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Time to Celebrate: World Down Syndrome Day is on 3/21!
On March 21, 2021, we will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! This important day is a world-wide event with a goal to raise awareness and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome! The significance of the date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Here are a few ways to spread the word and celebrate your loved one!
Perform a Random Act of Kindness: we encourage you to generate awareness and acceptance within our community by performing Random Acts of Kindness! Try leaving one of our cards behind with a note on the back about your loved one with Down syndrome. As you create a movement of kindness, be sure to share your pictures on social media for others to see! Download and print the cards >>
Join the "World's Largest" (Virtual) Dance Party: we are collaborating with Global Down Syndrome Foundation and Down Syndrome Ontario to encourage participation in the "World's Largest Virtual Dance Party!" The event will last 21 hours and we hope to break a break a Guinness Book of World Record. Learn more here >>
Share our Video: JUST LIKE YOU—DOWN SYNDROME! This video explores the life, hopes, challenges and dreams of three kids living with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is just one part of who they are and this film identifies how to handle and accommodate differences, while celebrating the many similarities our friends with Down syndrome have with their peers. When we know better, we do better—happy World Down Syndrome Day! Watch the video here >>
Spring into Wellness!
As the weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer, it is so much easier to get outside and be active.
Here are some tips from Scott Quaife—our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program Skills Specialist who specializes in Health & Wellness—that will not only benefit your loved one with Down syndrome, but also your whole family!
- Pick something easy! Find an activity that the whole family enjoys and make it part of your weekly routine. It could be taking a walk with family or friends before/after work or playing basketball together. You could even find a workout or yoga routine online!
- Create a schedule! Once it becomes a habit, it will be easier to maintain when your schedule becomes busier. This is especially important for people with Down syndrome as they are more likely to be active if family members join in.
- Make a lifelong impact! It should come as no surprise that studies have shown that children and young adults who exercise regularly are more likely to seek physical activity and fitness throughout their lifespan.
- It’s spring—get outdoors! You don’t have to go camping or take a 10-mile hike to enjoy the health benefits of being outside. Simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air has numerous health benefits, including lowered blood pressure and stress hormones.
- Hydrate the right way! Higher temperatures and activity levels increase the need to stay hydrated, but it’s important to be aware of what we are consuming. A can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar and a bottle of Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar, which is more than the daily recommendation from the American Heart Association. Drinking water is simply the best and easiest way to stay hydrated and your body will thank you!
Just remember, activity adds up! Even 15 minutes a day will make a difference and give your family an extra “spring” in your step!
Making a difference: Each week, Scott facilitates 30-minute physical activity sessions for our ACE participants. Utilizing proper social distancing protocol, the group begins with a warm-up to engage the brain, followed by movement and mobility drills that lead into the primary workout.
“From this daily routine, our participants have made tremendous improvements in their physical stamina and coordination,” shares Scott. “In fact, many of them enjoy taking turns leading the group through the warm-up. They not only take pride in their own ability to work out and be active, but also in taking a leadership role within ACE.”
A Message from Sam Doran, Artist Extraordinaire
Hi! My name is Sam, I am 17 and have been a member of the Down Syndrome Guild my whole life. My parents got involved a few days after I was born and we have been participating in social, educational and therapeutic services ever since then.
I have learned a lot of new skills and made some amazing friends over the years and my parents have learned a lot about how to support me to be as independent as I can be.
Did you know DSG’s Lifelong Learning Campus will be opening soon? I can’t wait to see my friends in person again and maybe even get a job at one of the businesses DSG will be opening. I’m so excited about the new campus so I painted a picture of it to help you see what the future looks like for me and my friends with Down syndrome.
I hope you will consider making a donation to support the life changing programs and services DSG provides. Thanks for believing in me and helping me dream big for the future!
Your friend,
Sam
Expectant & New Parents
(ages, 0-2 years)
Join us (virtually) for our New Parent & Extended Family Gathering!
Saturday, May 1st
9 - 10 am
Young Children
(ages, 2-6)
In April, we will be launching play groups on our campus as a pilot program!
Email us if you're interested!
Children
(ages, 6-12)
Every other Wednesday evening, we host Virtual Social Gatherings for kids to get together to enjoy music, fun, and to make new friends.
Teens
(ages, 12-18)
Our 2021 Teen Programming Series now offers two different tracks of programming (that rotate every quarter) with a focus on both social interaction and building independence! Various times are also offered!
Adults
(Ages, 18+)
Every Tuesday, we host Zoom sessions for adults with Down syndrome. We have a variety of topics to engage participants. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for our adults to connect and socialize.
Consultations for All Ages!
Are you concerned about what the future holds? Are you frustrated by unwanted behavior? Do you wonder if your loved one is receiving enough therapy? Our team is here for you!
Enjoy a Delicious Meal for a Great Cause!
Looking for a reason to NOT cook today? We have your excuse! Head over to your local KFC in support of the spring Coupon Book fundraiser! These awesome coupon books are sold for $1 and feature over $30 in savings!
Encourage your family and friends to pick one up now through March 31st and enjoy a delicious meal for a good cause! All proceeds benefit DSG and the families we serve!
Together, we make an impact!
Very special thanks for the continued generosity of our community partner, KBP Foods, who has supported our mission over the past 15 years!
Last fall, our Pathways Therapy Team launched a new service for children having difficulty with transitioning and following directions, called Ready, Set, Regulate.
Designed in response to a pressing need expressed by parents, the small groups teach and support children with using strategies in different environments to promote inclusion and engagement.
“Towards the last few weeks of our fall ‘Ready, Set, Regulate’ group, children made progress as we observed them using words when upset and problem solving; playing a tabletop game without adult assistance; and forming friendships!” shares Marie Leathers, MOT, OTR/L, BCaBA, LaBA, Occupational Therapist and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. “We were thrilled with each individual’s progress!”
If you are interested in signing up for our next session of Ready, Set, Regulate, visit our website >>
