July News for You!

Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your little one grow and thrive. This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!

It's Time to STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME!

REGISTRATION NOW LIVE
for our Kansas City Walk on Saturday, October 28th!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Join us for a REUNION-THEME Walk!

Get ready to reunite with old friends, while making new friends, in our "Lifespan Village," featuring tents for each age range: 

• Adults
• Teens
• Youth
• Early Childhood
• Expectant/New Parents

Each tent will have activities tailored to your loved one’s stage of the journey! Sit and visit with old (and new friends!) in our designated Connection areas/tables, while watching your loved ones enjoy all kinds of fun activities!

Learn more and register here!

Don't Miss Our FINAL TWO New/Expectant Parents Family Gatherings in 2023!

Join us for our last two (quarterly) New / Expectant Parents & Extended Family Gathering of the year in August and November! This is an opportunity for new parents and extended family members (prenatal – 2 years old) to connect with others, who have a young child with Down syndrome.

*Saturday, August 5th  |  9:00 - 11:00 am*

REGISTER HERE  >>

*Saturday, November 4th  |  9:00 - 11:00 am*

REGISTER HERE  >>

Meet other parents at different stages of the journey, while getting connected with the services and supports that Down Syndrome Innovations provides. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered and to exchange resources with other parents. Breakfast and childcare are provided, so please RSVP so we have adequate accommodations!

Please note: this service is donor-funded / free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors, grantors, and community partners!

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our Team understands that in order to be a lifespan provider for your family it is essential that we support you in the ever-evolving caregiving journey – as you support your loved one with Down syndrome. As part of our Caregiver Education Series focusing on mental health, we have invited Dr. Amy Bodde to share strategies that improve your health and wellness and also those in your care.

Speaker Bio: Amy Bodde, PhD, MPH, is a Research Assistant Professor at University of Kansas Medical Center, and specifically, a health promotion researcher with expertise in physical activity for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caregiver wellness. Dr. Bodde has contributed to the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations through training of our staff, advising on new program design, and collaborating on our annual 321 Fit Health and Wellness event.

Join us prior to the presentation from 9:30 – 10:00 am for a time to connect with other caregivers and enjoy coffee and light refreshments.

Please Note: this educational seminar is donor-funded / free due to the generous support of our donors, grantors and community partners!

Down Syndrome Innovations is pleased to *VIRTUALLY* host Steve & Gwendolyn Friedman’s seminar, “March to Independence.” The Friedman’s have compiled an essential reference guide for families with Down syndrome. They are thrilled to share learnings, tips, and helpful information to help you navigate the oftentimes overwhelming path toward independence for your son or daughter. Topics will include social, safety, health, financial/benefits, legal instruments, housing, and more.

While special focus will be afforded to teen and adult years, they will also talk about what new parents can do to begin their independence journey. Ample time will be provided for Q&A.

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our Team understands that in order to be a lifespan provider for your family it is essential that we support you in the process of planning ahead for your loved one with Down syndrome. As part of our “Planning Ahead for the Adult Years” educational series, we have invited Kacy Seitz to walk caregivers through the process of writing a letter of intent for your child with a disability.

For families who have children with disabilities, worrying about your loved one’s life in the years ahead is ever-present. Special needs planning allows you to provide for your children upon your death and name a trusted person to step in as a legal guardian. After choosing a guardian, drafting a Letter of Intent (your last set of caregiving instructions) is critical to safeguarding your child’s future.

Join us prior to the presentation from 6:00 – 6:30pm for a time to connect with other caregivers and enjoy complimentary refreshments and/or light snacks.

Healthcare Guidelines from
the American Academy of Pediatrics

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics offers comprehensive Healthcare Guidelines for families, who have a child with Down syndrome? The healthcare guidelines help define the standards of care for individuals with Down syndrome.

They include specific recommendations for screening tests; information about common medical conditions; suggestions for early intervention; information about diet and exercise, and more!