Owlets – Ages 0-8
Owlets is an early literacy and communication skill building program. We explore concepts through signs, stories and songs.
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 Tuesday & 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
