All things for ages 12 - 18!
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June 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 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
FUN Run/Walk!
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!
Summer Teen Series:
Self-Advocacy & Kitchen Skills
(Small Groups)
This summer, we are providing two virtual groups: Self-Advocacy & Leisure Skills and Independent Kitchen Skills!
Self-Advocacy & Leisure Skills will focus on helping teens grow their self-advocacy skills, such as identifying what they like and don't like; communicating those thoughts to others; and finding and engaging in new leisure activities.
Independent Kitchen Skills will bring back our focus on following a recipe, preparing ingredients, and building confidence in the kitchen.
We are also re-introducing a small in-person social group! This group will be capped at 8 participants for the first half of the summer; then allowing the opportunity for another 8 participants in the second half of the summer.
Programming takes place from June 14th - August 13th!
Join Us for Teen Day Camp:
July 28th, 29th & 30th!!
Join us at the Lee’s Summit Youth Rotary Camp for a teen day camp! Campers will be able to attend one or multiple days for outdoor summer fun. Registration will be a fee of $20 per day.
Campers will either meet at the Youth Rotary Camp or have the option to meet at the Down Syndrome Innovations office for transportation.
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!
If you are interested in signing up
for our Fall Social Engagement Groups, please fill out a
Pathways application
to enroll! >>
Complimentary Consultations
Our Team is here for your family! 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 Tyler to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment!
Walking Safely in Your Community!
Watch this video to learn how to Walk Safely in Your Community, brought to you by Megan DeBoom, our Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Director of Therapeutic Services, and rock star team member!
Crossing streets and parking lots are just a few of the handy skills your teen will learn!
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
Matthew (17) participates in Pathways Therapy Services
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! >>
