The Down Syndrome Community (DSC), like many other such groups, decided to create a calendar.  Our vision has been to show adults and children with Down Syndrome engaged in their lives, active in their communities, full of life!  This vision has been enhanced by the fact that our photographer, Clara Link, also happens to have Down Syndrome.  We've created an opportunity for Clara to learn more about a craft she loves, gotten a glimpse into the lives of 14 individuals as they enjoy life, and hopefully, presented to those who view our final product a more rounded view of the many and varied abilities and interests of these featured individuals.

What is the condition, Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects one in every 800 live births.  It is one of he leading clinical causes of intellectual disabilities in the world.. People with Down syndrome are at higher risk for medical problems and language delays.  Early intervention, high quality education programs, a stimulating home environment, and good medical care, enable people with Down syndrome to become active and contributing members of their families and their communities.

The DSC serves families throughout the Puget Sound area and western Washington.  Our mission is to build a caring, understanding, supportive community open to all individuals and their families whose lives include a person with Down syndrome.

Our goal is to share and nurture a climate where every human being is recognized, their strengths appreciated, and their accomplishments respected and valued.

We strive to facilitate networking with other individuals and groups working with issues that affect the lives of those with developmental disabilities and their families.  Through this networking, we will disseminate information and provide opportunities for the advocacy of individuals with Down syndrome.

Benefits of membership to the DSC include a quarterly newsletter that contains information about meetings, seminars, announcements, celebrations and feature articles by current members.

For membership information, please contact Linda Michael at: ljmichael@cypressmail.com or visit our web site at: www.downsyndromecommunity.org

Proceeds from the sale of this calendar benefit the Down Syndrome Community (DSC)

The Photographer:

    Clara Link is a local artist and award winning photographer who has taken photos internationally.  She began taking photos in 1993.  "People have told me I have the eye," she says.
    Clara captures the sites and attractions while attending many conferences in the disability field.
    Clara's work can also be seen in the book, Just as I am: Americans with Disabilities.  In addition, she contributes her time by taking photographs at local and national events and various self-advocacy publications.  She says, "What was my hobby has become my dream."
    She says she doesn't let having Down syndrome limit her as an artist.   She is proud to be an American with a disability and a photographer.

You can reach Clara by e-mail at: yvone_link@yahoo.com