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2016 TOUR OF CHAMPIONS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
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Prizes! Raffles! Silent Auction! Preparations for our 2016 Tour of Champions Bowl-a-thon are underway.
Now is the time to start getting your teams together!
Sunday, February 21, 2016, Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center will once again open their doors to The FOUNDATION as we hold our annual fundraiser. It's a great day of FUN that provides a YEAR of incredible benefits to you and our community.
As our membership grows, so do the number of requests for scholarships, programs and events. We want to continue to offer the same level of opportunity, advocacy and support that we have for the first five years -
so we are asking YOU to start thinking about how you can help. Your help with this ONE event allows us to expand the understanding and practice of inclusion in our communities for the entire year.
If we all work together, everyone benefits exponentially!
You don't have to do A LOT - everyone doing a little bit makes the load light and the outcome great!
Think about how you can contribute; will you...
- have a team?
- help recruit fundraisers?
- request your company to make a donation on your behalf?
- ask a business you frequent for a gift certificate?
- make a gift basket as a door prize?
If every family contributed something, we would meet our goal in no time!
This isn't just about money - this is about offering more and more opportunities for our loved ones to be involved, accepted, understood and have more and more doors opened to them in the future. Together we are better - we hope you will join us!
We are looking for dedicated Teams, Team Captains, Event Sponsors, Volunteers and donations of prizes and auction items. Please spread the word - help us make this Bowl-a-thon the biggest and best yet!
To get involved with our planning committee you can contact [email protected]. We meet once a month and would love to have you join us!
Registration opens soon!
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HOLIDAY STORE & MEAL ASSISTANCE
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As we head into the holidays, we at The FOUNDATION, want all of our members to be able to celebrate with a nice meal that they can enjoy with their loved ones.
The FOUNDATION continues our tradition this season, providing food and gift items for our families who need assistance.
If your family would like to receive the ingredients for a Holiday Dinner or presents, please click on the request button below, fill out the form and we will be in touch with you.
Please submit requests for Thanksgiving Dinner by
Friday, November 20, 2015.
We are thankful that you are part of The FOUNDATION FAMILY and want you to have a great holiday experience.
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WINTER WONDERLAND 2015:
It's a Wonderful Life!
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Winter Wonderland 2015 - It's a Wonderful Life!
Saturday, December 5th
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rosen Shingle Creek Resort
The FOUNDATION is very proud to once again provide our members the opportunity to enjoy a fun night of great food and entertainment as we celebrate the wonderful lives of our friends and families!
There are only a few more spaces available.
RSVP now!
We still need volunteers. Please spread the word if you know of anyone who may be willing to help!
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COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS PREP:
Spring Semester Enrollment Open Now!
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The newest program in partnership with UCF is off to a great start. Twenty young adults with unique abilities and 20 current students attend class together one Saturday a month to learn about and experience some of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with entering adulthood and life after high school.
Parents and guardians of participants informally meet in the Teaching Academy next door during class time, to discuss ways to facilitate learning and independence, ideas to encourage and support their loved ones and strategies to help continue their growth into productive and successful adults.
Based on suggestions from the group, future guests will include speakers such as the Director of the Inclusive Education Services (IES), government agencies, UCF support services and current students enrolled in the IES.
Enrollment for Spring Semester is now open to everyone 16 and older. (Even if you are a current participant in the Fall Semester and intend to continue, please go online and register for Spring Semester.)
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 - SATURDAY DATES and TOPICS:
(Topics are subject to change)
January 23 - Self Advocacy: Setting your own course and advocating for your needs.
February 13 - Personal Management: UCF is more than just classes, food and fun on campus.
March 5 - Transportation: Navigating your transportation and life needs.
April 9 -
Job Interviews: Interviewing for college or career...
how to put your best foot forward.
April 23 - Self Advocacy: Celebrating who are you and launching your own future!
The FOUNDATION is proud to offer this exceptional learning opportunity at
NO COST TO YOU, in conjunction with the UCF College of Education and Human Performance and the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute.
The College & Career Readiness Prep program is not ability based and is open to anyone who is 16 and older. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on campus.
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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
OPENING SOON!
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We will soon be accepting scholarship applications from individuals (of any age) with Down syndrome.
WINTER SCHOLARSHIP SCHEDULE
SCHOLARSHIP PERIOD JANUARY 2016-APRIL 2016
APPLICATIONS OPEN: NOVEMBER 30
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: DECEMBER 15
AWARD LETTERS SENT: DECEMBER 21
FIRST PAYMENTS MADE: JANUARY 15, 2016
Here are some of the awesome opportunities The FOUNDATION makes available to our members:
These scholarships are for a class, activity, sport or just about anything your loved one is interested in.
Not sure how your family would use this scholarship? Here are a few ideas:
- My Gym, Gymboree, YMCA, RDV, JCC Sports, SPARK!
- Bowling League Dues, Music Lessons, Zumba
- Art, Dance or Karate Classes
- Community Center or City Recreation Courses & Classes
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a methodology that is used to help individuals shape appropriate behaviors by either modeling new ones or determining how to phase out and eliminate undesired behaviors.
ABA organizations must be pre-approved by The FOUNDATION to qualify for this scholarship.
This scholarship program is designed to provide financial support for tutoring or additional class support (reading, math, writing or language) that is primarily academic in nature and outside of the regular academic setting. Tutors must hold a current Florida Educator Certificate.
This program does not cover basic school tuition or costs to attend a regular (or private) academic program.
O
ne of the most important aspects of success for ANY individual is the ability to communicate. To expand opportunities for speech and language, to better serve the Down syndrome community, we have partnered with five providers in the Central Florida area to offer Speech Therapy Scholarships.
Water activities are a part of everyday life in Florida. Swimming provides your child with excellent physical conditioning, social interaction, self-confidence, safety, increased ability to follow instructions and FUN!
If you have previously received a scholarship from The FOUNDATION, you must complete an evaluation of your program before you are eligible for another award.
You can fill out an evaluation
We LOVE to share stories (and pictures) of our members with The FOUNDATION supporters and donors so they can see their contribution in action. Please take the time to tell us how the scholarship has impacted your child, family and/or those who were given the benefit of the "Down Syndrome Experience."
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UCF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES - OPEN HOUSE!
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The University of Central Florida will be hosting an
Inclusive Education Services
OPEN HOUSE
for interested students, family members and community members
Tuesday, January 19th, 2016, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
UCF Morgridge International Reading Center (MIRC)
To RSVP, please email UCF at
[email protected]
For more information about IES, please visit:
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TALK TOOLS® 101
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There will be a couple of opportunities to meet with TalkTools certified professionals in Florida over the next few months.
The first opportunity will be:
TalkTools 101 - What is Oral Motor Placement Therapy?
Monday, December 7 @ 6:30pm
Summit Church
735 Herndon Ave
Orlando 32803
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Whitney Pimentel,
MA, CCC-SLP
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Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP, will be presenting a general overview of the TalkTools methodology to individuals and families who would like to learn more about Oral Placement Therapy. TalkTools has developed user-friendly products to support their hierarchical approach of what is traditionally known as oral motor therapy.
This is a home based therapy program that uses straws, horns, bubbles and more to help with articulation, feeding, speech and more. It goes beyond traditional speech / language therapy and builds muscles, coordination, jaw stability while addressing sensory and feeding issues - through what seems like play! Come learn more and ask questions. This program will go over their methodology and tools AND let you walk away with a few things you can implement when you go home!
Whitney is a Speech-Language Pathologist that specializes in Oral Placement, Feeding & Speech Therapy for clients of all ages and ability levels. She has over 18 years of experience in training individuals 0-18 years old with a wide range of abilities. In addition to serving on the TalkTools speakers bureau, Whitney is PROMPT trained and has had extensive training in feeding / speech and language therapy methods. She has a private practice in Park City, Utah.
Doors open and childcare will begin at 6:30pm to allow for 30 minutes of social time and the program will start promptly at 7pm. Light snacks and drinks will be served for the adults, please bring snacks for your children.
Childcare is available and free for members who RSVP in advance.
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TALK TOOLS® FEEDING WORKSHOP
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| Lori Overland; MS, CCC-SL |
Lori Overland is coming to Jacksonville for a feeding workshop specifically targeting the Down syndrome population. The workshop will be held January 23, 2016, at Hope Haven Children's Clinic and Family Center.
The workshop, "Developing Skills to Support Feeding in the Down Syndrome Population"
is a one day seminar which focuses on the development of oral-motor and feeding skills in the Down syndrome population from birth to adulthood. Factors which potentially impact feeding will be presented, followed by an overview of therapeutic intervention strategies to prevent long term feeding problems. Assessment of sensory and motor skills will be discussed prior to the lunch break. The afternoon program provides a framework for developing sensory diets and facilitating improved oral-motor and feeding skills through therapeutic feeding techniques.
Click here to go to the TalkTools online registration form. For more information and a complete listing of other Talk Tools events, visit their website:
"Event Calendar-Upcoming Courses"
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YOU SHOP. AMAZON GIVES!
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SIMPLE GIVING!!! As we go into the holiday season, it is easy to give to The FOUNDATION while you shop on-line. This is a win-win-win combination for sure!
AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida when you shop through their link.
To participate, go to
www.smile.amazon.com
and register to donate to the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. After that, every time you
shop, AmazonSmile will automatically donate 0.5% of your purchase to The FOUNDATION.
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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CAMPING JAMBOREE at JETTY PARK!
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Fun was had by all at the
2015 Camping Jamboree at Jetty Park. The FOUNDATION provided everyone with a wonderful opportunity to camp out and play at the beach.
The FOUNDATION also provided a delicious, healthy breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, allowing families more time to spend getting to know one another.
At the beach, everyone had fun in the sun and sand! Many kids played horseshoes, participated in races and ladder-ball while parents kept a watchful eye and relaxed by the ocean.
Meanwhile, over at the Jetty Park pier, many of the kids were experiencing their first time fishing with the help of volunteers like Shawn Fogleman.
Later that afternoon, everyone had a delicious dinner of hot dogs, hamburgers or grilled chicken, which were all generously provided by The FOUNDATION. After dinner, we gathered around the campfire and made S'mores.
If you would like to see some of the pictures of this, and other exciting opportunities The FOUNDATION has presented to our members, please look at our Photo Albums on
Facebook
or go to
Shutterfly
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FILMS FROM NDSC CONVENTION
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Many of us love a good movie, but when a movie's story line is about an issue close to our hearts and one of the main characters has Down syndrome, it can make for pure movie magic!
At this year's National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Phoenix, the following eight films were highlighted:
 "WHERE HOPE GROWS"
A former pro-baseball player struggling with the curve balls life has thrown him, meets Produce, a young man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, both of their lives are forever changed. This film is available for rent at Redbox.
"KELLY'S HOLLYWOOD" 
A brother's quest to fulfill his sister Kelly's wish of becoming a Hollywood diva takes an unexpected turn when it starts to threaten his engagement. Kelly, who has Down syndrome, joins him in Los Angeles. All bets are off, however, when Kelly's health declines and everyone's dreams are up in the air.
 "JUSTICE FOR ETHAN"
This is a documentary about the circumstances surrounding the death of Ethan Saylor, a 26-year old man with Down syndrome and the efforts made by his family (and the ID/DD community) to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Ethan was killed over a movie ticket while in the custody of three police officers who were not properly trained as to how to handle a person with intellectual or physical disabilities.
"22 WEEKS"
After receiving the genetic test results of their unborn child, a couple is faced with a life-altering decision.
"ON OUR OWN"
A 60-year old single father with terminal cancer must find a way to take care of his daughter with Down syndrome before his death.
 "THE INTERVIEWER"
Click here to watch on YouTube
A man gets more than he bargained for when he interviews for a prestigious job; an insult about his tie, a movie review and the chance to change the lives of a father and son.
"THE MAKING OF THE INTERVIEWER"
Click here to watch on Vimeo
Actors, students and mentors of Bus Stop Films talk about the making of "The Interviewer."
"GUEST ROOM"
View trailer on YouTube
Starring Glee's Lauren Potter, this short film is about a young woman with Down syndrome, who must face the realities of adulthood after an unexpected turn of events with her boyfriend.
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_____________________________________
When POTENTIAL
is given OPPORTUNITY the outcome is SUCCESS.
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Florida ABLE Act Survey
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In 2016, the Florida ABLE Program will offer savings accounts to individuals with disabilities. These savings accounts can be used to save tax-free for disability related expenditures without jeopardizing the eligibility for SSI, SSDI and Medicaid benefits. Survey responses are anonymous. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions and help us learn how to serve you better.
You can take the survey until Monday, 11/16/15, end of day:
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Volunteer Spotlight:
SHAWN FOGLEMAN
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The FOUNDATION owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to super-volunteer Shawn Fogleman, who generously devoted his entire weekend to our members.
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Shawn, setting up campsites for our families.
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Friday, he pitched tents, helped carry supplies and brought the tackle, and set up all the rods and reels brought by "Mother Nature" volunteer Suzanne McLellan.
Saturday morning he bought ALL the bait at the Jetty Park Bait Shop, then provided the expertise, patience AND brought in two more expert fishermen volunteers, Lenny and Jim, so everyone would have a safe and exciting experience fishing.
Shawn also provided all the firewood and built the beautiful campfire which everyone enjoyed.
Shawn, who first volunteered with us at Bike Camp and is now on the Bowling Committee, says, "I give back because I can...and every smile on every one of these kids' faces is all the thanks I will ever want or ever need!"
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| Stay Informed! |
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| Stay updated with what is going on with The FOUNDATION is by joining our Facebook page!  |
| Board of Directors |
Click on the name to contact any of our board members above or staff members below - we would love to hear from you!
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| Foundation Staff |
Program/Marketing Mgr.
Administrative Assistant
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