November 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!

Thank You for Stepping Up for Down Syndrome!

You want to know one of the MANY amazing things about our families, friends and volunteers?! That you are willing to STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME all day, every day, RAIN OR SHINE! THANK YOU!

There are no words to describe the celebration, love, support, and sense of community at the Walk this year (in spite of the frigid temps and rain)! So instead, enjoy this THANK YOU video that offers a glimpse into your AWESOME DAY!

THANK YOU for always Stepping Up for people with Down syndrome and their families! You are truly changing the lives of the people and families we serve!

Whether you registered for the Step Up Walk or not, we want to know what you think!! Is it time to try new things to make the event more family-friendly?

Please take a few minutes (we promise it's a quick survey!) to let us know! We are always trying to be responsive to your input! So, let's make next year's Walk the best one EVER!

But we need you to tell us HOW!

Register ASAP for our Teen Skills Series: Group and Independent Leisure Skills!

Teens with Down syndrome are invited to join our skill-building series Mondays from 4:30 - 6:00 pm!

Programming will consist of structured activities and semi-structured free time to help self-advocates develop and practice social skills, independent leisure skills, and engaging in activities with friends.

Dates of Service: 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, 1/29

*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Join Us for Our Winter *VIRTUAL* Social Groups for Teens!

Join us for our Virtual Social Groups for teens that take place on Tuesdays from 6:00 - 6:45 pm! Facilitated by staff member, Lauren Spector, these online Social Groups focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!

Sessions take place: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23

*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Get Moving on the Weekends:
Join Us for Our Community Workouts!

(Teens & Adults)

Join us for inclusive exercise opportunities at various gyms around the Kansas City metro! Workouts are designed to improve functional strength and stamina. These occur at different locations every month on Saturdays.

There are limited spots available for every self-advocate to receive sufficient support and coaching. Athletes are expected to be able to follow instructions and a structured routine for a safe and meaningful exercise experience for all, and therefore there is a maximum number of participants per class.

Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times. After submitting an interest form, our Health and Wellness Coordinator will contact you to discuss your options for community workout participation in your local area.

PLEASE NOTE: these events are donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

Enroll NOW for Winter, Social Engagement!

(Therapeutic Small Groups for Teens/Adults)

Social Engagement is a therapeutic service focused on providing a supported environment where teens and adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.

The group uses theatre to promote teamwork, conflict resolution, and social perspective taking. Our final session will include a small production for families.

SCHEDULE

• Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, beginning Nov. 13th
• Dates of service: 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, 1/29

These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.

The fee for this therapeutic service is pro-rated if you join the group after it starts.

DS-ASD Connection is a virtual gathering of caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to a child or adult’s current or potential dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This group is facilitated by Down Syndrome Innovations staff, and we will occasionally invite special guests with expertise in this area.  This is a complimentary caregiver education opportunity, provided in addition to the individualized services we provide directly for individuals with DS-ASD for the purpose of skill-development, improving self-regulation and behavior, and increasing independence.

PLEASE NOTE: this support group is donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

Developing a strong, collaborative relationship with your self-advocate’s school team is vital in creating a healthy, supportive environment for your child’s educational journey.

This seminar is designed to help give parents tools and language to effectively communicate and advocate for your child’s wants and needs. We will also discuss examples and suggestions of general support strategies that you can request in your child’s educational setting that can help support effective and engaged learning behaviors. 
 
This seminar will be led by Tyler Goevert, our School-Age Education Coordinator. Tyler frequently collaborates with families and their school teams to identify effective support strategies within the educational setting.

PLEASE NOTE: this educational seminar is donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

It’s never too early to begin planning for your loved one’s success in adulthood!

Targeted for families (with loved ones up to 18 years of age), this seminar will provide an overview of topics that will help position your loved one for living a fulfilling adult life. 

PLEASE NOTE: this educational seminar is donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our Team understands that vision affects every area of development across the lifespan. Individuals with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for a range of vision conditions that may affect the development of their visual skills. Lisa will provide education about functional vision and common eye conditions associated with Down Syndrome, as well as strategies to work with the educational and medical systems.

Speaker Bio: Lisa Lind, M.S. Ed., LSCSW, TVI, COMS, is a licensed clinical social worker and teacher of the visually impaired with several decades of experience serving families with children with Down syndrome and visual impairment. She has presented regionally and nationally on the impact of vision with people with the Down syndrome diagnosis and offered expert strategies to maximize their potential across home, school, and community. Lisa has contributed to the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations through training of our staff; advising on new program design; meeting with families and offering resources and supports; and volunteering at our annual fundraisers.

Please Note: Attendees are also welcome to join us prior to the presentation between 6:00 – 6:30 pm to connect with other caregivers, review available resources, and enjoy light refreshments.

PLEASE NOTE: this educational seminar is donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

Back by popular demand, Down Syndrome Innovations is hosting our Caregiver Education Conference on Life Transitions! This conference is applicable to all stages of the life journey! 

As supporters, we know that skill-development for the person with Down syndrome and preparation on the part of the caregivers are essential in supporting the lifespan journey, especially those challenging transitions where environments, expectations, and routines change. This conference will include a non-traditional, open-house format, allowing for the diverse learning styles of caregivers.

PLEASE NOTE: this Conference is donor-funded/FREE, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

We are proud to announce that our Youth Apprenticeship Program with Nautical Manufacturing & Fulfillment was awarded the “2023 Outstanding New Program” by the Kansas Department of Commerce and KansasWorks Office of Registered Apprenticeship! 

Congratulations to Amanda Myers, CESP, for earning this honor alongside our partners from Nautical, Madison McDaniel and Nicolette Bleidt. Special thanks to the Kansas Department of Commerce, IWSI America, and the Urban Institute for making our first-ever Apprenticeship program possible!

Family Holiday Parties at Down Syndrome Innovations!

Thursday, Dec. 7th from 4 - 6 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9th from 9 - 11 am

Location: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS

Pack up your sleigh and your immediate family and join us at Down Syndrome Innovations for a celebration of the ages! Enjoy festive activities, snacks, pictures with Santa, and connecting with other families!

For your family’s convenience, we have TWO event options to make scheduling this busy time of year a bit easier!  

These events are donor-funded/FREE for families, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

Join Us in Central MO for a Fun & Festive Holiday Party!

This event is donor-funded/FREE for families, funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!

GIVINGTUESDAY is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. It reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. 

This year, GivingTuesday is on November 28th—we hope you will consider making a gift in support of our mission and the families we serve!