection and celebration 💛💙

📅 Thursday 18th December 2025
⏰ 9:00am to 1:00pm
📍 Buccoo Integrated Facility Tobago

Join us for a meaningful year in review inspiring speakers parent testimonials awards entertainment prayer and sharing 🙌✨
🎟️ FREE to attend registration is required
👨‍👩‍👧 Maximum 4 per family self advocate plus 3

🔗 Live link in bio
🔗 Or register here https://tinyurl.com/DSFNTobagoDec

Address

Building Office 3, Althom, 18-20 Pembroke Street
Port Of Spain

Website

https://www.dsfamilynetwork.org/

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