Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization

CIDSO Grants

We seek to promote independence and inclusive opportunities for all people in our area with Down syndrome that they may become productive citizens with the maximum opportunity to reach their full potential as human beings.

The members of the Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization support that aim by awarding grants annually.

Please fill out this application to be considered.

CIDSO Funds

By opening doors of opportunity, we strive to enrich lives, allowing those born with Down syndrome to be active participants in their community.

• The CIDSO Enrichment/Participation Fund is designed to enrich the lives of those born with Down syndrome and promote community involvement/participation. It is available to any person with Down syndrome regardless of involvement/participation in CIDSO. This application is to only be completed by the individual with Down syndrome or his/her parent, guardian or Power of Attorney. Funds will be limited to people who live within a 30 mile radius of Bloomington/Normal, IL. Funds will be limited to $500.00 per individual per calendar year.

  Please fill out this application to be considered.

• The Conference Partipation Fund is designed to enable those touched by Down syndrome to participate in educational opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills as well as those of the broader CIDSO community. Participants are expected to share information obtained at the conference with CIDSO. Copies of handouts/brochures/tapes/CDs are appreciated.

  Please fill out this application to be considered. Applications must be received by the CIDSO Board 30 days prior to the conference.

Web Links

• National Downs Syndrome Society
• National Association for Down Syndrome
• National Down Syndrome Congress
• Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome
• Pacer Center
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
• National Organization on Disabilities
• Disability Resource on the Net
• Association for Children with Down Syndrome
• The Arc of the United States

Suggested Readings

• A Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome Toward a Brighter Future by Siegfried Pueschel


• Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents Guide, by Karen Stray- Gundersen


• Teaching the Infant with Down Syndrome, by Marci J. Hanson


• Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome by Libby Kumin


• Medical and Surgical Care for Children with Down Syndrome, by VanDyke, Mattheis, Eberly and Williams


• Count Us In: Growing Up With Down Syndrome, by Kingsley and Levitz


• Discover the Possibilities: A Curriculum for Teaching Parents about Integration, by Peak Parent Center


• Windows into Heaven by Stacy and Michelle Tetschner


• I just am by Bryan and Tom Lambke


• Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives by Kathryn Lynard Soper


• My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson and Bryan Gough


• Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs by Donald Joseph Meyer and Cary Pillo