Your personalized newsletter for adults with Down syndrome...
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August News for You!
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!
We're Back!
Fall Social Groups to Begin in September
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join in our social groups that will take place on Tuesday evenings, beginning September 21st. Each week alternates, with one week an in-person event and the next week held virtually via Zoom.
We will host in-person activities from 6 - 8 pm at our office (5960 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS) in addition to our social sessions via zoom. 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
ZOOM Option: Virtual Groups will meet from 6:30-7:30 pm on alternating Tuesdays. This group will allow participants to continue to develop their social skills and interact with peers at a distance.
Now Enrolling for Fall: Social Engagement Groups!
(Therapeutic Small Groups for Adults)
Social Engagement focuses on providing a supported environment where adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills.
Utilizing group instruction, a member of the therapy team meets with self-advocates of similar ages and skills to work on initiating conversations, conversational turn-taking, staying on topic, understanding hidden rules, and so much more.
Sessions begin the week of September 20th, with 8 total sessions for a member price of $200 (discounted from $600 due to the generosity of donors). Space is limited, so be sure to enroll soon!
Group options are:
- On-site: Monday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Virtual: Tuesday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Check Out
our Expanded
ACE Program!
We're thrilled to share that we have expanded our options for our ACE program—tailored to the unique needs of adults with Down syndrome, which we discovered over the past year of providing services.
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:
We are Here for Your Family!
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 announce that Carley Powers, CCC-SLP, joined our Pathways Therapy Services team last month as a Speech-Language Pathologist!
Carley has 2 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs in the healthcare and education settings. She also has experience working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population.
“I wanted a career that was going to mean something to the people I serve and to their families,” says Carley. “I want to make a difference in the lives of individuals at any age or stage in life—and Down Syndrome Innovation’s mission aligned perfectly with that. I couldn’t wait to join the team and be involved as soon as I possibly could! Down Syndrome Innovations does amazing work and I am so excited to be here and learn from my colleagues and the self-advocates!”
Carley earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders at West Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Abilene Christian University.
Carley Powers, CCC-SLP
Carley and her husband, Brody, relocated to our community from Texas. They enjoy exploring the KC region with their chocolate lab, Mocha!
She also enjoys hanging out with her family (they are super close), especially with her niece, Qwynn.
Please join us in welcoming Carley!
Fall Family Yoga Begins Next Month!
Families that move together find their groove together! Looking for a healthy way to bond with your family (and other families too!) this fall? Join us for our monthly, Family Yoga class! A session will be held on September 18th, 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.
Each session will be limited to 12 families. Once 12 families have registered for a session, that particular event registration will close. For planning purposes, family is considered 3 to 5 people, so please contact sarah@kcdsi.org should we need to make different accommodations.
Family Day at Weston Red Barn Farm:
Sunday, Sept. 12th, 1 - 3 pm
Join us for hayrack rides, corn maze, family games and visiting the farm animals. This is a great opportunity to meet other families and make new friends! People with Down syndrome of all ages are welcome!
CONTEST ALERT: Register Your Team by Friday, Aug. 20th for a Chance to Win!
On Saturday, October 16th, we will host one of the largest celebrations in the world for people with Down syndrome!
CONTEST: All families that have created their Walk teams by next Friday, August 20th at Noon will be entered into a drawing to win $50 to KC Power & Light District! Gift card is valid towards all restaurant venues within KCP&L.
Channel 41 Coverage in July:
Down Syndrome Innovations Continues Mission During Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month to celebrate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Down Syndrome Innovations in Mission, Kansas, is opening a brand new space to continue its own mission in the community...
Channel 41 Coverage in August:
"Just As I Am" Exhibit Opens in Kansas City
Crossroads Arts District
A brand new art exhibit debuted in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District over the weekend, and is now open for visitors at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. "Just as I Am" is a portrait gallery featuring members of the Down Syndrome community.
* Project in Partnership with Randy Bacon of 7 Billion Ones and Down Syndrome Innovations.
Resources for Adults in School
It is important that everyone who supports a self-advocate with Down syndrome knows that person's strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and preferred supports.
About Me is a resource you can download and complete with your loved one. By sharing this with multiple school staff and even other caregivers, you can help communicate the information that most important to them. It can be used in the community, too.
Recall Organizer: here is a graphic organizer that can be used in various ways, including as a home note for home-to-school communication or to talk about your loved one's school day at home. Download it here!
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! >>
