Your personalized newsletter for adults with Down syndrome... No images? Click here ![]() September Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly Down Syndrome Guild) offers adult services and supports that focus on maximizing independence; integrating into the community; preparing for employment; increasing health and wellness; and learning essential social skills.. This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family! ![]() History: In 1984, President Reagan signed a bill declaring October Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Let's CELEBRATE! We encourage you to celebrate all month-long by posting facts, sharing stories or pictures, linking to videos, and answering questions your friends and family may have to help them better understand that life with Down syndrome is something to celebrate! Need more ideas about how to celebrate? Please Join Us: RACE WITH ACE WALK TEAM! We are so excited for our Step Up Walk this year at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, October 16! We created a team for all adults involved with Down Syndrome Innovations including our ACE and Adult Evening Program participants. We would love to have you, your family, and your friends join our team and walk with us! Our team name is "Race With ACE". Please register on our team site using this link: https://stepupwalk.org/team/race-with-ace/ COMPETITION: to add some competitive fun, the top 3 people who raise the most money will get to pie an ACE staff member of their choice in the face. This includes Jessica Fahey, Scott Quaife, Jack Anderson, Amanda Myers or Grace Hunter! Reminder: The T-shirt deadline is September 26 to get our Team Name on the back of our shirts, so be sure to register ASAP! Your support and fundraising efforts provide programming and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in our community. Down Syndrome Innovations serves over 1,600 families, 22 hospitals, 45 school districts and dozens of early childhood and adult service provider organizations in Kansas and Missouri. See you at the Walk! Jessica + ACE Team
We're Back! Fall & Winter Adult Evening Programming Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join in our social groups that will take place on Tuesday evenings, beginning September 21st. We will host in-person activities at our office (5960 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS) in addition to our social sessions via zoom. Our September 21st session starts virtually via Zoom, the following week is an in-person session, and the every-other-week rotation then continues through November 23rd. Session topics include Culture and Cuisine and Healthy Habits, and there will also be workouts and even a Halloween Party! E-mail jessica@kcdsi.org for more information or to be added to the email list for registration! Space is limited for our in-person events. NOTE: due to the generous support of our donors, these events are complimentary/free for our families Check Out Our Topics! In-person: 6-8 pm
Our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program is Expanding! Did you know we've expanded our options for our ACE program? It's because over the past year of providing services, we've focused on tailoring our services to the unique needs of adults with Down syndrome that we've observed! To learn more, check out our new brochure here >> If you would like more information or to take a tour of our ACE program, please contact Jessica by email or via phone: (913) 222-5100. Complimentary Consultations: Want to learn more about how we can support your family? Need help planning for your loved one's future? Sign up for a 30-minute complimentary consultation today! Our goal is to learn about your needs and provide recommendations for services and supports that are most relevant for this stage of your journey. Email Jessica to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment! ![]() Down Syndrome Innovations is thrilled to welcome Grace Hunter, Skills Specialist, to our super talented team! ![]() Grace has four years of experience supporting individuals with special needs in a professional setting. However, she has been blessed with a younger sister, Addie, who is 19-years-old and has Down syndrome—so she is familiar with the territory! "My younger sister Addie sparked my passion to support families who have a child with developmental disabilities." Grace earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science at Kansas State University. ![]() GRACE HUNTER
“I was compelled to enter this role because I am crazy about creating opportunities for individuals I love with Down syndrome,” shares Grace. “The team members at Down Syndrome Innovations are the most creative, dynamic, generous, and positive individuals to work with.” Outside of work, Grace loves to spend time with friends and enjoys being outside, whether that to play pickleball, walk or rollerblade! Please join us in welcoming Grace! ![]() Join us for our monthly, Family Yoga class! Our next sessions will be held on October 9th and November 6th! Individuals with Down syndrome of all ages are welcome! During each 45-minute connection-time, we will sing, move, breathe, stretch and have fun practicing basic yoga techniques. Afterwards, enjoy a healthy snack and visit with other families. ![]() Keys to Success Conference Down Syndrome Innovations hosts a bi-annual all-day education conference that brings together all those who invest in people with Down syndrome as they attend breakout sessions facilitated by local, regional, and national experts. Topics cover the lifespan and parents, family members, educators, therapists, administrators, and service providers are encouraged to join us for a life changing day of education. REGISTRATION COMING OCTOBER 1st!
Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY! A Website Page Just for You! Don't miss your dedicated section on our new website! This is where you can find the most up-to-date information for your family! >> |