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January News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your child grow and thrive.
This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!
Registration Now Open for Spring Playgroups!
Our Spring Playgroups begin February 22nd! 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!
Schedule:
*Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm*
Sessions: 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26
*Fridays from 8:30 – 9:30 am*
Sessions: 2/24 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 4/28
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!
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.
Please note: Playgroups are complimentary/free for our families due to the generous support of our donors and grantors.
Limited Spots Available for Special Olympics: Young Athletes!
In partnership with Special Olympics, we are hosting Spring Young Athletes that takes place on Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:00 pm.
Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children between the ages of 4 and 7. Participants 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.
We will host 8 Sessions for Spring: 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27
NOTE: please sign up to indicate that you are interested in the Young Athletes program. There are limited spots available in order for every child to receive sufficient support and instruction, and there will be a maximum of 8 children per class this season. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times and meeting of age and documentation criteria.
Please note: Young Athletes is complimentary/free for our families due to the generous support of our donors and grantors.
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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