By Parents, For Parents.
Empowering Families Through Early Intervention.
#AboutUs
Who we are &
what we do.
About Small Steps Online
Small Steps Online is an empowering online platform by The September Institute, designed to guide parents of children with Down syndrome through the critical early years of development. Built on the proven Macquarie University Program for Developmentally Delayed Children (Sydney, 1980) and further developed by the Stichting Downsyndroom (SDS) in the Netherlands, our program offers a clear and practical approach to early intervention.
This method was originally developed in Australia, where many families live in remote areas without easy access to specialized therapies like physiotherapy and speech therapy. To bridge this gap, the program was designed to help parents support their child’s development at home, offering practical guidance that makes a real difference.
This method was originally developed in Australia, where many families live in remote areas without easy access to specialized therapies like physiotherapy and speech therapy. To bridge this gap, the program was designed to help parents support their child’s development at home, offering practical guidance that makes a real difference.
The September Institute
Small Steps is part of The September Institute, an initiative of the Onward & Upward Family Foundation. Inspired by the founders' own journey with their son, Miles, who has Down syndrome, the Institute is committed to creating opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
The Robin Hood model
When you join Small Steps, you gain valuable support for your family while also contributing to a larger mission. Thanks to our Robin Hood model, the professionals listed on our map pay a small fee to be part of our database, allowing us to keep developing and improving Small Steps and offering it to parents completely free of charge.
This ensures that every family, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the resources and guidance they need. By simply using the platform, you help make this possible.
To learn more about The September Institute's global mission and how your participation makes a difference, visit their website here: www.septemberinstitute.org
At Small Steps, we’re here to walk this path with you—one step at a time.
Our Team
Nikita Oosthuizen
Program Manager
Elaine Passmoor
Advisory Board
Roy Ockers
Founder
Ashley May
Physiotherapist
Contact us
Thank you!
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