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WSA programs

 

The programs of the Williams Syndrome Association are designed to support individuals with WS, their parents, and the professionals working with our children.

Programs are provided at both the national and regional level.

At the national level, the WSA provides:

At the regional level, programs include:

 

Bi-annual national convention [back to top]

The WSA sponsors a national convention every two years. The 5 day convention is held at varying locations around the country, and includes an exhibit fair, general sessions, daily workshops, child care and excursions for children, special programs for teens and adults, opportunities to participate in ongoing research and evening programs. In 2006, more than 1200 family members and professionals gathered in Richmond, VA for our 11th biannual convention - Welcome Home.

Our next convention will be held in July 2008, at a location to be announced.

International professional conference [back to top]

The WSA sponsors a professional conference in conjunction with the family convention. The WSA works with its medical advisors to gather scientists from around the globe who are conducting research on Williams syndrome. The event includes a poster session, keynote presentations and research discussions.

Adult committee and workshop [back to top]

Recognizing the need for separate programming for adults with WS, the WSA created the WS Adult committee to raise the awareness of adult needs. We also sponsor a workshop for adults with Williams syndrome and their parents.

Music camps [back to top]

The WSA sponsors two music camps. A music therapy based camp young children ages 6-12 and a music camp for teens and young adults, ages 12-30.
  • The Whispering Trails Music Therapy Camp experience provides a 4-6 day music therapy program specifically for young children with Williams syndrome and their families each summer. The camp is currently held in June.
  • The Whispering Trails Music and Enrichment Camp provides a 7-10 day music and recreation experience each August. Campers participate in voice, musical instrument and dance lessons as well as swimming, art, basketball and team-building sessions.

For more information on either camp see the Camps page or contact the WSA National Office. Camp applications are available online during camp registration periods, or through the National office beginning in January of the camp year.

Scholarship programs [back to top]

Limited scholarship funding is available through funds set up by parents and maintained by the WSA. Scholarships are currently available for:
  • post secondary/independent living programs for adults with WS
  • conferences
  • music camp
  • music lessons and musical instruments

Research grants [back to top]

Each year the WSA awards up to $20,000 in small grants to professionals conducting research on WS. Grants are awarded for clinical research that will directly affect the lives of individuals with WS.

For more information on submitting grant requests and research abstracts to the WSA contact the WSA national office.

Resource libraries [back to top]

Print Library:

The WSA maintains a resource library nearly 1000 articles on Williams syndrome and related subjects. WSA publications include Fulfilling Dreams, Handbook for Parents; pamphlets on Educational strategies; Ben�s Big Decision, a storybook for children with WS; The Promenade, a story for adolescents with WS; compilations of past Convention reprints; professional abstracts, etc.

Print publications and videotapes are available through the WSA estore, by downloading and completing the printed order form, or by contacting the WSA national office directly.

Electronic Media:

The WSA maintains a DVD library of informational videos on Williams syndrome. These include:

  • For The Love of Music - A short tape which follows a young man through the suzuki method of learning to play the piano.
  • 60 Minutes (A Very Special Brain) & Boston Chronicle (Mixed Blessings) segments - Contains two segments. The first segment is produced by CBS (60 Minutes, 1997/1998). It is a 60 Minutes segment on Williams syndrome. This program won a Peabody Award. The second segment is produced by ABC (Boston Chronicle, 1997). It is an ABC Boston Chronicle segment aired in the fall of 1997 featuring the camp at Belvoir Terrace in Lenox, MA and highlighting a few of the WS individuals who have attended.
  • Williams syndrome - A Highly Musical Species - Filmed primarily at the WS Music Camp in 1995, the tape features WS individuals, and includes interviews with Drs. Oliver Sacks, Colleen Morris and Ursula Bellugi. Parental anecdotes help to provide a look at the special characteristics of Williams syndrome and the impact these individuals have on their families and those around them.
  • Growing Up Different - PBS Special from the Scientific American Frontiers series. Hosted by Alan Alda, this film provides insight into Williams syndrome and current research. Interview with Dr. Ursula Bellugi.
  • Don't Be Shy Mr. Sacks - Produced by the BBC (filmed at Belvoir Terrace, the Salk Institute and the Comfort Home in San Diego, CA) and seen in the US on PBS and in many special museum showings throughout the country

Member benefits [back to top]

In addition to the generally available programs listed here, the WSA provides many additional benefits to its members. See the Membership benefits page for more information.

 

One day regional conferences [back to top]

One day events held throughout the country each year to help parents and educators learn more about Williams syndrome. Our 16 regions strive to hold these conferences in varying locations within their region each year so that many families can benefit. A typical conference includes information on the latest medical findings, educational strategies, work, education and residence options for adults, and parent networking opportunities.

 
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