Everything you need to know!
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August News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your child grow and thrive.
Our services and supports are rooted in our organization's Six Pillars:
- Daily Living
- Community Engagement
- Communication and Social Skills
- Health, Wellness and Safety
- Self-Advocacy
- Vocational Development
ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH US?
Do we have your updated contact information? What about your loved one's birthdate? Not sure?
Fill out a GET CONNECTED FORM and we will make sure we have everything we need to get your loved one plugged into services/supports!
Parents of Children 2 - 6 Year Olds:
We Really Want Your Feedback!
Parents, Caregivers, and Self-Advocates: we truly hope you will take the time to share your feedback with us on our 2022 Survey!
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!
Enroll Now: Fall Playgroups Begin in September!
Join us for fall Playgroups, which take place at our office on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 7th and Fridays, beginning Sept. 2nd!
For your family's convenience, we have two options for days/times:
- Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm
- Fridays from 8:30 – 9:30 am
Playgroups are designed to promote development and learning for children with Down syndrome. Created by our Pathways Therapy Team, our Playgroups feature activities that help children learn through play and exploration!
Playgroups also offer parents a unique opportunity to build connections with one another! When multiple families participate, parents often exchange numbers and stay connected! It’s a space for parents to connect and kids to play!
Wednesday sessions take place: September 7th, September 14th, September 21st, September 28th, October 5th, October 12th, October 19th, and October 26th
Friday sessions take place: September 2nd, September 9th, September 16th, September 30th, October 7th, October 14th, October 21st, and October 28th
Please Note: one caregiver is required to be present and participate in Playgroup activities. Caregiver education materials will be provided throughout Playgroup sessions to encourage continued learning and play within home and community environments.
Our children's programming focuses on our six pillars:
- Daily Living
- Community Engagement
- Communication and Social Skills
- Health Wellness and Safety
- Self-Advocacy
- Vocational Development
NO FEE: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, Playgroups are complimentary/free for our participants.
Stop By and Enjoy Open Hours
on Our Adaptive Playground!
(Drop-In Playtime!)
Gather with other families to connect and have a safe and loving place to play on our new, adaptive playground on our campus. Stop by any time Monday – Thursday, from 9 am to 6 pm, to enjoy our beautiful, adaptive playground that was donated to our mission!
This is an open playground setting, so please be sure to supervise your loved one as we will not have dedicated staff on the playground to supervise.
PLEASE NOTE: You don’t need to RSVP or have an appointment! Please just sign in at the front desk for security purposes.
Always Here for Your Family!
Is transitioning to a new school or the new school year turning out to be a challenge? Need visual supports?
Let us know by reaching out to our Pathways Therapy Team for a Caregiver Consultation! We are here for your family, every step of the way!
Don't forget to RSVP for this complimentary / free Caregiver Seminar on Sept. 14th!
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.
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.
There's Still Time to RSVP 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, line dancing 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!
Connect and Get Moving at our
Fall Family Fitness Tour on Oct. 1st!
Join us on Saturday, October 1st for our Family Fitness Tour, a special event to connect families all over the KC area with fitness, fun and healthy snacks!
Led by Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, our Health & Wellness Coordinator, families are encouraged to drop by at the closest stop on the tour. Bring a blanket, your sneakers, water and get ready to enjoy a healthy outing with other families! Fresh fruit, water & milk and protein balls will be provided at each event!
Times & Locations:
- 10:45 – 11:45 am: Central Park Shelter, 825 NE 70th Terrace, Gladstone, MO 64118
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lowenstein Park, 1901 NW Lowenstein Dr, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 (Shelter #2)
- 2:00 – 3:00 pm: Gezer Park, 13251 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66209 (West Shelter)
- 3:30 – 4:30 pm: St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S 7th St, Kansas City, KS 66101
Gather Your "Dream Team" of Supporters for an Epic Step Up Walk!
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!
