All things for ages 2- 6! No images? Click here ![]() June News for You! Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly Down Syndrome Guild) offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your child grow and thrive. This monthly newsletter is created just for you and your family! We can't wait to see you at the Grand Opening celebration for our new Lifelong Learning Campus THIS SATURDAY from 9-11 am! Please bring your whole family and participate in our fun scavenger hunt to explore our new building; learn about new services and supports; meet our team; enjoy birthday cake (it's our 37th birthday!) and more! You will also be entered into a drawing for fun prizes! Please note: for the safety of our members, we ask that visitors wear masks while inside the building. "Dash For Down Syndrome" 5K Transitions to a ![]() Also this Saturday is our first 5K fundraiser with the Start/Finish taking place at our new campus! Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to barricade and redirect traffic along the entire route—so, we switched to a "Fun Run/Walk!" This means the 5K is untimed because there may be times on the route that participants might have to wait to cross due to traffic, etc. Untimed means more family-friendly! So be sure to register (by Thursday 6/17 at 5 pm) for your whole family and enjoy a lovely run/walk for a great cause! You won't want to miss out on getting our "limited edition" Dash For Down Syndrome shirts, which were made in our new building assisted by a few adults with Down syndrome! Find your "happy pace" at our FUN Run/Walk before enjoying our Grand Opening! ![]() Sign Up for Summer Playgroups! Openings Now Available! Designed by our therapy team, our playgroups promote the development and learning of children 2 to 6 years old, while also providing education to caregivers in support of positive life trajectories. Playgroups are offered weekly during our summer group session (June 14th - August 11th). Select your child’s age range to view schedule >> Playgroups take place on our Lifelong Learning Campus (5916 Dearborn Street) in Mission, KS. SIGN UP TODAY: Email Marie Leathers, Pathways Occupational Therapist, if you’re interested or would like to find out more information! NOTE: this service has a small fee of $10 per playgroup—as it is primarily funded by our generous donors! Complimentary Consultations Let’s talk and see how our team can support you! We offer 30-minute appointments to families, in-person or via zoom, so we can learn about your needs and provide recommendations for services and supports that are most relevant to the current stage of your journey. We want to make this process as easy as possible for your family! If you are not sure what you need or how we can help, we encourage you to sign up for a free consultation! There is something we can do at every step of the journey to support your family. Email Sarah to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment! ![]() PLAY TO LEARN, LEARN TO PLAY! Here are some activities to help your child learn, while having fun! Courtesy of Marie Leathers, our Occupational Therapist, and rock star Pathways Therapy team member! ![]() Why Your CDDO is Essential for Your Family Community Developmental Disabilities Organizations (CDDOs) serve as the single point of entry for anyone seeking ID/DD services in each county. They are responsible for determining eligibility for public funding and services; coordinating access to services and supports; providing information and referrals; and maintaining a network of affiliated providers What We Recommend: Down Syndrome Innovations recommends making contact with your CDDO and beginning the eligibility process at least by 10 years old because of KS and MO waiting lists, even if funding and supports are not needed until adulthood. ![]() Words of Hope Laura & Matthew Nelson "I'm reading a book right now where a family in the 1960s had a child diagnosed with Autism. The lack of understanding, therapy, programs, and HOPE at that point for both autism and unfortunately, even for Down syndrome, is astounding. I say a prayer of thanks every time I pick up the book as I'm reminded again and again what a blessing Pathways is for Matthew, so many other kids, and for us parents,
too. I look at Matthew's future with hope...and not the kind where you squeeze your eyes shut and 'hope' things will be ok. I feel confident that he's being prepared for a good life and confident that he has the resources to help him through any difficulty. Hope is such a beautiful thing! Thank you to Marie, to Sarah, Jessie, Megan, Tyler, Amy, the interns, etc., etc., for all you do!" ~Laura Nelson, Mother of Matthew Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY! |