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January 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!
Registration Now Open for Spring Skill-Building & Social Programming!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our spring skill-building and social programming that takes place on-site from 6-8 pm on alternating Tuesday evenings, beginning February 21st!
Session topics include:
- 2/21 – Healthy Habits + Hygiene
- 3/7 – The Importance of Self-Advocacy (PARENT GET TOGETHER)
- 3/28 – Gaining and Maintaining Employment
- *4/1 (Saturday) – SOAR Prom (sponsored by Down Syndrome Innovations): PLEASE REGISTER on SOAR'S website!
- 4/11 – Communication + Karaoke
- 4/25 – Active Living + Workout with Scott
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 Adults that take place on Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, beginning Feb. 23rd! Facilitated by staff member, Lauren Spector, 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:
- 2/23 – Adulting
- 3/2 – Game Night
- 3/9 – World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
- 3/30 – Importance of Staying Active/ABC Workout
- 4/6 – Game Night Pt. 2
- 4/13 – Healthy Snack Brainstorm
- 4/20 – Spring Guided Drawing
- 4/27 – Asking Questions
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Now Enrolling: Spring Social Engagement!
(Therapeutic Small Groups for Adults)
Social Engagement is a therapeutic service that focuses on providing a supported environment where adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.
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.
SCHEDULE OPTIONS
- Mondays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24
- Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm: 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25
These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.
The fee for this therapeutic service is $200 for 8 therapeutic sessions.
Now Offering Small Group, Fitness Training for Adults!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join us for personalized workout classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 - 10:45 am! These training sessions focus on building foundational strength and functional skills.
The fee for this service is $16 per session. Each class is limited to 6 participants (or less) to ensure highly supportive training and individualized coaching.
REFERRED REGISTRATION DEADLINE: by Friday, February 3rd! This is to ensure participants have completed the assessment process before starting the program.
Please Note: there are limited spots available to ensure self-advocates receive sufficient support and instruction. Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times (in addition to meeting the assessment and readiness criteria). A waiting list will be created for future opportunities, once enrollment is full.
Schedule Your Employment Consultation!
Is your self-advocate (adult with Down syndrome) preparing for employment or needing support in their current job?
Down Syndrome Innovations has a certified employment support professional, Amanda Myers, to help your family navigate this journey. Sign up today for a complimentary employment consultation!
Amanda Myers, CESP
Employment Coordinator
Now Offering Health & Wellness Consultations!
Would you like to talk to a health and wellness professional who understands Down syndrome to develop proactive strategies for incorporating more activity into your loved one’s life?
This is a great first step towards better health!
Scott offers in-person and virtual appointments, so sign up for a complimentary Health & Wellness consultation today!
Schedule Your Long-Term Planning Consultation!
We are committed to preparing your loved one with Down syndrome for a meaningful, productive, and authentic adult life! This requires future planning for parents and caregivers—and we are here to guide you every step of the journey!
Long-Term Planning Consultations offer individualized support to parents/caregivers to better navigate services and funding sources during the adult years. Our Lifespan Service Team will help you prioritize and plan according to your loved one’s age and your family’s specific situation.
Please fill out the Interest Form below and we will contact you to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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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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!
