www.DSFFlorida.org

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS FOR

MAKING iCAN! BIKE CAMP POSSIBLE!

Congratulations to Orlando Health on this well-deserved recognition!

We were proud to celebrate Orlando Health's recognition for their WE BUILD ("Workforce Experience by Bridging Unique Ability Individuals with Learning and Development") initiative that started with The FOUNDATION's iCan! Work Program.

As a founding partner, we've worked together to create meaningful employment opportunities that empower individuals with Down syndrome and other unique abilities to build confidence, develop valuable job skills, and thrive in the workplace.

The celebration recognized the Orlando Health team and our iCan! Work members with unique abilities who are employed through this program. Their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments continue to demonstrate what is possible when opportunity meets potential.

This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of inclusive employment. Congratulations to Orlando Health and everyone who has helped make this initiative a success. We look forward to continuing to create more opportunities together.

Being a Parent Leader is more than volunteering, it’s a chance to build community. Your ongoing involvement helps families feel welcomed, connected, and supported. The impact you make is lasting and truly meaningful.

What kind of LEADER do you want to become?

Event / Program Chair / Lead

New Family Welcome Host / Hostess

Tour of Champions Committee Chair

Employment Ambassador

Social Media Ambassador

Partners in Education Speakers Brueau

New Parent Mentor

Volunteer Coordinator

Orlando Magic Volunteer Lead

By joining our PARENT LEADERS, you will:



• be an active FOUNDATION member eligible for scholarships
• have priority registration for Marquee programs / special events
• receive waived or discounted event costs
• become part of a movement that is changing the landscape for individuals with Down syndrome in Florida!

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.

Thursday, August 20

Parent Info Meeting

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 STRIKE 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.

Virtual Programming (on Zoom)

July 23-26 the National Down Syndrome Convention hosted over 1300 participants from around the country (and Latin America) in Orlando. There were dozens of topics covered for every age and stage of life - including medical reserch, an educators conference and legislative issues being addressed in DC. This DYHAM will be an opportunity for those who attended the conference to share what they learned and for anyone who did not get to attend this year to come learn from your fellow parents. Don't miss this opportunity to share and learn from the wealth of information that was shared. Register to share or just come listen and ask questions here.

We're excited to welcome the newest member of The FOUNDATION team! As our new Mental Health Counselor, Margarita will help expand the support and resources available to individuals with Down syndrome and their families through compassionate, family-centered care.

Meet Margarita Manon, Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Intern at The FOUNDATION! She holds a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from UCF and brings experience working with students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) classrooms and leading community-based programs. She is dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families through compassionate, family-centered mental health support.

You can sign up for one of the groups starting in August, one on one couseling or family counseling. Register here for individual counseling in English or Spanish.

Thursday, August 17

Moms' Dinner Club!

View Mental Health Brochure Here

DOWN SYNDROME PARTNERS IN EDUCATION: CONNECT MY TEACHER

Help us support your child's educational team by connecting your teacher(s) with The FOUNDATION's Down Syndrome Partners in Education Program.

By registering your teacher(s), you will:

• Connect your child's teacher(s) with valuable educational resources, classroom supports, and professional development opportunities.
• Enroll your teacher(s) to receive invitations to training and learning opportunities throughout the school year.
• Subscribe both you and your teacher(s) to The FOUNDATIONS of Education Newsletter, delivered quarterly with practical strategies, resources, and updates to support student success.
• Provide your teacher(s) with complimentary registration to our Championing SUCCESS in Education Conference on October 3, 2026.

• The first 21 eligible families to complete this registration will receive one $25 teacher gift card to help purchase classroom supplies.

(Limit one $25 gift card per family, regardless of the number of teachers registered.)

By submitting this form, you authorize The FOUNDATION to contact your child's teacher(s) with educational resources, professional development opportunities, program information, and invitations through the Down Syndrome Partners in Education Program.

We look forward to partnering with you and your child's educational team throughout the 2026–2027 school year. Here's to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and success!

Getting ready for back to school? Check out our Down syndrome Partners in Education page and download our "All About Me" packet! 

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 will focus on how to use AAC devices to enhance early communication, improve behavior and use technology to accelerate literacy to language. 2026-27 is geared towards supporting YOUR speech / language therapist. Families will only meet in person once or twice.

• iCan! Learn is a reading and math readiness program for 4–9-year-olds. This program has a parent session and a child session running at the same time.

• 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. This program does not have a parent section at this time. Parents have to be on campus and are welcome to participate in the other parent sessions that take place on campus. There will be times parents are asked to join their members in class.

• College & Career Prep is open to anyone 16 and older wanting to explore what comes after high school (this program is for ALL members) This program has a parent and members program that run at the same time. Parent do not have to be on campus with members 18+ but it is highly recommended.



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.

Saturday, October 24

Down Syndrome

Clinic for Adults!

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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