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October News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers adult services and supports that focus on maximizing independence; integrating into the community; preparing for employment; increasing health and wellness; and learning essential social skills. This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!
In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and our upcoming KC Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk, we had the honor of visiting with Jillian Carroll on My KC LIVE!
There is Still Time to Register and Step Up For Down Syndrome!
Reunite with old friends and make new ones in our NEW, Lifespan Village!
Our Reunion-themed Walk this year will feature:
- Age-Based Tents: we will have 5 different tents so that families in similar stages of the journey can mingle! Tents will be carved out for Adults (18+); Teens (12-18); Youth (6-12), Children (2-6); and Expectant and New Parents/Caregivers (Prenatal - 2 yrs).
- Family Connection areas: we will have tables and chairs set up in each tent area, so that you can reunite with old friends and make new connections!
- Age-appropriate activities: while you're mingling in the Family Connection area, you will be able to watch your loved one enjoy age-appropriate activities, games, rides, and more!
Whether you're a Walk Warrior and attend every year or haven't been to the Walk in a while, you will enjoy our new layout that allows for connecting, enjoying lunch and all the fun activities—while elevating and celebrating your loved one with Down syndrome!
Registration Now Open for Winter Skill-Building & Social Groups!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our skill-building and social programming that takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 8 pm, beginning Nov. 14th!! Sessions are always a balance of continuing education and having a good time with friends!
Dates of Service: 11/14, 11/28, 12/12, 12/19, 1/19, 1/23
*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
Join us for our Virtual Social Groups for Adults that take place on Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, beginning Nov. 16th! Facilitated by staff member, Lauren Spector, these online Social Groups focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!
Sessions take place: 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 1/11, 1/16, 1/19
*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
Register for Our Small Group, Fitness Training!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join us for personalized workout classes, focusing on building foundational strength and functional skills.
Sessions take place from 10:00 - 10:45 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The fee for this service is $10 per session.
Each class is limited to 6 participants (or less) to ensure highly supportive training and individualized coaching.
Please Note: there are limited spots available to ensure self-advocates receive sufficient support and instruction. Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times (in addition to meeting the assessment and readiness criteria). A waiting list will be created for future opportunities, once enrollment is full.
Get Moving on the Weekends:
Join Us for Our Community Workouts!
(Teens & Adults)
Join us for inclusive exercise opportunities at various gyms around the Kansas City metro! Workouts are designed to improve functional strength and stamina. These occur at different locations every month on Saturdays.
There are limited spots available for every self-advocate to receive sufficient support and coaching. Athletes are expected to be able to follow instructions and a structured routine for a safe and meaningful exercise experience for all, and therefore there is a maximum number of participants per class.
Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times. After submitting an interest form, our Health and Wellness Coordinator will contact you to discuss your options for community workout participation in your local area.
The Time is NOW for Your Health & Wellness Consultation!
Would you like to talk to a health and wellness professional who understands Down syndrome to develop proactive strategies for incorporating more activity into your loved one’s life?
This is a great first step towards better health!
Scott offers in-person and virtual appointments, so sign up for a complimentary Health & Wellness consultation today!
Now Enrolling: Winter Social Engagement!
(Therapeutic Small Groups for Teens/Adults)
Social Engagement is a therapeutic service focused on providing a supported environment where teens and adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.
The group uses theatre to promote teamwork, conflict resolution, and social perspective taking. Our final session will include a small production for families.
SCHEDULE
- Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, beginning Nov. 13th
- Dates of service: 11/13, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, 1/29
These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.
The fee for this therapeutic service is $220 for 8 Therapeutic Sessions.
Aging Years: Caregiver Connection Group (Virtual)
The 2nd Monday of each month from 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Dates of Service: 11/13, 12/11, 1/9, 2/12, 3/11, 4/8
The Aging Years Caregiver Connection Group is a virtual gathering of caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to caring for an aging loved one with Down syndrome.
This group is facilitated by Down Syndrome Innovations staff, and we will occasionally invite special guests with expertise in this area. This is a complimentary caregiver education opportunity, provided in addition to the individualized services we provide directly for families and individuals with Down Syndrome.
We are providing this group virtually to ensure we are being inclusive of families throughout the region and those who are not able to access transportation, as we understand that caring for an aging dependent can feel isolating in and of itself.
*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
Adult Sibling Connection Group (Virtual)
Quarterly beginning November 7th
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Dates of Service: 11/07, 02/06, 06/04
The Adult Sibling Connection Group is a virtual gathering of adult siblings who are active in the life of their (adult) brother or sister with Down syndrome. Join us for a casual, online connection time for siblings to converse with one another; gain strategies and resources from us and one another; learn about how our organization can walk alongside them; and create connections to that no one feels alone in this process.
Down Syndrome Innovations is committed to supporting the family of a person with Down syndrome—and this includes adult siblings who may currently be a caregiver, or may have increased involvement in caregiving in the future.
*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
DS-ASD Connection is a virtual gathering of caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to a child or adult’s current or potential dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This group is facilitated by Down Syndrome Innovations staff, and we will occasionally invite special guests with expertise in this area. This is a complimentary caregiver education opportunity, provided in addition to the individualized services we provide directly for individuals with DS-ASD for the purpose of skill-development, improving self-regulation and behavior, and increasing independence.
At Down Syndrome Innovations, our team understands that teaching your loved one with Down syndrome about puberty, sexuality, and relationships can feel very overwhelming.
Using materials from the evidence-based curriculum, members of our Pathways Therapy Team (who are Elevatus-trained sexuality educators) will provide general information on how to navigate these
challenging topics.
There will be opportunities for discussion and problem solving for your family’s unique needs. This workshop is appropriate for caregivers of self-advocates of all ages.
NOTE: it is highly recommended that you attend ALL sessions for the full benefit of this education!
*This Workshop is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
Back by popular demand—and provided virtually! 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, 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, hosting groups on caregiver wellness on our campus, and providing vital resources and strategies to our caregivers.
*This Educational Seminar is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month: an important time for our community to raise awareness about Down syndrome, while also elevating and celebrating your loved one with Down syndrome!
If you would like to join us in growing awareness, it's as easy as hopping on social media to share one of our facts or success stories, sharing our mission with someone you know who has a loved one with Down syndrome: or committing to getting the word out about this important month! Need ideas about how to celebrate? Visit our Awareness page!
Down Syndrome Innovations Welcomes New Team Members!
In August, Down Syndrome Innovations welcomed two new Team members Kayla Schadegg as our part-time New Parent & Medical Outreach Specialist and CJ Vallejo as full-time Family and Outreach Coordinator!
Kayla Schadegg
New Parent & Medical Outreach Specialist
Kayla serves as our primary contact for Expectant and New Parents (prenatal – 2 years old)! She is also responsible for Down Syndrome Innovation’s outreach efforts with the medical community, including deepening our relationships with hospitals and clinics in the region that refer prenatally diagnosed and families of newborns with Down syndrome.
Kayla has a 7 year-old daughter with Down syndrome. She brings with her 28 years of experience as a disability sibling and advocate, with 10 years dedicated to running a fully inclusive children’s fitness center. She also has four years of experience serving as a medical outreach liaison, offering education and resources about Down syndrome to healthcare professionals.
Kayla Schadegg earned her bachelor of science in English from Emporia State University.
CJ Vallejo
Family and Outreach Coordinator
CJ serves as our primary point of contact for parents and caregivers who have a child with Down syndrome between the 3 and 17 years old. He also leads the efforts for all Caregiver Education events and Family Outreach events to ensure families have the support and resources they need, as well as ample opportunities to engage with one another in a supported environment . CJ also serves as our primary outreach communicator for families in Central Missouri.
CJ has five years of experience in an elementary education setting, including serving as teacher in a Behavior Support Classroom and as a paraeducator in the life skills classroom. CJ earned his bachelor of arts in Journalism from Benedictine College and a master of science in High-Incidence Special Education from Fort Hays State University.
Please join us in welcoming Kayla and CJ to our Team!
Changing the Trajectory of Career Opportunities for Adults: The Apprenticeship Program
DID YOU KNOW that in 2022, only 21.3% of people with a disability were employed according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics?
Well, we are actively working to increase that rate through our partnership with Nautical Manufacturing & Fulfillment. Earlier this year, we launched our first-ever Apprenticeship program that provided 21 adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to gain real-life employment experience. Check out the video that shares the experiences of those involved!
Special thanks to the entire team at Nautical for seeing the value in providing job training and employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Family Holiday Parties at Down Syndrome Innovations!
Thursday, Dec. 7th from 4 - 6 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9th from 9 - 11 am
Pack up your sleigh and your immediate family and join us at Down Syndrome Innovations for a celebration of the ages! Enjoy festive activities, snacks, pictures with Santa, and connecting with other families!
For your family’s convenience, we have TWO event options to make scheduling this busy time of year a bit easier!
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