November News for You!

Down Syndrome Innovations offers children services and supports that focus on maximizing independence; integrating into the community; increasing health and wellness; and learning essential social skills.

This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!

Thank You for Stepping Up for Down Syndrome!

You want to know one of the MANY amazing things about our families, friends and volunteers?! That you are willing to STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME all day, every day, RAIN OR SHINE! THANK YOU!

There are no words to describe the celebration, love, support, and sense of community at the Walk this year (in spite of the frigid temps and rain)! So instead, enjoy this THANK YOU video that offers a glimpse into your AWESOME DAY!

THANK YOU for always Stepping Up for people with Down syndrome and their families! You are truly changing the lives of the people and families we serve!

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!

Register ASAP for our Children’s Social Skills Group!

(On Site)

Children with Down syndrome are invited to join our social skills groups that take place Wednesdays from 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm!

Our Skills Series focuses on activities designed to help children develop and practice social skills. Our groups will focus on providing a structured environment for children to socialize, as well as opportunities to form strong friendships with others in the group.

Dates of Service: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24

*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 Winter, Special Olympics: Young Athletes

(For ages 4 – 7)

In partnership with Special Olympics, Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children between the ages of 4 and 7.

• Schedule: Tuesdays from 4:15 - 5 pm, beginning Nov. 14th
• 8 Sessions: 11/14, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23

Self-advocates will engage in a variety of activities and games alongside their peers targeted towards gross motor and social skill development. The first and final sessions are required.

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

Now Enrolling: Ready, Set, Regulate!

(Therapeutic Small Groups for for Ages 6 - 12)

Designed and facilitated by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Ready, Set, Regulate offers caregivers and self-advocates the opportunity to participate in both 1:1 and group learning activities. These therapeutic small groups are geared towards self-advocates and caregivers, who need to find shared language and shared strategies to work through big emotions.
 
Sessions focus on building emotional regulation skills, including:

• identifying emotions
• selecting appropriate solutions to everyday challenges
• identifying expected behavior across home and community

SCHEDULE

• Tuesdays (5:00 – 6:00) & Thursdays (4:00 – 5:00)

These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.

The fee for this therapeutic service is pro-rated if you join the group after it starts.

Join Us for Winter Social Engagement!

(Therapeutic Small Groups for for Ages 8 - 12)

Social Engagement is a therapeutic opportunity focused on providing a supported environment where children with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.

• Schedule: Thursdays from 5 - 6 pm, beginning Nov. 16th
• Dates of service: 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25​

Utilizing group instruction through the process of collaborative art, self-advocates of similar ages and skills practice working as a team, problem-solving, self-advocacy, understanding hidden rules, and so much more.

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.

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.

*These Support Groups are FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Developing a strong, collaborative relationship with your self-advocate’s school team is vital in creating a healthy, supportive environment for your child’s educational journey.

This seminar is designed to help give parents tools and language to effectively communicate and advocate for your child’s wants and needs. We will also discuss examples and suggestions of general support strategies that you can request in your child’s educational setting that can help support effective and engaged learning behaviors. 
 
This seminar will be led by Tyler Goevert, our School-Age Education Coordinator. Tyler frequently collaborates with families and their school teams to identify effective support strategies within the educational setting.

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

It’s never too early to begin planning for your loved one’s success in adulthood!

Targeted for families (with loved ones up to 18 years of age), this seminar will provide an overview of topics that will help position your loved one for living a fulfilling adult life. 

*This Educational Seminar is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the 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!*

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.

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

We are proud to announce that our Youth Apprenticeship Program with Nautical Manufacturing & Fulfillment was awarded the “2023 Outstanding New Program” by the Kansas Department of Commerce and KansasWorks Office of Registered Apprenticeship! 

Congratulations to Amanda Myers, CESP, for earning this honor alongside our partners from Nautical, Madison McDaniel and Nicolette Bleidt. Special thanks to the Kansas Department of Commerce, IWSI America, and the Urban Institute for making our first-ever Apprenticeship program possible!

Family Holiday Parties at Down Syndrome Innovations!

Thursday, Dec. 7th from 4 - 6 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9th from 9 - 11 am

Location: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS

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!  

*These events are FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Join Us in Central MO for a Fun & Festive Holiday Party!

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

GIVINGTUESDAY is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. It reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. 

This year, GivingTuesday is on November 28th—we hope you will consider making a gift in support of our mission and the families we serve!