www.DSFFlorida.org

Summer is a season of adventure, growth, and new possibilities, and this month, we're celebrating just how far our community can GO!

We're marking the 15th Anniversary of iCan! Bike Camp, where nearly 500 hundred riders have gained the confidence, independence, and freedom that comes with learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle.

Did you know riding a bike is a fantastic first step in learning to drive and that our driving scholarship is accepting applications - NOW?

We're also celebrating the inaugral class of iCan! Go! This program was an inspiring journey of learning how to use public transportation. The success of our first group of participants and transportation coaches is proof that, with the right opportunities and support, independence is within reach.

Whether it's learning to ride, navigating the community, finding meaningful employment, or building lifelong friendships, The FOUNDATION is creating pathways to possibility every day for every stage of life. We start setting the stage for a lifetime of SUCCESS with our littlest ones at UCF with our iCan! Communiate and iCan! Learn programs. The path continues as we introduce self-control and awareness in iCan! Excel and independence at Club 321 and T21 Social Network community outings and College & Career Prep.

Together, there's no limit to the places we'll go!

The Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida is founded on the belief that expanding opportunities for individuals ultimately leads to their success.

Behind every accomplished athlete, scholar, or artist are countless hours of dedication and hard work. Our mission is to expand community-based opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, fostering their inclusion and participation—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we believe everyone benefits when all members of our community are empowered to thrive.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must participate in at least one of the following activities:

• Create a fundraising team or Corporate Cup team for our annual Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction
• Attend a minimum of 6 FOUNDATION events within the year
• Volunteer at least 10 hours with The FOUNDATION
• Host a fundraiser benefiting The FOUNDATION
• Serve on or chair a FOUNDATION committee
• Secure a corporate sponsorship or grant on behalf of The FOUNDATION
• Volunteer for 5 or more iCan! Work shifts

Application Timeline & Details:

• Scholarship applications will be accepted until Monday, August 17, 2026.
• All documentation must be received by Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
• Award letters will be sent by Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
• Payments will begin September 1 or when sessions begin after September 1, 2026.
• Checks are mailed to providers only on the 15th of each month, through December 2026.

July

Mental Health Programs

July 23-26

NDSC 2026 Orlando Convention

INVITE YOUR EDUCATIONAL TEAM TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION!

NDSC Educators Conference

Friday, July 24

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (Disney area)

Part of the NDSC Annual Convention

There is an Educators Conference at the National Down Syndrome Congress. Your student's educational team can join a one-day conference designed to empower those who support students with Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual and developmental support needs. This is the perfect way to gain practical, research-based strategies they can implement right away in the classroom!

Prepare for our upcoming iCan! programs! Registration is now open. The iCan! program portfolio aims to assist children in reaching significant milestones crucial for their overall development and success.

• iCan! Communicate program for ages birth to 4 offers seven sessions with tools to enhance early communication.

• iCan! Learn is a reading and math readiness program for 4–9-year-olds.

• iCan! Excel is for 10–15-year-olds and focuses on self-regulation, healthy lifestyles, dealing with emotions, and all that comes with the early adolescent years.

• College & Career Prep is open to anyone 16 and older wanting to explore what comes after high school (it is not only for those interested in college!)



Don't miss this opportunity to work with UCF professors and students to give your loved one a head start on their developmental journey. Sign up today and be part of a community that believes in the POTENTIAL and SUCCESS of every child.

Confidence grows through knowledge and relationships. By learning alongside officers, public safety professionals, and community leaders, FOUNDATION members will gain practical safety skills, strengthen their independence, and build trust with the first responders they may one day rely on, creating a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.

The FOUNDATION is excited to launch a new six-week Community Safety & Awareness Program sponosored by Orlando Health.

Through interactive experiences in and around the UCF/Valencia Downtown Campus, our members (18+) will build confidence and practical skills in personal safety, online safety, situational awareness, and emergency response while learning directly from community safety professionals.

Monday, August 24

Bowling Committee Kick-Off

We LOVE the FOUNDATION

and we know you do too!

Each year, the majority of our scholarships, programs, and events, all designed to create OPPORTUNITIES for SUCCESS and INCLUSION, are made possible by one incredible fundraiser: our Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction.

Our MEMBERS are our MISSION. With your help, we can do even more to BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO SUCCESS and open doors for those we serve. Having YOU on our team truly makes all the difference.

We invite you to be part of our planning committee and join us for our kickoff meeting on Monday , August 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando. Dinner and child care will be provided. Please bring your laptop if you are able, and bring your ideas for 2027! 

Our 2027 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction is set for Sunday, February 21 at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando. Help us get the ball rolling, bring your passion, your ideas, and your voice to help make this our best event yet!

Know a parent or volunteer who would be a great addition to the team? Please pass this along and encourage them to join us.

We can’t wait to see you and work together to make a lasting impact.

The Orlando Family Stage season is coming back!

For more information about our online programming:

follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email

Robin.Longley@dsfflorida.org

Thank you to our sponsors for making all of these programs possible!

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