Opportunities with Literacy and Speech

Hoot Hoot! Have you heard? OWLS is a literacy and SLP led speech program for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.
Thanks to our generous donors, we provide this program free to our members.
O.W.L.S. Mascot ‘Bluebell’ designed by member Brian Julian DiProspero
Owlets – Ages 0-8
Owlets is an early literacy and communication skill building program. We explore concepts through signs, stories and songs. With Blossom Musik and Speech and Language practice.
This is a free program for our youngest members, their siblings and caregivers.
Ages 0-8 are welcome. We encourage you to email contactus@dsah.ca if you haven’t attended before.

O.W.L.S. – Ages 8+
O.W.L.S. is a registered program for ages 8 and older. A unique speech and language led literacy program.
This program is in high demand because we offer a highly supportive environment for all ages. We customize learning activities to participants interests and skill levels.
Groups are Thursday evenings. *Currently Waitlisted*

Research and experience also inform us that teaching reading is one of the most effective ways to support talking and oral language.
The O.W.L.S. program uses a systematic approach that highlight visual strengths (Olwein, Hale). O.W.L.S. is adapted from multiple sources that focus on the strengths of learners with Down syndrome.
In O.W.L.S., we observe and adapt activities to the learner’s strengths and try to respect interests and abilities. We also try to provide a consistent environment that fosters fun and opportunities for them to be brave to try new skills and model for one another. While starting earlier is great, it is never too late to learn, nor do you need to be verbal. We are all lifelong learners!
Our goal is to teach not to test. Once they learn a skill, it is important to provide necessary practice to ensure it becomes part of the working memory.
-Monica Knott, Speech and Language Pathologist, & O.W.L.S. Facilitator
O.W.L.S. on Youtube

The OWLS program has been such a great opportunity for my son. He is very excited to attend every week and counts down the days on his calendar.
The skills he is developing in the OWLS program are extremely important to his ability to comprehend what he is reading so he can apply it to the real world. The small group size allows for more 1:1 targeted help that he doesn’t get in his regular school day. The skills he is building in OWLS will help him to achieve his goal of getting a job.
Parent of O.W.L.S. Participant
My daughter not only looks forward to these sessions, she has the opportunity to be a leader in the classroom in a space where her unique value is appreciated and encouraged. This has done wonders for the academic focus and her confidence.
Parent of O.W.L.S. Participant
Thank you Partners

We have partnered with McMaster University to provide a clinical placement for Speech and Language students.