A Place for People with Down Syndrome and Their Families
We offer clinical, educational, and wellbeing support for children with Down syndrome from birth to 25—and their families!
Stories from other parents
Receiving the news can be overwhelming and confusing, and it's normal to have mixed emotions.
Your life may change, but you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way. On our blog, we share stories from other parents who, like you, have been blessed with a child with Down Syndrome. Our goal is to spread information, raise awareness, and offer support to families navigating this unique journey
Small Steps Online: Early Intervention for Bright Futures
The concept of early intervention might be new to you, but it is crucial in your child’s development. That’s why we created Small Steps Online—a platform designed to provide targeted support and resources from the very beginning, helping your child build a strong foundation for growth.
We believe early intervention should be available to every family, no matter where they live or what they can afford. Small Steps Online is completely free to use, built around real needs, shaped by professionals, and supported by donations. Explore how Small Steps can set the stage for a brighter future—for your child, and for others like them.
Free Therapy for Families Who Need It Most
Removing Barriers to Early Intervention
In many parts of South Africa, therapy for young children with Down syndrome is simply out of reach. Public systems are overloaded. Insurance often doesn’t cover the care. And for many families, distance, cost, or lack of services means their child misses the most critical window for developmental support.
The September Institute is working to change that.
We provide free therapy sessions—including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and developmental support—for families who would otherwise go without. Our goal is simple: to make early intervention possible, no matter where a child lives or what their family can afford.
Just $20 funds a full session of care.
Your donation can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Together, we can close the gap—bringing expert help, hope, and possibilities to children who deserve nothing less.
Courses for Inclusive Education
Every child deserves to feel they belong in the classroom. But for many teachers, knowing how to support children with Down syndrome—or any child with additional needs—can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar.
That’s why The September Institute offers practical, empowering training programs for teachers and schools. Our courses focus on inclusive education strategies that are evidence-based, accessible, and deeply human. We help educators shift their mindset, build confidence, and create classrooms where all children are seen, supported, and celebrated.
Our initial focus is in South Africa, where inclusive education is still out of reach for many children with disabilities. These training programs will be developed and delivered in collaboration with Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA), combining our expertise in early development with their deep local experience and advocacy work.
By equipping teachers with the right tools and support, we aim to create ripple effects across schools and communities—turning isolation into belonging.
With your support, we can make this a reality for more schools, more teachers, and more children.
Coming soon
Small Steps Greymont: A Model for Inclusive Education
We are currently building Small Steps Greymont—a groundbreaking early intervention daycare and future school in Johannesburg. This will be a space where inclusive education is lived daily, designed specifically for children with Down syndrome and their peers.
The center will also include a work program for adults with Down syndrome, creating lifelong opportunities for inclusion, purpose, and dignity.
We are in the process of renovating a property and building a passionate team on the ground. Pictures and videos of the transformation will be shared soon, and we’ll keep you posted with a behind-the-scenes journal so you can follow every step of the journey with us.
Donations help us hire qualified professionals—who are often underpaid in South Africa—and fund essential therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language support.
For families who cannot afford to pay, we offer free care through a Robin Hood model: those who can contribute help make it possible for others to receive the same high-quality support.
Together, we’re creating a place where every child is welcomed, supported, and prepared for a brighter future.