We have everything you need for 2 - 6 year olds! No images? Click here October Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly Down Syndrome Guild) 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! Thank You for Stepping Up for Down Syndrome! What an EPIC REUNION celebrating with all of you last weekend at our KC Step Up Walk! Together, we raised over $300,000 in support of the families we serve! WOW! We were definitely a little “camera happy” at the Walk, so be sure to visit our Facebook page >> and check out our photo album! Download your favorites from our album—and be sure to share your favorites with us >> Your support throughout the years is the reason we were able to expand this year, so that we can provide services and support for people with Down syndrome of ALL AGES! THANK YOU! Resources for Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month
The month of October is designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the United States. This is a great opportunity to educate, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and your entire community about what life with Down syndrome is truly like. To help, we’ve created a page on our website that features suggestions for how to celebrate and resources to share to create awareness! Check it out here >>
We have a few openings available in our Fall Playgroups, which take place weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays until November 12th. Designed by our therapy team, our playgroups promote the development and learning of children 2 to 6 years old, while also providing education to caregivers in support of positive life trajectories. Cost: this service has a small fee of $10 per playgroup—as it is primarily funded by our generous donors! Start the conversation here >> by filling out our interest form to provide our team information about your needs. From there, we’ll set up a virtual consultation with you to find out more! Down Syndrome Innovations welcomed Morgan Hodges, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, to our super talented Therapy team in late August! “I was eager to join the team, because I felt the mission to support people with Down syndrome to live to their fullest potential aligned with my passion to do the same,” shares Morgan. Morgan has six years of experience supporting individuals with special needs through work, internships and volunteering. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Arkansas and her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. “I wanted to work for an organization that builds meaningful connections and partnerships with self-advocates, families, and the community,” explains Morgan. “I am thrilled to join the Pathways Therapy Team!” Morgan Hodges, OTR/L
Outside of work, Morgan enjoys baking for friends and family; attending farmer's markets; and being outside hiking or kayaking.
Please join us in welcoming Morgan! Parents, family members, educators, therapists, administrators, and service providers are encouraged to attend this life-changing day of education. The Conference, hosted locally at the Overland Park Convention Center, offers a day filled with breakout sessions facilitated by local, regional, and national experts on Down syndrome. You'll be immersed in helpful topics for your 2 – 6 year old, including Using Visual Supports to Promote Independence; Improving Speech and Communication; and Toilet Training. Saturday, Nov. 6 | 10 – 10:45 am Family Yoga Down Syndrome Innovations Sunday, Dec. 12 | 9 – 11 am Holiday Party Overland Park Convention Center In our November edition of News For You, we will feature our new, Winter Services and Supports! Every season, we create fresh programming to engage your loved one and build upon what they have learned in the previous season. So DON'T MISS NEXT MONTH'S newsletter! It’ll be filled with our upcoming services and links to register! Stay tuned! Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY! |