Back by popular demand, Down Syndrome Innovations is hosting our Caregiver Education Conference on Life Transitions! This conference is applicable to all stages of the life journey! 

As supporters, we know that skill-development for the person with Down syndrome and preparation on the part of the caregivers are essential in supporting the lifespan journey, especially those challenging transitions where environments, expectations, and routines change. This conference will include a non-traditional, open-house format, allowing for the diverse learning styles of caregivers.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE COMING SOON!

We are finalizing our line up of speakers, panel, activities, resources and more! RSVP to ensure you receive the schedule when it debuts!

PLEASE NOTE: this Conference is FREE for participants, due to the generous support of our sponsors and donors!

SPECIAL THANKS to our PRESENTING SPONSOR, KU ADRC!

Please Join Us:

New/Expectant Parents & Extended Family Gathering

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
9:00 -11:00 am

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. Meet other parents at different stages of the journey, while getting connected with the services and supports that we offer.

This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered and to exchange resources with other parents. There will also be an opportunity to explore our Lifelong Learning Campus and to participate in a facilitated discussion with other families. Breakfast and childcare are provided, so please RSVP so we have adequate accommodations!

*These events are FREE/donor-funded for families thanks to our donors from the KC Step Up Walk, our Grantors and our Community Partners!*

Join Us for Connect & Play!

(Various Locations)

We heard your feedback, so we launched our NEW SERVICE this month, called CONNECT & PLAY! These groups are for families (with a loved one ranging from newborn to 6 years old) looking to connect with other families out in the community, closer to home!

Connect & Play is an opportunity for parents/caregivers to grow your community, while your little ones play! Events will take place at different locations, days and times to accommodate families with various schedules!

Upcoming Events:

• Down Syndrome Innovations: Sunday, December 17th from 3:00 – 4:30 pm
• Rough and Bumble KC: Saturday, January 13th from 11:00 -12:00 pm
• Down Syndrome Innovations: Thursday, January 25th from 9:00 – 10:00 am

*Connect & Play is FREE for families! This is made possible our donors from the KC Step Up Walk, our Grantors and our Community Partners!*

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our Team understands that vision affects every area of development across the lifespan. Individuals with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for a range of vision conditions that may affect the development of their visual skills. Lisa will provide education about functional vision and common eye conditions associated with Down Syndrome, as well as strategies to work with the educational and medical systems.

Speaker Bio: Lisa Lind, M.S. Ed., LSCSW, TVI, COMS, is a licensed clinical social worker and teacher of the visually impaired with several decades of experience serving families with children with Down syndrome and visual impairment. She has presented regionally and nationally on the impact of vision with people with the Down syndrome diagnosis and offered expert strategies to maximize their potential across home, school, and community. Lisa has contributed to the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations through training of our staff; advising on new program design; meeting with families and offering resources and supports; and volunteering at our annual fundraisers.

Please Note: Attendees are also welcome to join us prior to the presentation between 6:00 – 6:30 pm to connect with other caregivers, review available resources, and enjoy light refreshments.

*This Educational Seminar is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Books to Read!

"Diagnosis to Delivery" by Nancy McCrea Iannone and Stephanie Hall Meredith 

This book is specifically written for expectant mothers who are preparing for the birth of a baby with Down syndrome.

It will answer your pregnancy and birth questions, validate your emotions, provide coping advice, and give you hope for the future.

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

Whether you registered for the Step Up Walk or not, we want to know what you think!! Is it time to try new things to make the event more family-friendly?

Please take a few minutes (we promise it's a quick survey!) to let us know! We are always trying to be responsive to your input! So, let's make next year's Walk the best one EVER!

But we need you to tell us HOW!

There's still time to make a year-end gift!

Will you join us in changing lives this year?

It has truly been an honor to serve you and your family this year! Thank you for trusting us as your lifespan partner on this journey!

OFFICE CLOSURE: 

In an effort to ensure our Team is well-rested and ready to serve more families than ever before in the New Year, our office will be closed Monday, Dec. 25th through January 1st. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2nd.