Your personalized newsletter for 12-18 year olds...
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August News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly Down Syndrome Guild) offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your teen grow and thrive.
This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!
We're Back!
Sign Up for Fall Groups
Skill-Building Series focusing on Communication and Social Skills.
In-person groups return the week of September 20th! Join us at the Down Syndrome Innovations campus every Monday in the fall.
We are offering two sessions: a 5:00 to 6:00 pm or a 6:15 to 7:15pm.
These groups will offer a variety of activities, all with an overarching emphasis on developing in-person social skills and spending time with peers of the same age.
Please note: out of caution, each in-person group session will be capped at 12 teens. If your desired session is full, you will be added to a waitlist and contacted in the event of an opening.
NOTE: due to the generous support of our donors, these events are complimentary/free for our families
ZOOM Option: we will also continue offering a weekly virtual social group on Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 6 pm. This group will allow teens 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 Teens)
Social Engagement focuses on providing a supported environment where your teen 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!
Class options are:
- On-site: Monday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Virtual: Tuesday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Complimentary Consultations:
We are Here for Your Family!
Want to learn more about how we can support your family? Need help planning for your teen'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 Tyler 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!
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 to Help Your Teen Transition into
the New School Year
It is important that everyone who supports a teen with Down syndrome knows that child’s strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and preferred supports.
About Me is a resource you can download and complete with your teen. By sharing this with multiple school staff and even other caregivers, you can help communicate the information that most important to your teen. It can be used in the community, too: camp, after-school programs, respite opportunities, swim lessons, etc.
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 child’s school day at home. Download it here!
A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading to Young People with Down Syndrome
Reading is a vital life skill and can be a major challenge for some young people with Down syndrome. That’s why we are excited to share this vetted resource from Down Syndrome Educational International!
This program is research and evidence-backed by Sue Buckley, who has been working with children with Down syndrome for 50 years!
Cost: $130. You receive 20 hours of instruction, videos, handouts and guidance; and also have access to the program for 12 months.
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! >>
