Everything you need to know about our services/supports for adults with Down syndrome!
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October 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!
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is THIS SATURDAY, Oct. 22nd!
In a few days, we will come together to elevate and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome at Arrowhead Stadium! Here are a few things to note:
- Online Registration is open until 5 pm THIS FRIDAY, Oct. 21st, so get those last-minute registrations/donations in ASAP!
- T-shirt pick up is this week, ask your Team Captain for more details!
We can't wait to STEP UP with you!
Registration Now Open for Winter Skill-Building Programming!
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our winter skill-building and social programming that takes place on-site from 6-8 pm on alternating Tuesday evenings, beginning November 15th!
Session topics include:
- November 15th – Mental Health + Coping Strategies
- November 29th – Healthy Living + Workout with Scott
- December 6th – Social and Conversational Skills
- December 13th – Santa Sock-Hop + Sock Drive
- January 10th – Setting Goals and Eating Greens
- January 31st – Culture + Cuisine
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Join us for our Winter, Virtual Social Groups for Adults that take place on Thursdays from 5 - 6 pm, beginning Nov. 17th! 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:
- 11/17 – Practicing gratitude
- 12/1 – Winter guided drawing
- 12/15 – Top Christmas Movie Clips + Discussion
- 1/5 – Appropriate social media use
- 1/12 – Zoom Guessing Games
- 1/19 – Ways to calm down
- 1/26 – Teamwork Storytelling
- 2/2 – Healthy Relationships + Valentine’s Day Tips
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Now Enrolling: Winter 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, 4 - 5 pm beginning November 14th
- Tuesdays, 4 - 5 pm beginning November 15th
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: Employment Consultations!
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!
“SeeInMe” Technology for Trusted Care
~Caregiver Education Series~
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Virtual Event: 6:00 - 6:45 pm
(Zoom link will be provided to registered participants)
On-Site Event: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
(For hands-on experience with technology)
Down Syndrome Innovations invites you to learn about SeeInMe, a newly created technology tool for families, featuring:
- Easy tap or scan technology
- Instant Familiarity
- Instant Advocacy
- Supports safety and effective transitions
In this Caregiver Education Seminar, you will have the opportunity to learn more from founder, Risa Stein, clinical psychologist, mother of a neurodivergent son, and community champion for people with Down syndrome. She created SeeinMe so those who love, serve, and work with vulnerable individuals could advocate for and relate to them on a personal level across all environments of their daily life.
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, this event is complimentary/free for our families.
October is the nationally recognized month to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome by creating awareness about Down syndrome, while also uplifting our community by sharing the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome from all over the world!
Be sure to like/follow our social media channels to see (and share!) our posts throughout this month!
Get to Know Our Talented Staff!
During #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth our focus is to elevate and celebrate people with Down syndrome! We hope you will take a moment to get to know Mandy Vandever!
Mandy has worked for us since July and does a tremendous job as our Administrative Assistant, who keeps our organization running smoothly while also working at our Front Desk!
Thank you, Mandy, for your incredible work ethic and positive attitude that contribute to our progress and wonderful work culture - we appreciate your talents!
Family Holiday Parties at Down Syndrome Innovations!
‘Tis the Season! Pack up your sleigh and your immediate family and join us at Down Syndrome Innovations for a celebration of the ages! Enjoy festive snacks, activities, pictures with Santa, and connecting with other families!!
NEW THIS YEAR! For your family’s convenience, we have three event options to make scheduling this busy time of year a bit easier! We are also hosting the Family Holiday Parties at our new office in Mission, KS!
Option 1: Thursday, Dec. 8th from 5-7 pm
Option 2: Friday, Dec. 9th from 3 - 5 pm
Option 3: Saturday, Dec. 10th from 9 - 11 am
Registration COMING SOON! Stay updated by visiting the event page!
Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.
Community Connection Event in Manhattan, Kansas!
Shout out to community mobilizer, Briana Goff, a parent leader in Manhattan, who organized a wonderful event for families in the Flint Hills area! Briana reserved the Alma Pumpkin patch and hosted 82 people at this community connection event!
Thank you, Briana, for bringing everyone together — we appreciate your leadership!
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!
