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July News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations 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!
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!
Are You Ready to STEP UP for Down Syndrome?
On Saturday, October 16th, we will host one of the largest celebrations for people with Down syndrome in the world! We can't wait to reunite with you!
Why not create a team and invite your family and friends to register or donate to support our vital mission and work. Whether your team is four, 40 or 400, you will definitely be feeling the love and energy from our community as we step up!
Want some ideas on how to make your team great? Visit our team success page to learn more. Still have questions? Contact us and we can walk you through the team creation process.
All families that have created their walk teams by Wednesday, July 21 at 12:00 Noon will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to Taste Buds Kitchen in Leawood, KS. The $25 gift card is valid towards a cooking class, camp or party of your choosing.
We can't wait for you to join us in Stepping Up for Down Syndrome!
Please join us for this exciting Art Exhibit that is years in the making!
Just As I Am* invites us to view the world through the lens of someone living with Down syndrome. This project’s aim is to create awareness and a better understanding of Down syndrome through raw, authentic stories, intimate portraiture and short film series, as to change the way we see those with Down syndrome.
Read more on our event page >>
*Project in Partnership with Randy Bacon of 7 Billion Ones and Down Syndrome Innovations.
ACE Program Expanding this Fall!
It's hard to believe that we launched our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program last August in the midst of a worldwide pandemic—but we were determined to fulfill a critical need that families had expressed to us.
After a year of services, we're thrilled to share that we are expanding our options for our ACE program—tailored to what we have found to be the unique needs of adults with Down syndrome.
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.
Join Us for our Summer Programming on Tuesdays!
(Small Groups)
Our summer programming is getting hot! Adults 18+ are invited to join in our social groups that take place on Tuesday evenings. We are excited to be meeting in-person again, as well as over zoom. Session topics include safety in the community, healthy lifestyles, conversation skills and more.
- In-Person Activities will meet from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at our new office: 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS
- Zoom Virtual Groups will meet from 5 - 6 pm and 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Please e-mail Jessica for more information or to be added to the contact list for these sessions.
NOTE: due to the generous support of
our donors, these events are complimentary/free for our families!
Now Enrolling for Fall:
Social Engagement Groups
(Therapeutic Small Groups for Adults)
These groups focus on providing a supported environment where the self-advocate/adult 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 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).
Groups offered:
On-site – Monday 4:00 – 5:00
Virtual – Tuesday 4:00 – 5:00
DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31st!
These groups fill up quickly,
so if you are interested, please
fill out a Pathways
application to enroll! >>
Did You Miss Our Grand Opening?
On June 19th, we hosted the Grand Opening of our Lifelong Learning Campus and debuted our expanded services and supports for people with Down syndrome—of all ages!
If you weren’t able to attend and would like to schedule a personal tour, please email Jessica! She'll show you around our new, state-of-the-art building and discuss the potential services/support that might be a fit for your family at this stage of this journey!
Join a Research Study About Career Development
The Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities is conducting a study to understand the effectiveness of implementing a career development intervention using telehealth for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The intervention uses the Self-Determined Career Design Model (SDCDM), an evidence-based intervention designed to support people with IDD to set and go after career and employment goals.
This study will be done through Zoom and you will be able to complete this from your own home.
If you join this study, you will meet with an instructor and other job seekers once a week for 6 months to set and work toward your career and employment goals.
Who can participate?
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in Kansas and meet the following requirements:
- Can communicate verbally or through a communication device
- Can use technology or will have support to access technology
What are the risks and benefits?
In this study, you can learn more about your self-determination and job
experiences. We don't anticipate anything bad happening to you in this study.
Questions?
If you are interested in learning more about this study or have questions please contact Evan Dean at edean2@ku.edu.
Health & Wellness continues to be an important focus for our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program! Here are a couple of our members "cycling" through a new activity on a lovely summer day!
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 about our services and support! >>
