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March News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers adult 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!
Down Syndrome Innovations is pleased to host Steve & Gwendolyn Friedman’s seminar, “March to Independence.” The Friedman’s have compiled an essential reference guide for families with Down syndrome.
They are thrilled to share learnings, tips, and helpful information to help you navigate the oftentimes overwhelming path toward independence for your son or daughter. Topics will include social, safety, health, financial/benefits, legal instruments, housing, and more.
While special focus will be afforded to teen and adult years, they will also talk about what new parents can do to begin their independence journey. Ample time will be provided for Q&A.
Join our Spring Teen Skills Series: Boundaries and Personal Space!
Groups takes place on-site Mondays! 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: 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: the events at Down Syndrome Innovations are complimentary/free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors and grantors.
Join us for our spring, Virtual Social Groups for teens that take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:15 pm! 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:
- 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.
Gain Important Insight: Schedule an Occupational Therapy Consultation!
Consider you and your self-advocate’s daily life, the things that occupy your time, and how you engage in the rhythms of life. Do you worry about how to help your self-advocate build skills of independence? Does your self-advocate have sensory preferences you are unsure how to support? What barriers to a meaningful and full life stand in your way?
Our Occupational Therapist, Morgan Hodges, provides complimentary consultations, with both in-person and virtual appointments.
Morgan is skilled at providing functional therapeutic supports that can be used in your home and in your community.
“Everyone is on a different path of independence. There is not an universal end goal of 'independent,' but rather opportunities to build skills such as self-determination, self-advocacy, and decision making to equip and empower your self-advocate across the lifespan," explains Morgan Hodges, OTR/L. "Rather than going from 0 to 100, consider a small and meaningful next step to foster independence today. Our team at Down Syndrome Innovations is here to guide you along this journey and provide you with the support to facilitate skills of independence in your home and community.”
Check out our World Down Syndrome Day photo album on Facebook!
From our visit at the KS State Capitol (with State Representative Jason Goetz) to advocate for employment for people with Down syndrome to our Drive-Thru Celebration...it was an AMAZING day celebrating our beloved community of people (of all ages!) with Down syndrome!
THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated with us on this VERY important Day!
For the MOST UP TO DATE services & events,
visit our website!
Have you “connected” with us yet?
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!
