Down Syndrome Family Network

Down Syndrome Family Network 💛 Our mission is to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.

We believe in presuming competence, inspiring inclusion, and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome. Instead of having 46 chromosomes in each of his/her cells, a person with Down syndrome has 47. The extra chromosome may be derived from either the egg or the sperm. It is believed that

during cell division of a sperm or egg, the two #21 chromosomes do not separate properly (non-disjunction). Thus, one cell will have an extra #21 chromosome, which later, if united with a normal germ cell, which has among others one #21 chromosome, may lead to trisomy 21. The first cell at conception then has 47 chromosomes instead of "normal set" of 46 chromosomes. When this cell with three #21 chromosomes continues to multiply, and the pregnancy is carried to term, a baby with Down syndrome will be born. This form of chromosome error, trisomy 21, is found in about 95% of persons with Down syndrome.

Another beautiful feature from T&T Guardian 💛✨SooWan is glowing on the Fashion With Us runway in a stunning creation by ...
18/06/2026

Another beautiful feature from T&T Guardian 💛✨

SooWan is glowing on the Fashion With Us runway in a stunning creation by Zadd & Eastman 🌟

A celebration of confidence, creativity, and inclusion through the power of fashion 💙

Happy Birthday to our sweet Surya 💛🎉🎂A proud self advocate and a shining example of what confidence, determination, and ...
18/06/2026

Happy Birthday to our sweet Surya 💛🎉🎂

A proud self advocate and a shining example of what confidence, determination, and opportunity can achieve ✨🌟

Your smile lights up every room, your kindness touches everyone around you, and your journey continues to inspire us all. Thank you for being such a wonderful ambassador for inclusion and for showing the world the power of believing in yourself 💙🤝

Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, happiness, and all your favourite things 🎁🎈🥳

Happy Birthday, Surya! 💛

A beautiful fusion of creativity and confidence brought to life on the Fashion With Us runway designed by The Cloth and ...
18/06/2026

A beautiful fusion of creativity and confidence brought to life on the Fashion With Us runway designed by The Cloth and modelled by Athaliah Samuel 🇹🇹TTO 🌟

Fashion has the power to tell stories without words, and this look was a celebration of individuality, self expression, and the beauty of being unapologetically yourself.

When talent, opportunity, and inclusion come together, the result is something truly extraordinary 💙🤝

Thank you to T&T Guardian for this beautiful feature.

17/06/2026

“It was truly inspiring to witness the confidence, courage, and joy displayed on the runway. 💙💛

Dr. Shenilee Hazel of Smile Inn Dental Dr Shenilee Hazell BDS MFDS- founder Smile Inn Dental shared her thoughts on the incredible atmosphere at Fashion With Us, highlighting the bravery of our self-advocates and models who stepped onto the stage and owned every moment with confidence and pride.

Their smiles, determination, and presence reminded us all of the power of inclusion and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to shine.

Thank you, Dr. Hazel, for your support and for celebrating this special evening with us. ✨

Our designers each brought their own creativity, vision, and artistry to the Fashion With Us runway, helping to create a...
17/06/2026

Our designers each brought their own creativity, vision, and artistry to the Fashion With Us runway, helping to create an unforgettable celebration of inclusion through fashion 💛✨

Zadd & Eastman’s explosion of colour and bold expression lit up the stage as presented by Faith Gillezeau ☀️

The colleOur designers each brought their own creativity, vision, and artistry to the Fashion With Us runway, helping to create an unforgettable celebration of inclusion through fashion 💛✨

Zadd & Eastman’s explosion of colour and bold expression lit up the stage as presented by Faith Gillezeau ☀️

The collection was a powerful reminder that beauty lies in individuality and that our differences are worth celebrating.

Together with our full cast of incredibly talented designers, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, parents, models, and self advocates, a space was created where confidence flourished, barriers faded, and visions came alive on stage 💙🤝

Fashion With Us is proof that when we create opportunities for people to shine, incredible things happen.

Thank you to Guardian Media for this spotlight.

CelebrateAbilities TogetherAgainstLonelines

16/06/2026

✨ What an unforgettable evening! ✨

Fashion With Us 2026 was a beautiful celebration of inclusion, confidence, and community as we also celebrated the Down Syndrome Family Network’s 15th Anniversary. 💙💛

A heartfelt thank you to our self-advocates, models, designers, sponsors, volunteers, families, and supporters who made this event so special. Your energy and support continue to help create opportunities and break barriers.

Special thanks to our founder, Glen Niles Glen Thehoodedcoach , for his vision and dedication over the past 15 years, and to Richard Young Richard Young and Lisa Ghany Lisa J. Ghany for bringing Fashion With Us to life year after year.

Together, we continue to build a more inclusive future.

See you next year! ✨

13/06/2026

“Fashion With Us” is about so much more than fashion. 💙💛

In this interview, Richard Young shares why this event matters. As he says, we’re not asking for charity..we’re asking people to stand with our self-advocates and support a future where inclusion is the norm.

Over the years, we’ve watched our models grow in confidence, stepping onto the runway with pride, purpose, and a belief in themselves. That confidence extends far beyond the stage and into their everyday lives.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

✨ See you tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom for Fashion With Us 2026! ✨

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✨ SOLD OUT ✨Fashion With Us 2026 is officially SOLD OUT!From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who purchas...
13/06/2026

✨ SOLD OUT ✨

Fashion With Us 2026 is officially SOLD OUT!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and continues to support inclusion, confidence, and opportunity for persons with Down syndrome.

We are incredibly excited to welcome you for an unforgettable evening of fashion, inspiration, and community. 💙💛

See you at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom tomorrow as we celebrate the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusion.

Register now for our upcoming DSFN Trinidad Workshop 💛🌍This month’s workshop, Pathways to Independence: Practical Tools ...
11/06/2026

Register now for our upcoming DSFN Trinidad Workshop 💛🌍

This month’s workshop, Pathways to Independence: Practical Tools for Development, Financial Security and Family Success, is designed to provide families, caregivers, and self advocates with valuable insights, practical strategies, and resources to support long term growth and independence 🤝✨

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lenisa N. Joseph as our guest speaker, alongside a special financial management session facilitated by Republic Wealth Management focused on planning forward financially 💙

📅 Saturday 27th June 2026
⏰ 2:00PM to 5:00PM
📍 Republic House, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 9–17 Park Street, Port of Spain

✅ Attendance is FREE
✅ Registration is required

🔗 Register now:
https://tinyurl.com/DSFNTrinidadJune2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Building Office 3, Althom, 18-20 Pembroke Street
Port Of Spain

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