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January News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your baby grow and thrive.
This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family!
Join Us for Our New/Expectant Parents & Extended Family Gathering on Saturday, February 4th!
Saturday, February 4th, 2023
9:00 - 11:00 am
Down Syndrome Innovations:
5916 Dearborn Street Mission, KS 66202
Join us for an opportunity to connect with others, who have a young child with Down syndrome (prenatal – 2 years old)! Meet other parents at different stages of the journey, while while getting connected with the services and supports that Down Syndrome Innovations provides. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered and to exchange resources with other parents.
There will 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!
Please Note: these events are complimentary/free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors and grantors!
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 out 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! Let's celebrate your babies and expectant mommies!
Be sure to RSVP, so we may ensure we have adequate accommodations!
Intervention Programs for Your Baby
Infant-Toddler Services (ITS) for Kansas residents and First Steps (FS) for Missouri residents are federally funded intervention programs. You will work with ITS or FS to determine the special needs of your child and how to address those needs through therapeutic interventions to help your baby meet developmental milestones.
Podcast: The Importance of Exercise in Down Syndrome
Check this out! Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, our Health and Wellness Coordinator, was featured on a podcast to discuss the importance of exercise for people with Down syndrome!
Book to Read: The Congratulations Project!
The Congratulations Project book contains handwritten, original letters from individuals with Down syndrome to expecting and new parents whose child has received the same diagnosis. They all begin with the same, simple message: Congratulations.
These letters are written by members of the PALS family and sent to new members of the Down syndrome community. These letters are designed to inspire, encourage, welcome and, most importantly, congratulate expecting new parents of a child with Down syndrome.
Video to Watch: "A Mother's Story"
A Mom of 3-year-old boy with Down syndrome says, "I don't want people to feel bad for him...he's changed our lives to make it so the focus of every day is just joy and happiness."
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!
For the MOST UP TO DATE services & events,
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