About DSFS
Background
In the Free State, Early Intervention and parent support started in 1986 by dr. Dorothy Russell at the Bloemfontein Child Information Centre, Department Paediactrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State (UFS). The Free State Down Syndrome Support Group was inaugurated in 2004 with six (6) paid up members. That was basically the committee. Our status changed officially to that of a Branch in June 2013 and with the name change to Down Syndrome Free State (DSFS) and new logo. The constitution for DSFS Branch were tabled in 2014. Since this time we had a great committee with parents committed to our branch. We are registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (Article 18A) since 29 June 2015. (PBO NO 930049246)
Mission
Down Syndrome Free State is the provincial association to create equal opportunities for people with Down Syndrome (DS) and other intellectual disabilities to enable them to function optimally and to achieve their fullest potential in all spheres of life.
Vision
We envisaged to provide equitable, and where possible, accessible services to ensure that people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are integrated into society, enjoy equal opportunities and receive the necessary support and care.
Goal and aims
- To provide information and facilitate communication among Down syndrome organisations in Free State (FS) and other role players in the field of intellectual disabilities;
- To promote, recognise and encourage the development of organisations in FS working to benefit people with DS and other intellectual disabilities;
- To promote public awareness and improve attitudes towards persons with DS and other intellectual disabilities;
- To promote the principle of inclusion of persons with DS and other intellectual disabilities into the community, socially, educationally and in the workplace;
- To support ethical and relevant research by all bodies and individuals into DS wherever possible;
- To correspond with bodies or individuals locally on any matter touching the interest of DS and other intellectual disability and represent the organisation;
- To encourage the development of programmes, services and research that may be appropriate and beneficial for persons with DS and other intellectual disabilities.
Activities
Early intervention
This service is delivered by dr. Dorothy Russell an occupational therapist. Babies with DS younger than 18 months receive occupational therapy every second week and the older babies with DS once a month at the Bloemfontein Child Information Centre, UFS.
Awareness
There are two dates to remember for Awareness, 21 March International DS Day and 20 October National DS Day. Down Syndrome Free State do awareness throughout the year also. In 2017 DSFS printed T-shirts, there is bracelets and DS ribbons for these days.
Self advocacy
This is a busy portfolio of Self Advocacy with Sheri Brynard (37 years) as our motivational speaker and her awareness programme. She presents 4-5 times a month locally, nationally and internatinally since 2014 on radio, TV and different veneus accross South Africa, England and Europe.
Educational outreach
We had two educational camps at Moolmanshoek, Ficksburg, Free State.
We are involved with the Learning Festival hosted by Bloemshelter and UFS in September every year. This is skills training for children and adults from gardening to 3D printing.
Fundraising
This is never an easy task. As a branch DSFS seeks all opportunities to fundraise. We are registered as a charity on GivenGain.
People may sponsor a child for attending creches or schools in the FS.
Birthday and Xmas parties
Our team
Chairperson: Jacob Matras
Vice–Chair: Niklaas Arangies
Treasurer: Ansie Steele
Secretary: Dorothy Russell (& Intervention)
Admin: Aletta Erasmus
Awareness: Susette Brynard
Marketing and Website: Isabel Arangies
Projects: Fadila Jooma, Marsha van Biljon, Jane Maga, Thandi Nkope, Palesa Msibi
Above: Niklaas Arangies, Rebecca Mosini, Susette Brynard, Jane Maga, Dorothy Russell