Everything you need to know about Teen Services and Supports!
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October News for You!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers teen 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!
Contact Us!
If you are currently in services, feel free to contact your program leader directly.
Contact Grace, if you are a new or returning family and would like assistance navigating our services, supports and resources!
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 Teen Skills Series!
Teens with Down syndrome are invited to join our Winter Teen Skills Series: Social Skills and Building Friendships! Groups takes place on-site Mondays beginning Nov. 14th.
For your family's convenience, there are two time options to choose from:
Option 1: 5 - 6 pm
Option 2: 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Our Winter Skills Series focuses on structured activities and exercises to help self-advocates (age 12-18) develop and practice social skills needed to build meaningful friendships.
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 teens that take place on Tuesdays from 5:15 - 6 pm, beginning Nov. 15th! 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:
- Winter directed drawing
- Appropriate social media use
- Zoom in and zoom out guessing activity
- Healthy eating
- Winter mad libs
- Ways to calm down
- Christmas movie (self-advocates pick)
- Talent show
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 Teens)
Social Engagement is a therapeutic service that focuses on providing a supported environment where teens 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.
Schedule Your School-Age Support Consultation!
Do you have concerns about behaviors or self-regulation in the home? Do you need help interpreting your child’s IEP or need strategies to better collaborate with your school team? Need advice on how to support your child through developmental stages like puberty or transitioning to high school?
Our School-Age Education Coordinator, Tyler Goevert, provides complimentary consultations, with options for in-person or virtual appointments.
Please fill out the Interest Form and Tyler will contact you for scheduling!
Tyler Goevert
School-Age Education Coordinator
Tyler is skilled at developing positive relationships with school teams and providing resources and advice that support caregivers and educators.
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!
Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT
Health and Wellness Coordinator
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 prepare for the transition to adulthood. 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!
