Your Feedback is Vitally Important!

Parents, Caregivers, and Self-Advocates: we truly hope you will take the time to share your feedback with us on our 2022 Survey!

In 2019, we fielded this survey to gain insight into what's most important for your loved one with Down syndrome to thrive! With that information, we transformed our services and supports to better meet the needs of people with Down syndrome of ALL ages!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM MOM & DAD: we encourage ALL caregivers in the household to take this survey, e.g. Mom and Dad of the self-advocate, so we may understand the entire family's experience and goals!

IMPORTANCE OF THIS SURVEY: we understand the survey is little lengthy (should take approximately 20 minutes), but it's critical for us to measure against what you told us in 2019, so we can see where we've made progress and where we still need to grow! This is how we can shape the future, together!

DEADLINE: The survey will be open until 11:55 pm on Sunday, July 31st!

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! 

Now Enrolling: Fall 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.

There are two group options this fall, including:

Option 1: Mondays, 4 - 4:50 pm - beginning August 28th
Option 2: Tuesdays, 4 - 4:50 pm - beginning August 30th
 
Utilizing group instruction, a member of the therapy team works with participants on initiating conversations, conversational turn-taking, staying on topic, understanding hidden rules, and so much more.

The fee for these 8 therapeutic sessions is $200.

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 Caregiver Seminar is Virtual to provide access to families throughout Kansas and Missouri. A ZOOM link will be provided to those who register. Please indicate attendance in this form to the virtual seminar designated for your state of residence.* 

ABOUT THE SEMINAR:  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 process of planning ahead for your loved one with Down syndrome. The task list for future planning can feel daunting but we can help you prioritize and point you in the right direction. We have resources on hand related to community organizations with specific supports you might need. We want to serve as your “home base” to help you navigate the challenges at each age range throughout this journey. 

Please join us on Thursday, August 25th for a Caregiver Education Seminar, “The ABLE Account: How It Might Save Your Family Money.”

Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care, and food and housing assistance. That’s why individuals and families often choose to contribute to ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings accounts that can fund disability expenses.

Eligibility for these public benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid) have specific eligibility criteria, so join us for this seminar to have your questions answered by trusted advisors from Special Needs Assured!

Be sure to RSVP, so we may have appropriate accommodations! 

Join us in the Northland on Thursday, September 15th for “Functional Fitness: How Exercise Plays a Critical Role in Supporting Common Conditions that Affect Development and Independence” presented by Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, our Health & Wellness Coordinator. 

Scott is a certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT), who specializes in Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. He recently presented at the 2022 National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in New Orleans. This convention was attended by thousands of people, and many experts in Down Syndrome, across the globe.

These events are complimentary/free due to the generous support
of our donors and grantors.

Be sure to RSVP, so we may have appropriate accommodations! 

Join Us for Family Day at Red Barn Farm!

Saturday, September 10th
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Weston Red Barn Farm 
16300 Wilkerson Rd, Weston, MO 64098

All ages are welcome as we gather this fall at Red Barn Farm! Join us for hay rides, corn maze, family games and visiting the farm animals. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families and make new friends!

Please be sure to register for this event, so we may have appropriate accommodations!  RSVP HERE  >>

Due to the generous support of our donors/grantors, this event is complimentary/free for our families!

Let's Gather Together and Celebrate!

2022 Step Up for Down Syndrome

Gather your family, friends, and supporters to recognize and celebrate the “Dream Team” of people, who are walking alongside your family on this journey!

A support team, even beyond family, is so critical for your loved one’s success at all stages of life. Here is your chance to create a tradition that brings your “Dream Team” together once a year to lift up your loved one and those who have helped along the way!

During Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, we will host two Step Up Walks!

KC Step Up Walk: Sat, Oct. 22nd
Arrowhead Stadium, KC

Central Mo Step Up Walk: Sat, Oct. 8th
Stankowski Field: Mizzou, Columbia, MO

This is a tradition with memories that will last a lifetime!

Changing Lives with Employment!

Amanda Myers, CESP, our Employment Coordinator, recently recruited and trained 10 adults with Down syndrome as event staff for the Kansas City Chiefs! This is a result of a year-long collaboration between Down Syndrome Innovations and the Chiefs, who worked together to hire Chris and Carissa Ringot last year to work on the CommunityAmerica Club Level.

This year, Chris and Carissa (alongside Amanda) helped orient and train this season’s staff with a tour of the facility; sharing their experiences as seasoned employees; and offering guidance from their perspective.

Thank you to everyone at the Kansas City Chiefs for these important career opportunities for our community!

*If you see one of the 12 employees from our community, be sure to congratulate them on this exciting career advancement!

COMING THIS FALL: Amanda will be offering complimentary / free employment consultations to teens and adults looking to achieve career aspirations! Stay tuned for more information to be released in the coming week!