Services, supports, events and more! No images? Click here February 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! Be sure to stop by our campus for our World Down Syndrome Day – “Drive Thru Celebration!” We will be lined up in our driveway cheering; handing out goody bags; and showing how much we celebrate with you on this important day! All you need to do is “drive thru” any time between 4:30 – 6:30 pm! Perfect for that quick pass through on your way home! Designed for ALL AGES! Join us on March 5th for an educational seminar that will not only address the main health challenges of people with Down syndrome, but also how to address them at every stage of life. Presented by our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT. You will learn various ways to incorporate an active lifestyle tailored to your loved one’s specific stage of this journey. Creating Awareness by Educating and Advocating Recently, three participants of our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program were invited to speak to more than 100 medical students at the University of Kansas. Greta Foye, Madison Millentree and Sara Niederhauser spoke about their lives and interactions with providers in the medical field. The ladies advocated for themselves confidently and professionally as they answered questions from moderator, Dr. Moya Peterson, Director of the Adults with Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic at KU, who reached out to Down Syndrome Innovations to make this presentation possible. Greta, Madison and Sara answered a multitude of questions, including how well their doctor listens to them, how they were treated during hospital visits, and how they want to be treated when receiving care. They did an excellent job sharing their experiences and thoughts for how to best communicate and connect with patients, who have Down syndrome. Congratulations to Sarah, Greta, and Madison (pictured above, left to right) for educating future physicians and advocating for people with Down syndrome! Join Us for Our Winter Programming! Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our skill-building programming that takes place on Tuesday evenings! Each week alternates, with one week an in-person event and the next week held virtually via Zoom. Our adult programming focuses on our six pillars: Daily Living, Community, Communication and Social Skills, Health Wellness and Safety, Self-Advocacy and Vocational. -In-Person Option: we host in-person activities from 6 – 8 pm at our office in Mission, KS, on alternating Tuesdays. -ZOOM Option: Virtual Groups will meet from 5:30-6:30 pm on alternating Tuesdays. This group will allow participants to continue to develop their social skills and interact with peers at a distance. Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants. Now Enrolling for ACE Essentials We are now enrolling for ACE Essentials, our foundational program which includes daily learning focuses, physical activity, and social engagement. Our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program is our very own specialized, education day program provided for adults with Down syndrome, aiming to maximize independence and promote productive community participation. If you would like more information or to take a tour of our ACE program, please contact Jessica by email or via phone: (913) 222-5100. Support at Every Step of the Journey Want to learn more about how we can support your family? Need help planning for your loved one's future? Contact us for a tour of our campus and/or a 30-minute complimentary consultation ! Our goal is to learn about your loved one's needs and provide recommendations for services and supports that are most relevant for this stage of your journey. Have You "Liked" Our Facebook Pages? If not, you're missing out! We share an abundance of information on our Facebook Pages! We have our main Facebook pages that captures all things "Down Syndrome Innovations" and our supplementary page, just for our families who live in Central Missouri. Don't delay... be sure to "LIKE" today! Have you “connected” with us yet? We encourage you to fill out our contact form TODAY! A Website Page Just for You! Don't miss your dedicated section on our new website! This is where you can find the most up-to-date information for your family! >> |