A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics reports that parents, siblings, and children/adults with Down syndrome have had positive life experiences related to Down syndrome.  One statistic definitely resonates with me: 79% of parents surveyed felt their outlook on life was positive because of their child with DS.  Auggie has certainly changed my life view...for the best.  Please check out this article:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/21/3927130/parents-siblings-and-people-with.html

I just recently watched a documentary, "Shorty" about a man in his 50's with Down syndrome named Walter Simms.  He worked at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, primarily with the football team.  This film follows an incredible legacy that he created at Hampden-Sydney and how his presence affected students, faculty/staff, and friends of Hampden-Sydney.  I recommend checking it out. It is available on Netflix through the disc rental.

I just stumbled upon this young man's blog and it is impressive and entertaining!  Daniel Drinker is a twenty-something with Down syndrome and his brother, Will has been recording his adventures both on the blog and on video.  I have watched a few of the video clips and for me, the relationship between Will and his brother is the special part about this blog/future documentary.  Daniel is a clever young man and I am sure you will enjoy his website.  A documentary about Dan has just been finished and I wrote them to find out how/where it will be accessible in the future so I will post this information when I receive it!  For now, enjoy www.dandrinker.com 

This is a book that will be released in September 2011 about the politics behind Down syndrome.  It was written by the father of a 6 year-old son with Down syndrome.  It has received great reviews from DownsEd International CEO, Frank Buckley.  The author addresses debates like finding a blood test for Down syndrome and the limited knowledge that the general public and lawmakers have about Down syndrome (as well as the generalizations that exist).  I am looking forward to reading it!  Here is a link to the article:
http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/33132

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/01/07/independent-living-boost/11861/

This article was just posted on Disability Scoop.  It is wonderful to see a push for more facilities to accomodate adults with disabilities who would like to live independently.  I am looking forward to seeing what changes will come to Southern Maryland in terms of independent living communities!  I would be interested to know what areas (in Maryland or the U.S. as a whole) you have found to most progressive in terms of independent living posssibilies.

Down Syndrome Pregnancy is a non-profit that works to support that have found out that their child has Down syndrome while they are still pregnant and have chosen to keep the baby.  The have a free downloadable e-book as well as a regularly updated blog.  This would be probably also be a valuable resource for new parents of a child with Down syndrome. The web address is http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/ and this informaition is also posted on the New and Expectant Parents page.