Everything you need to know about our Adult Services and Supports!
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July 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.
Our services and supports are rooted in our organization's Six Pillars:
- Daily Living
- Community Engagement
- Communication and Social Skills
- Health, Wellness and Safety
- Self-Advocacy
- Vocational Development
ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH US?
Do we have your updated contact information? What about your loved one's birthdate? Not sure?
Fill out a GET CONNECTED FORM and we will make sure we have everything we need to get your loved one plugged into services/supports!
Your Feedback is Vitally Important!
Parents, Caregivers, and Self-Advocates: we truly hope you will take the time to share your feedback with us on our 2022 Survey!
In 2019, we fielded this survey to gain insight into what's most important for your loved one with Down syndrome to thrive! With that information, we transformed our services and supports to better meet the needs of people with Down syndrome of ALL ages!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM MOM & DAD: we encourage ALL caregivers in the household to take this survey, e.g. Mom and Dad of the self-advocate, so we may understand the entire family's experience and goals!
IMPORTANCE OF THIS SURVEY: we understand the survey is little lengthy (should take approximately 20 minutes), but it's critical for us to measure against what you told us in 2019, so we can see where we've made progress and where we still need to grow! This is how we can shape the future, together!
DEADLINE: The survey will be open until 11:55 pm on Sunday, July 31st!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
Join Us for Our
(In-Person) Skill Building & Social Groups!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our fall skill-building and social programming that takes place on alternating Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, beginning August 30th!
Our adult programming focuses on our six pillars:
- Daily Living
- Community Engagement
- Communication and Social Skills
- Health Wellness and Safety
- Self-Advocacy
- Vocational Development
These groups are hosted on-site at our office: 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.
Session topics include:
- August 30th – Positive Relationships
- September 13th – Preparing for and Maintaining Employment
- September 27th – Nutrition and Physical Activity
- October 11th – Singing in the Shower Hygiene + Karaoke
- October 25th – Fall Dance
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Join Us for Our
VIRTUAL Social Groups!
We understand that there can be barriers to attending in-person services, which is why we also offer virtual options for adults with Down syndrome!
Join us on Thursdays from 5 - 6 pm, beginning September 1st for our Virtual Social Groups!
These groups focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!
Sessions will feature the following topics:
- September 1st – Stress Relief
- September 8th – Preparing for Independence
- September 15th – How to Plan a Date
- September 29th – Favorite Things Scavenger Hunt
- October 6th – Boosting Self-Confidence
- October 13th – Good Hygiene
- October 20th – Compromise and Flexible Thinking
- October 27th – Talent Show
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Now Enrolling: Fall 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.
There are two group options this fall, including:
Option 1: Mondays, 4 - 4:50 pm - beginning August 28th
Option 2: Tuesdays, 4 - 4:50 pm - beginning August 30th
Utilizing group instruction, a member of the therapy team works with participants on initiating conversations, conversational turn-taking, staying on topic, understanding hidden rules, and so much more.
The fee for these 8 therapeutic sessions is $200.
Please join us on Thursday, August 25th for a Caregiver Education Seminar, “The ABLE Account: How It Might Save Your Family Money.”
Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care, and food and housing assistance. That’s why individuals and families often choose to contribute to ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings accounts that can fund disability expenses.
Eligibility for these public benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid) have specific eligibility criteria, so join us for this seminar to have your questions answered by trusted advisors from Special Needs Assured!
Join us in the Northland on Thursday, September 15th for “Functional Fitness: How Exercise Plays a Critical Role in Supporting Common Conditions that Affect Development and Independence” presented by Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, our Health & Wellness Coordinator.
Scott is a certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT), who specializes in Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. He recently presented at the 2022 National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in New Orleans. This convention was attended by thousands of people, and many experts in Down Syndrome, across the globe.
These events are complimentary/free due to the generous support
of our donors and grantors.
Join Us for Family Day at Red Barn Farm!
Saturday, September 10th
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Weston Red Barn Farm
16300 Wilkerson Rd, Weston, MO 64098
All ages are welcome as we gather this fall at Red Barn Farm! Join us for hay rides, corn maze, family games and visiting the farm animals. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families and make new friends!
Please be sure to register for this event, so we may have appropriate accommodations! RSVP HERE >>
Due to the generous support of our donors/grantors, this event is complimentary/free for our families!
Let's Gather Together and Celebrate!
2022 Step Up for Down Syndrome
Gather your family, friends, and supporters to recognize and celebrate the “Dream Team” of people, who are walking alongside your family on this journey!
A support team, even beyond family, is so critical for your loved one’s success at all stages of life. Here is your chance to create a tradition that brings your “Dream Team” together once a year to lift up your loved one and those who have helped along the way!
During Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, we will host two Step Up Walks!
KC Step Up Walk: Sat, Oct. 22nd
Arrowhead Stadium, KC
Central Mo Step Up Walk: Sat, Oct. 8th
Stankowski Field: Mizzou, Columbia, MO
This is a tradition with memories that will last a lifetime!
Changing Lives with Employment!
Amanda Myers, CESP, our Employment Coordinator, recently recruited and trained 10 adults with Down syndrome as event staff for the Kansas City Chiefs! This is a result of a year-long collaboration between Down Syndrome Innovations and the Chiefs, who worked together to hire Chris and Carissa Ringot last year to work on the CommunityAmerica Club Level.
This year, Chris and Carissa (alongside Amanda) helped orient and train this season’s staff with a tour of the facility; sharing their experiences as seasoned employees; and offering guidance from their perspective.
Thank you to everyone at the Kansas City Chiefs for these important career opportunities for our community!
*If you see one of the 12 employees from our community, be sure to congratulate them on this exciting career advancement!
COMING THIS FALL: Amanda will be offering complimentary / free employment consultations to teens and adults looking to achieve career aspirations! Stay tuned for more information to be released in the coming week!
