TRISTIN REIMER "No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service" is a common sign on many restaurant doors.

After being turned down by several childcare providers, Gaffney resident Heather Reimer was starting to question whether caregivers have a similar policy in place for children with disabilities. She had been unsuccessful in finding someone to watch her 6-yearold son Tristin when he gets out of school at Limestone- Central Elementary.

Tristin has a moderate form of Down syndrome, a condition that occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome. Normal people have two copies of each chromosome, giving them a total of 46.

People with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes. Common physical characteristics are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes and a single deep crease in the middle of the palm.

"Tristin functions on the level of a 3-year-old. He does speak, will help put away the dishes and is a very loving and affectionate child," Reimer said. "He plays really well with others and is very helpful."

In the past week, Reimer said she was informed by two childcare providers that they couldn't accept Tristin into their program because of his disability.

Her husband found out a different story when he visited one of the centers Tuesday afternoon.

"My husband went up there today to talk with someone in charge," Reimer said. "When my husband talked to the supervisor, she said she had no problem with Tristin attending so we are very pleased with that."

While her situation had a happy ending, Reimer said she feels parents still need to be aware of their rights so children with disabilities are treated fairly.

"This was my second attempt to find a childcare provider for Tristin. I spent some time looking for one several months after he was born when I was thinking about going back to work. I was unable to find one so I have stayed home to care for Tristin," Reimer said. "It kind of makes you think some childcare places should have a sign like restaurants that reads, 'No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service. No extra chromosome?' I just don't think any person should be discriminated against because of a disability."

Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels, according to the National Down Syndrome Association. People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of suffering from a congenital heart defect, thyroid condition, breathing and hearing problems, and Alzheimer's disease.

Many of these conditions are now treatable so most people with Down syndrome can lead normal lives, according to the association. The average life expectancy for people with the disability has increased from 25 in 1983 to 56 today.

Tristin has received early intervention services from the Cherokee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board for most of his life, Reimer said. With Tristin now in school, the DSN Board will be a secondary provider while he receives special education services from the school district.

DSN Board Executive Director Pearson Cooper notes childcare providers must have the proper training before taking in children who have special needs.

"We have funds available to provide respite services for families that have children with disabilities and special needs," Cooper said. "We can sometimes help with the funding so children can receive the services they need. Once a person with special needs reaches adulthood, we become the primary provider and can further assist them through our work center and other programs."

Parents seeking information about childcare providers can contact the state's Childcare Resource and Referral Center. The free service provides parents with information about childcare facilities in their area and works with parents to place children in a childcare setting that best fits their needs.

To contact the referral center, call 1-877-467-4800.