As we approach the last few months of this year, it’s thrilling to reflect on the impact our Team has had on the community we serve! This year has been filled with innovation and growth of our services to address the evolving needs of the families we serve; partnerships allowing us to team up with other experts so that we may serve more people in new ways; and a deepening of our focus to ensure we are providing life-changing services and supports that enable people with Down syndrome to live to their fullest potential.

In fact, over the last two years our Lifespan Services Team created (and refined) something that became the core of how we approach our mission and our work: the Lifespan Services Framework.

This Framework is a person-centered framework where the entire course of our services and supports—across their lifespan—revolves around the story, preferences, strengths, uniqueness, needs and available support system of each individual we serve. It is a dynamic framework evolving across any age or lifespan stage. When applying this framework, our Team ensures that we are addressing 7 key skills geared towards advancing the individual within their home and community life: Communication, Social-Emotional Skills, Daily Living, Vocational Development, Community Engagement, Health and Wellness, and Safety.  

Our service infrastructure is reflected in our framework as well, as there are layers of our services around the individual that includes our essential, interdisciplinary, group services and consultations (which are our donor-funded/complimentary services) to our more customized and specialized individual services that are our highly subsidized fee-for-service programs.  

This framework ensures that what we provide to the person with Down syndrome and their family takes into consideration the entire life trajectory; the need for new skills; the continual evolution of the person’s support team; and prevention of regression. We ensure all of our supports (including family connection opportunities; referrals to community resources; provision of helpful resources; continual long-term planning support; and caregiver education on developmental topics) are driving a better quality of life for the person with Down syndrome. 

I am so proud of the innovation and passion of our entire Team, who work together to ensure we are changing the lives of the people and families we serve. I see the impact of our mission each day through the wins and progress of each individual and family that engage with us. It’s truly remarkable—and the hours dedicated to serving people with Down syndrome in our Impact Report below is a testament to our Team’s life-changing services and support.

And we know we can’t do this without you! Whether you help spread the word about our services, volunteer at one of our events, make a gift that we invest directly into the families we serve—you are making it possible for us to deliver our mission! THANK YOU!

Warmest regards,

Jason

Check out this story from our Mission Moment Series!

Shawna Millentree, mother of Madison, shares their experience with Down Syndrome Innovations and our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program!

Madison now works part-time with the Kansas City Chiefs due to the skills she's learned by participating in our ACE program, as well as our Employment Services!

Lola's Thoughts: Youth Apprenticeship with Nautical Manufacturing & Fulfillment

This summer, we hosted our first-ever Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment! Lola is one of 21 adults with  Down Syndrome who gained real-life employment experience at Nautical’s fulfillment center—positioning each individual for success in their chosen career path!

Made possible by the Kansas Department of Commerce and IWSI America, our Apprenticeship has a goal of addressing two specific needs: providing employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have career aspirations and a desire to work, while also addressing a nationwide shortage of skilled workers.

Our summer Apprenticeship had two successful cohorts, with another cohort kicking off this fall! From this experience, we know that together—we are better!

Thank you to the entire team at Nautical for seeing the value in providing job training and employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Now Offering On-Site, Mental Health Therapy Appointments!

In partnership with Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC)

Advancing our mission to provide life-changing support and services to individuals with Down syndrome in our community, Down Syndrome Innovations partnered with Johnson County Mental Health Center in May to provide weekly, on-site therapy services at our office. JCMHC provides the licensed mental health clinician, who meets with individuals and families every Thursday. 

At least half of all children and adults with Down syndrome will encounter a major mental health concern during their lifetime, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. Common mental health challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and oppositional behaviors. 

“At the core of our service, we believe in helping a person build their skills and future with self-determination, but we also recognize that mental health can be a significant barrier to his or her ability to self-regulate for optimal daily functioning, see beyond the crisis or demands of today, or motivate themselves to do the work to achieve the next step,” shared Sarah Mai, Vice President of Lifespan Services of Down Syndrome Innovations. “It’s imperative we address the needs of the whole person – and mental health support has been neglected for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” 

“Our partnership with Johnson County Mental Health Center will not only benefit the individuals and families we serve, but also our team and the larger community,” said Drummond. “When organizations like ours join together, the ways we can impact the lives of people in our community are endless.” 

Now Offering: DS-ASD Connection Group

Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group

In response to requests from the families we serve, we launched a dual-diagnosis support group earlier this year that is donor-funded/free for participants! This virtual gathering of caregivers discusses resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to loved one's current or potential dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This group is facilitated by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Megan DeBoom, BCBA, LBA, our Director of Therapeutic Services, who has extensive experience working with people who have ASD and people with a dual diagnosis.

These groups also feature special guests with expertise in this area. This is a caregiver education opportunity offered in addition to the individualized services we provide directly to individuals with DS-ASD for the purpose of skill-development, improving self-regulation and behavior, and increasing independence.
 
"This group is offered virtually to ensure we are being inclusive of families throughout the region and those who are not able to access transportation, as we understand that facing a dual-diagnosis can already feel isolating," explains Sarah Mai, Vice President of Lifespan Services at Down Syndrome Innovations. "This subgroup of the entire population we serve has unique challenges and experiences, which is why we began providing this opportunity for caregivers to  feel connected."

Let's STEP UP for Down Syndrome in 2023!

Please join us at the 6th Annual Central Missouri Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk!

Saturday, October 14th
11:00 am - 2:00 pm  |  Ceremonial Walk at 1:30 pm
Stankowski Field, Parking Lot: 810 Tiger Ave, Columbia, MO 6520

Families and individuals will have the opportunity to connect with one another, reunite with old friends, and make new friends. The event will include family fun for all ages, games, activities, live music, and lunch. Come and celebrate with us!

Please join us at the 29th Annual “Step Up for Down Syndrome” Walk in Kansas City!

Saturday, October 28th
10 am - 2 pm  |  Ceremonial Walk at 1:30 pm
Arrowhead Stadium, Lot C: 1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO

New this year! We will be featuring family connection areas specific for each age range (adults, teens, youth, early childhood, expectant and new parents). These areas will have activities tailored to your loved one’s stage of the journey. Families and individuals will have the opportunity to connect with one another, reunite with old friends and make new friends. Don't forget to invite your family and friends!

Your support in the past has helped us to not only serve more families, but also to expand our programs and services to better meet the needs of people with Down syndrome.

In these times of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope—that together, we can CHANGE LIVES!

Thank you for your support of our mission and the families we serve!

Stay Connected!