Your personalized newsletter for 2-6 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 child grow and thrive.
This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!
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 fall group sessions (September 22nd - November 12th) and take place on Wednesdays and Fridays at our Lifelong Learning Campus.
Our Wednesday sessions occur from 5 – 6 pm on the following dates:
- 9/22, 9/29
- 10/06, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27
- 11/3, 11/10
Our Friday sessions occur from 9 – 10 am on the following dates:
- 9/24
- 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
- 11/5, 11/12
Enroll now or email us at pathways@kcdsi.org for more information!
Cost: this service has a small fee of $10 per playgroup—as it is primarily funded by our generous donors!
Complimentary Consultations:
We are Here for Your Family!
Want to learn more about how we can support your family? Need help planning for your child'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 Sarah 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 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.
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.
We can't wait for you to join us in Stepping Up for Down Syndrome!
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.
A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading to Children and 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!
