Centre for Down's Syndrome Austria

It was one of the greatest milestones in the case of Down's syndrom when the centre "LIVE, LAUGH, LEARN" opened its doors in Leoben-Hinterberg, Austria last year.  Children, youth as well as adults with the chromosome peculiarity Down's syndrom receive development diagnostics and special support involving the cultural techniques - reading, arithmetics and writing at this centre, which is one of its kind throughout Europe.

It was one of the greatest milestones in the case of Down's syndrom when the centre "LIVE, LAUGH, LEARN" opened its doors in Leoben-Hinterberg, Austria last year.  Children, youth as well as adults with the chromosome peculiarity Down's syndrom receive development diagnostics and special support involving the cultural techniques - reading, arithmetics and writing at this centre, which is one of its kind throughout Europe.

At present an EU project is being completed involving 5 partner countries, in which they are trying to strengthen the arithmetic competence in people with Down's syndrome for life's everyday situations.  Germany, Italy, Romania, the Czech Republic and Denmark have all contributed to this innovative European project.  An important part of everyday life at the Centre for Down's Syndrom is GRANDER water.  "Drinking water is extremely important for the children's performance capability. We encourage the children's parents to offer water instead of fruit juices whenever possible, as it can increase their ability to concentrate, but also prevents weight problems in the youth," emphasizes Mag. Bernadette Wieser, the centre's educational director.

In order to make drinking water more exciting, the centre's own GRANDER drinking fountain has been installed.  Through this drinking water receives more importance and becomes a real experience for the youth.  Following the motto "what we have in sight, won't be forgotten" pitchers filled with GRANDER water are placed at their work places, clearly visible for the young people.  The further expansion of the centre involves the building of a bio-bakery offering 10 jobs for people with Down's syndrome.  Naturally, all the baking will be done using GRANDER water.