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May News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers teen 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!
There's Still Time to RSVP for our 38th Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 11th!
Grab your family and friends and join us for our 38th Birthday Bash as we recognize nearly 4 decades of our mission dedicated to people with Down syndrome! That’s definitely a reason to celebrate!
Stop by any time between 9:30 and 11:30 am to enjoy birthday cake, fun activities, playing on our new, adaptive playground, photo ops…and more! Be sure to RSVP, so that we may plan for appropriate accommodations!
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
BOOTH OPPORTUNITIES!
Families! You've asked, so here is your opportunity to host a booth at our Birthday Bash! Email Amy Stoll at stoll@kcdsi.org to be added to our list! This is your opportunity to sell your items to attendees! This is exclusively for families to take advantage of the crowd!
Please note: please bring your own table & chairs. Also no electricity will be available, so plan accordingly.
Registration Now Open for Summer Teen Skills Series: Physical Activity and Healthy Living!
Our Teen Skills Series kicks off on Mondays, beginning June 13th! There are two options for times: 3 - 4 pm or 5 - 6 pm!
Each week, teens will attend a one-hour session with their peers to engage in a variety of healthy living activities (such as exercise, yoga, etc.), as well as to learn and review different topics related to healthy living and staying active.
Due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
*Groups will be limited to 20 participants per session out of caution. Once a group has reached 20 registered participants, a waitlist will be started. If you sign up for the waitlist, you will be contacted in the event of an open spot for a session.
Beginning June 15th! Hosted on Wednesdays from 5:15 - 6 pm, this weekly virtual social group is a supervised Zoom meeting where teens have the opportunity to interact and get to know their peers, as well as take breaks with songs and games.
*Zoom links will be sent to all registered email addresses the morning of each scheduled virtual group.
Now Enrolling: Summer Social Engagement!
(Therapeutic Small Groups For Teens)
Social Engagement is a therapeutic service that focuses on providing a supported environment where teens with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.
Utilizing group instruction, a member of our 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.
SCHEDULE OPTIONS
- Mondays, 4 - 5 pm beginning June 13th
- Tuesdays, 4 - 5 pm beginning June 14th
These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.
The fee for this therapeutic service is $200 for 8 therapeutic sessions.
A Great Way to Communicate: "All About Me" Booklet
Is your teen starting in a new classroom, summer camp, or getting support from a babysitter or nanny?
We encourage you to consider using our "All About Me" booklet to set your teen up for success across all environments!
Megan DeBoom, BCBA, LBA
Director of Therapeutic Services,
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Get Your Loved One Involved: "Work at Home" Choice Board
Every day responsibilities can help prepare your self-advocate for independent living and employment. Choice boards can be a great tool for working on skills at home!
We encourage you to download this helpful chart and get your loved one started on contributing to the household chores!
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, to Present at Prestigious Convention!
Congratulations to Scott Quaife, our Health and Wellness Coordinator, who was selected to present at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in New Orleans! This convention is attended by thousands of people from across the globe!
Scott will present his work titled, “Functional Fitness: How Exercise Plays a Critical Role in Supporting Common Conditions that Affect Development and Independence” at the Convention June 23 - 26!
Congratulations, Scott, for sharing your expertise to the worldwide community of those who support people with Down syndrome!
ARE YOU READY to Step Up For Down Syndrome?!
This year will be an epic event with all kinds of new activities, specifically tailored to your loved one's age range!
Be sure to register ASAP, so you can share the news with family and friends!
Down Syndrome Innovations Job Fair a Success!
In April, Down Syndrome Innovations partnered with multiple employers to host a Job Fair for teens and adults with Down syndrome to explore career opportunities!
The event featured employers actively hiring for positions; continuing education programs; career planning services; community resources; and mock interview stations.
“This year’s Job Fair was a huge success, shares Amanda Myers, CESP, Employment Coordinator. “We’ve had self-advocates already hired by companies that attended the event. We were so encouraged watching self-advocates work towards achieving their employment goals and we’re excited to see what their future holds!”
Have you “connected” with us yet?
We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY, so that we may contact you about services and supports that are appropriate for your loved one!
