Films about People with Down Syndrome
My son, Mason, was born in 2000, and that led me to develop these films for parents and caregivers. At the time, there were no in-depth, objective and fact-focused resources on video. These films are still the best resource for what parents need to know about their young kids with Down syndrome.
Mason (at left) is old enough now to help me with shipping and boxing up the DVDs that organizations around the United States purchase for their new parents.
About the Format
These films debuted in 2003, 2005 and 2007 on VHS and DVD. As time has passed, technology has changed. These are all available for purchase or rental on Vimeo, a site favored by independent filmmakers.
A New Way to Welcome Your Child with Down Syndrome
When “Down Syndrome: The First 18 Months” debuted, it was the first and only comprehensive and extensive video resource for parents and caregivers of very young children with Down syndrome.
It’s still the only video resource of its kind.
Blueberry Shoes Productions has offered “Down Syndrome: The First 18 Months” on DVD for 15 years. It’s now available for online streaming on any your TV, phone, tablet or computer.
The streaming is offered through Vimeo, a high-quality service used by filmmakers worldwide.
This film is offered as part of a package of three full-length, in-depth and essential videos on the development of infants and kids with Down syndrome.
“Discovery: Pathways to Better Speech for Children with Down Syndrome” covers speech and language development with tips from top researchers, specialists and parents.
“Kids with Down Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Making Friends” is about two aspects of childhood that are critical to youngsters with Down syndrome.
Learn more about purchasing all three films on Vimeo.
Crossing Tahoe: A Swimmer’s Dream
On a frosty morning in September 2007, Karen Gaffney plunged into the dark waters of Lake Tahoe. Her ambitious goal: to join the few ultra-swimmers who’ve swam across the width of the lake and to be the first woman to cross in the bone-chilling cold of late September. Having Down syndrome was the least of her challenges.
You can watch this film on Vimeo for 30 days for $4.99. Learn more
About Will Schermerhorn
Will Schermerhorn is a videographer, photographer and writer in Virginia. He’s also the father of a 19-year-old son with Down syndrome.
When Mason was born in 2000, there was no single source for video information about Down syndrome. Key information about the needs of a newborn and infant was hard to find. As a former newspaper reporter, Will knew how to get the information needed: by interviewing experts in the field of Down syndrome and parents who’ve lived the experience.
Researching, filming, editing and producing the film took 18 months. The result was a video resource that has become a lifesaver for thousands of families throughout the world.
You can reach Will at will@blueberryshoes.com
