November 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!

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!

Mark Your 2024 Calendars:

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: Monday, November 27th from 5 – 6 pm
• Wonderscope: Friday, December 1st from 10:00 – 11:30 am
• 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!*

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. 

Registered attendees will receive our Long-Term Planning Guide and Zoom link in advance of the event.

*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!*

Books to Read!

This book isn’t explicitly about a child with Down syndrome, but there is a gorgeous little girl with Down syndrome on the cover and the book’s theme is all about embracing our differences and celebrating what makes us special and unique!

Fun fact: the author’s granddaughter has Down syndrome!

Have You Heard of Geeks for Kids?!

Geeks for Kids comes highly recommended by the Gibson family! They custom adapt toy vehicles to allow kiddos with mobility limitations a fun and accessible way to get around, at ZERO cost to the family.

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!