21 to the power of 3 eV.

Association of parents for children with Trisomy 21 in Bremen and surrounding areas

We are parents of children with Trisomy 21 and experience firsthand what it means to live with a child with a disability. Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, describes a disability caused by a genetic mutation.

As families, we all face unique challenges, but mutual support gives us the strength and energy to best foster our children's development. Together, we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that we are eager to share.

The association 21 Hoch 3 e. V.

The predecessor of the association was the Down Syndrome Parents' Group under the umbrella of Lebenshilfe Bremen e.V. In 2009, the parents decided to professionalize the activities of the existing parents' group on a voluntary basis by founding the association 21 Hoch 3 e.V., an association of parents for their children with Trisomy 21 in Bremen and the surrounding area. 21 Hoch 3 e.V. is a self-help group whose membership has since grown to 90 families (as of 2018).

The aim of the non-profit association is to support families in Bremen and the surrounding area in raising, developing, and caring for their children with Down syndrome. The association's work focuses on projects for children and young people, mutual advice and support for parents, the organization of training courses, and public relations work intended to help reduce prejudice against people with Down syndrome.

Life with a child with Down syndrome

When a child is born with Down syndrome, the family is often sad and uncertain at first. Over time, the parents discover that life with a child with Down syndrome is by no means only disappointing, but also very enriching. Children with Down syndrome are often friendly, genuine, and outgoing; their zest for life is contagious.

On the other hand, the disability is often accompanied by other illnesses; therapies, doctor's visits and support take up a lot of time, leaving little time and energy for siblings, partner or own leisure activities.

Especially when children with disabilities have outgrown early childhood, start school, enter puberty, or are in the transition from school to working life, the differences to the lives of "others" become stronger, and parents feel the restrictions imposed by society in all areas of life.

Offers

Offers for children, teenagers and young adults

21 Hoch 3 eV organizes courses, seminars, sports and leisure groups, and holiday care for children, teenagers, and young adults with Down syndrome or a similar disability. In addition to having fun, all activities emphasize promoting autonomy, independence, and self-esteem

The diverse range of activities includes weekend leisure activities, a reading club, music courses, sports and psychomotor groups, seminars on sexual education, and residential training for young adults.

These programs are specifically tailored to the interests, pace, and support needs of children and young people. Here, young people with similar strengths and weaknesses can meet and make friends. All programs are supervised by trained counselors.

Offers for parents and interested parties

21 Hoch 3 eV offers support groups for parents who meet regularly to exchange experiences, offer mutual advice, and provide support. The association also organizes training courses, lectures, and workshops, either exclusively for parents or for parents and professionals such as educators, early intervention specialists, and teachers.

The topics range from support (e.g. language acquisition) to special challenges in education and legal issues (e.g. long-term care insurance, special needs trusts).

At its core, the association focuses on imparting current knowledge, developing solutions to problems, and jointly planning further services.

Offers for families

Parents, children, and siblings meet at New Year's brunches, outings, and family retreats. Families with children of different ages get to know each other, and valuable suggestions are often shared in conversation. Siblings can connect with other siblings in the same unique situation.

During the family retreats, some of which are recognized as educational leave, parents have the opportunity to engage intensively with a topic in seminars.

Office hours

Tuesdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
, Thursdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Outside of office hours:
If the office is unattended, please feel free to send us an email.

Please note that the office is closed during school holidays!