Mathematical Competence - Yes we can

Yes we can!
– Raising awareness for
the potential in people
with Down Syndrome
International literature
describes persons with
Down Syndrome as being
mathematically illiterate.
They have been underestimated
and, as a result,
improperly challenged.
One of the major goals of
the two-year EU-project „Yes we can!“ is to eliminate such
prejudices and misconceptions. The project will profile the
person with Down Syndrome, highlighting his needs and
potential for development.
The overall aim of the project is to improve mathematical
education through developing an innovative methodology.
By using this methodology people with Down syndrome
can be taught basic mathematical skills and acquire key
mathematical competence, which are essential for managing
their daily lives. They will achieve more independence,
more self confidence and will be better able to participate
in their communities.
Project partners:
Austria
Verein „Hand in Hand“,
Leoben
E-mail: hotter@down-syndrom.at
Czech Republic
Společnost rodičů a přátel
dětí s Downovým syndromem,
Praha
E-mail: downsyndrom@centrum.cz
Denmark
Professionshøjskolen UCC,
København
E-mail: mwa@ucc.dk
E-mail: ucc@ucc.dk
Germany
Deutsches Down-Syndrom InfoCenter,
Lauf
E-mail: ds.infocenter@t-online.de
Italy
Arbeitskreis Eltern Behinderter (AEB)
Associazione genitori di persone
in situazione di handicap,
Bozen/Bolzano
E-mail: info@a-eb.net
Romania
Fundaţia Centru Educaţional Soros,
Miercurea Ciuc
E-mail: sec@sec.ro
www.downsyndrom-yeswecan.eu
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication
reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any
use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Mathematical Competence
of People with Down Syndrome
Multilateral project, supported by EU
funds provided through the Grundtvig
Programme ‘lifelong learning’

„Yes we can“ – the project
The “Yes we can” project is a multilateral cooperation between
six European countries: Italy, The Czech Republic,
Romania, Denmark and Germany with Austria as its lead
partner.
The project is supported by EU-funds, provided through
the Grundtvig Programme “lifelong learning”. It started
2010 and lasts two years.
This EU-project will develop a modern and innovative
methodology, based on neuro pedagogical principles, for
training mathematical competence to people with Down
Syndrome and train trainers, parents and other staff working
with this target group to use and apply this methodology.
Project partners,
Copenhagen,
June 2010
„Yes we can“ – the concept
e An Analysis of Need has been conducted in all six
countries. The purpose of this analysis was to study to
what extent there is a need to focus on people with
Down Syndrome learning Mathematics, according to
the experience within their environments (family and
professionals).
r On the basis of this study materials and methods of
teaching mathematical skills to people with Down
Syndrome are being developed.
t Implementation of pilots trainings: the Pilot Training
of Multipliers in Austria and the “Train the Trainer-
Workshops” in each partner country.
u As a follow up all trainers will then teach a total of
about 600 persons with Down Syndrome throughout
Europe in this method within the project duration.
i Flyers, posters, articles in journals and contributions
at conferences and seminars as well as the website
www.downsyndrom-yeswecan.eu are part of the dissemination
strategy.
Basic
mathematical skills
and competence
are essential
for managing
daily life.
Main outcome of this
project will be:
3 Innovative and validated
methodology for teaching
mathematical competence
to people with
Down Syndrome
3 Teaching materials for
trainers, parents and
teachers: handbook,
math-material box and
video (DVD) in all partner
languages.*
* If you are interested in
teaching materials, please
contact the project partner
in your country.