WDSD, Spring Services and more! No images? Click here ![]() March News for You! Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and supports at every age and stage to help your teen grow and thrive. This monthly newsletter is created for you and your family! ![]() Be sure to stop by our campus for our World Down Syndrome Day – “Drive Thru Celebration!” We will be lined up in our driveway cheering; handing out goody bags; 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 – 6:30 pm! ![]() "Just As I Am" Art Exhibit Returns to KS! March 3rd - March 26th The Gallery @ The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center: "Just As I Am," a project in Partnership with Randy Bacon of 7 Billion Ones and Down Syndrome Innovations, invites us to view the world through the lens of someone living with Down syndrome. This project’s aim is to create awareness and a better understanding of Down syndrome through raw, authentic stories, intimate portraiture and short film series, as to change the way we see those with Down syndrome. Spread the Word About Down Syndrome on 3/21! ![]() Did you know we have two different pages on our website dedicated to information about Down syndrome? Why not share some facts about Down syndrome in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on 3/21? We have a variety of resources for you, whether you want to share a lot or just a few things about Down syndrome and why we are all, together, celebrating our loves ones with Down syndrome! As they say, "Knowledge is Power" so let's do this! ![]() Get Registered: Teen Skills Series Focusing on Job Skills (On-Site / Groups) Let's "Spring Forward" with a focus on career skills! Each week, teens will attend a one-hour session with their peers to learn, practice, and implement both practical and soft skills that will be necessary when seeking employment, either in the community or in supported settings. We will also explore available options for employment and how to find what is available in your community. We are offer two sessions on Mondays: a 5:00 to 6:00 pm or a 6:15 to 7:15pm. NOTE: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our families Please note: groups will be limited to 20 participants per session out of caution. Once a group has reached 20 registered participants, a waitlist will be started. You will be contacted in the event of an open spot for a session. Sign Up for Our Spring Virtual Teen Social Groups! (Online) Hosted on Wednesdays from 5:15 - 6 pm, this weekly virtual social group is a supervised Zoom meeting where teens have the opportunity to interact and get to know their peers, as well as take breaks with songs and games. *Zoom links will be sent to all registered email addresses the morning of each scheduled virtual social group. NOTE: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our families Social Engagement focuses on providing a supported environment where your teen can learn and practice social skills through therapeutic instruction. 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. ![]() Please join us for a Job Fair that will help open up career opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome! This is a come-and-go event, so you can stop by any time between 6-8 pm. Supporters are welcome to attend with their self-advocates. The job fair will consist of employers actively hiring for positions, continuing education programs, career planning services, community resources and mock interview stations. This presentation will address ways to inspire communication through natural opportunities within the home by using your loved one’s interests and motivation. This event is complimentary / FREE for our families, due to the generosity of our donors! Stay Updated & Connected with Others Via Facebook! We share an abundance of information on our Facebook Pages! We have our main Facebook pages that captures all things "Down Syndrome Innovations" and our supplementary page, just for our families who live in Central Missouri. Don't delay... be sure to "LIKE" today! ![]() A Website Page Just for You! Don't miss your dedicated section on our new website! This is where you can find the most up-to-date information for your family! >> Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY! |