Participants learn various techniques to create different objects using paper and quilling technique, which in turn will help these participants with Down syndrome with; developing their fine motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination, encourage innovation and creativity, enhance their decision-making skills and promote financial independence.
Classes are held once a month where participants are not only made aware about vegetable planting, but also given hands on knowledge on how to plant the vegetable seeds whilst maintaining the plant.
In collaboration with Mudpie Studio, participants use clay as a medium to express themselves and explore the possibilities of all they can create.
The program aims to teach individuals with Down syndrome the basics of block & screen printing, in turn expanding their range of abilities and interests.
The program aims to acquaint individuals with Down syndrome with basic computer functions that can be incorporated in their daily lives. The scope of learning is also greatly improved, due to the visual aid that computers provide.
Lamia was launched at KDSP as a dance-fitness combination, known to improve fitness and coordination, increase self-confidence, boost self-esteem, while improving the memory and fostering creativity amongst individuals. These classes are conducted weekly in collaboration with Ms. Lamia Faheem.
KDSP presents ‘Fit 5 Program’ in collaboration with Special Olympics Pakistan. Fit 5 is a plan for physical activity, nutrition and hydration which improves your health and fitness. The program caters to individuals with Down syndrome ages 6 and above.
Painting and Drawing in classes are for individuals with Down syndrome aged 10 and above. The workshops are conducted weekly on zoom and in person with the aim to teach painting and drawing techniques through various art mediums.
Young adults with Down syndrome, aged 16 and above, are invited to a class full of peace and tranquility every week at the KDSP office. Yoga meets both the physical and mental needs of individuals with Down syndrome. It provides an activity which strengthens the body, improves self-esteem, develops concentration, and increases body awareness.
The Life Skills program incorporates a wide range of knowledge and skills that provide individuals with Down syndrome with important tools to help them handle daily tasks in their lives and develop into active and productive members of their communities. The life skills included in this programs are self-care / hygiene, communication, money and time management skills.
A new program of Painting and Drawing in collaboration with ‘Phulwari Crafts’ was initiated for individuals with Down syndrome aged 10 and above. The workshops are conducted weekly on zoom, and aim to teach painting and drawing techniques through various art mediums
The cooking program helps individuals with Down syndrome ages 12 and above to help them learn basic culinary skills to make delicious food items and follow their passion to learn proper culinary arts.
KDSP’s Skills Development department introduced ‘Education for Life Program’ for adults with Down syndrome (ages 14+) from May, 2022. The program consists of life/functional skills and vocational training. The primary goal of this program is to give an opportunity to adults with Down syndrome to have a routine setup, where they can have something productive to look forward to on a daily basis and achieve optimal functioning in all walks of life. The secondary goal entails making these functional and skilled adults economically empowered and socially independent.
KDSP has introduced Photography classes as part of the Education for Life Program. It provides individuals with Down syndrome the opportunity to learn about camera angles, lighting and editing. The class incorporates field trips to allow students to photograph new spaces and landscapes.
Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP) initiated ‘Wonder Games’ in collaboration with WonderTree! WonderTree has developed a revolutionary educational and therapeutic platform, called ’Wonder Games”, particularly designed for children with special needs. The platform uses augmented reality based games for these children, where they will be able to improve their; motor, functional and cognitive skills.
Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP) started “Tennis Classes” in collaboration with Teddy Tennis Pakistan! Teddy Tennis is a curriculum based sports education program that inspires children to get active and learn to play tennis.
The story time sessions are conducted by Nazia Kashif from ‘Nazia Kashif’. Nazia uses rhymes and movements to creatively interweave books with props and music to create an exciting session of laughter and learning for children. It is a wonderful social experience for the children as they take in all aspects of the story and interact with their peers.
Story Time sessions are held once a month and parents are encouraged to bring along the siblings of their children with Down syndrome in order to promote an inclusive, joyful and family environment.
KDSP started a Music and Movement session in July 2018 for children with Down syndrome. The weekly sessions aim to improve the gross motor function, enhance self-confidence, creativity and social skills though musical and play-based activities.
KDSP started a 12-week swimming module for children aged 6-12 years in collaboration with AKUH Sports and Rehabilitation Centre. The module seeks to enhance gross motor skills, boost balance for children with low muscle tone, build core strength and coordination skills.
This program started in collaboration with Rangoonwala Community Centre for individuals with Down syndrome ages 12 years and above. They learn various techniques to create simple yet elegant jewellery.
KDSP started a Candle Making course with Rangoonwala Community Centre. The classes are held weekly with goals to teach individuals with down syndrome ages 12 and above step-by-step process for creating candles.
Weekly classes are held for both children and adults with Down syndrome to teach with various physical fitness and self-defence techniques. It further encourages confidence building and social interaction.
Playhouse club is for children between the ages of 4 to 12. All children love to learn through play-based activities and there is no better learning for children than “doing” in real life. Some of the activities include, wonder games, number sequence, finger painting, rainbow of learning alphabets, tea-time is learning time, name decorating, story time, etc.
Yearly summer and winter camps are held for children with Down syndrome between the ages of 7-14. Daily classes focused on crafts, painting, storytelling, music, field trips and endless opportunities for these children to learn and have fun.
Woven products are made through using the looms with different kinds of threads. The participants (ages 14 and above) utilise their technical weaving skills and colour theory to make various products such as cushions, rugs, bags and table runners.
Class caters to individuals with Down syndrome ageing from 4 years and above. The main objectives of this program for these individuals are improved social interaction and self-confidence, experience, recognize, respond to, read, notate, perform, and create rhythms and rhythmic patterns in a variety of ways. Increased ability to play and use musical instruments in an expressive way and respond to musical experiences and create movement, using developmentally appropriate movement and dramatisation.