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January 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!
Contact Us!
If you are currently in services, feel free to contact your program leader directly.
Contact Grace, if you are a new or returning family and would like assistance navigating our services, supports and resources!
Teens with Down syndrome are invited to join our Spring Teen Skills Series: Boundaries and Personal Space! Groups takes place on-site Mondays beginning Feb. 20th!
For your family's convenience, there are two time options to choose from:
Time Option 1: 5 - 6 pm
Time Option 2: 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Sessions: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24
Our Spring Skills Series focuses on structured activities and exercises to help self-advocates (ages 12-18) gain a better understanding of respecting boundaries and the personal space of others. They will also learn how to identify and practice ways to establish their own boundaries and communicate if someone is in their personal space.
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Join us for our spring, Virtual Social Groups for teens that take place on Tuesdays from 5:15 - 6 pm, beginning February 21st! Facilitated by a staff member, these online Social Groups focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!
Sessions will feature the following topics:
- 2/21 – Game Night
- 2/28 – Boundaries and Respect
- 3/7 – World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
- 3/28 – Importance of Staying Active/ABC Workout
- 4/4 – Coloring and Conversation
- 5/2 – Spring Guided Draw
- 5/16 – Healthy Snack Ideas
- 5/23 – Game Night Pt. 2
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Now Enrolling: Spring 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 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24
Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm: 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25
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.
Schedule Your School-Age Support Consultation!
Do you have concerns about behaviors or self-regulation in the home? Do you need help interpreting your child’s IEP or need strategies to better collaborate with your school team? Need advice on how to support your child through developmental stages like puberty or transitioning to high school?
Our School-Age Education Coordinator, Tyler Goevert, provides complimentary consultations, with options for in-person or virtual appointments.
Please fill out the Interest Form and Tyler will contact you for scheduling!
Tyler Goevert
School-Age Education Coordinator
Tyler is skilled at developing positive relationships with school teams and providing resources and advice that support caregivers and educators.
Now Offering: Health & Wellness Consultations!
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!
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Schedule Your Long-Term Planning Consultation!
We are committed to preparing your loved one with Down syndrome for a meaningful, productive, and authentic adult life! This requires future planning for parents and caregivers—and we are here to guide you every step of the journey!
Long-Term Planning Consultations offer individualized support to parents/caregivers to better prepare for the transition to adulthood. Our Lifespan Service Team will help you prioritize and plan according to your loved one’s age and your family’s specific situation.
Please fill out the Interest Form below and we will contact you to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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.
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.
Registered attendees will receive our Long-Term Planning Guide in advance of the event.
This seminar is Complimentary / FREE due to the generosity of our grantors and donors!
Down Syndrome Innovations is thrilled to welcome Katie Craddock, CCC-SLP, as a full time Speech-Language Pathologist! She has worked for us part time since August 2022!
“I was drawn to Down Syndrome Innovations because of the mission and culture of the organization,” says Katie.
Katie has over 12 years of experience as a SLP in the education, healthcare, and long-term care settings.
“The team is here to serve using best practices and creative design that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual we serve. Working with a highly qualified interdisciplinary team is a gift for any professional—and creates a teamwork approach that positively impacts the families we serve. I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our self-advocates, their caregivers, and the community that supports them!”
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from the University of Central Missouri and her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Rockhurst University.
“As an SLP who has worked in nearly all settings, I have a strong passion for working with individuals of all ages to build expressive, receptive, and social language skills—I believe that learning is a lifelong process,” Katie explains.
Katie Craddock, CCC-SLP
“My areas of interest include augmentative and alternative means of communication (AAC), social/emotional communication, literacy, self-advocacy, and transition.”
Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with her husband and two daughters! She also enjoys running, reading, journaling, and making her home pretty!
Please join us in offering a warm welcome to Katie!
Mark your Calendars and stop by our campus for our 2nd Annual World Down Syndrome Day – “Drive Thru Celebration!”
We will be lined up in our driveway cheering; handing your loved one goodies; and showing how much we celebrate with you on this important day! All you need to do is “drive thru” any time between 4:30 – 6:00 pm! And get ready for us to make your loved one with Down syndrome feel like a Rock Star!
Be sure to RSVP, so we may ensure we have adequate accommodations!
This event is Complimentary / FREE due to the generosity of our grantors and donors!
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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!
