Volume 21 Issue 6 | July 2019
The Latest Updates from TDSN
Urgent Need for Volunteers - Please share within your communities!
You can make a difference! iCan Bike Volunteer Signup
Not just a milestone to check off a list, riding a conventional bicycle is a major accomplishment that provides individuals with Down syndrome both independence and pride. In just five days, iCan Bike has proven they can teach people with disabilities how to ride a bicycle.

You can have a huge impact on the success of our riders! Volunteers are needed throughout the day to work as spotters and offer encouragement as our riders progress through the program.
Mark your calendars for the week of July 15th and we will see you at the Fairgrounds! Click here to volunteer and click here to donate! Questions? [email protected]
iCan Bike Camp is made possible by Pfizer of Sanford and a generous grant from an anonymous benefactor.
TDSN goes to Gigi's

Back by popular demand, TDSN is sponsoring another series of Pizza and Karaoke Parties at Gigi's Raleigh and at their satellite location in Chapel Hill.

Your teen or adult will not want to miss the fun. Who can turn down a chance to grab the microphone and steal the show?

  • Teen Tastic - July 19th - Raleigh - 6:30 p.m.
  • Fantastic Friends - August 2nd - Chapel Hill - 7:00 p.m.
  • Fantastic Friends - August 9th - Raleigh - 6:30 p.m.
You Might Not Believe This...

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 allows employers to pay people with Down syndrome and other disabilities a sub minimum wage, often less than $1.00/hour, and usually in what is known as a "sheltered workshop." Forty-eight North Carolina employers hold federal certificates protecting this practice that impacts over 1,200 North Carolinians with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

However, there is good news.
Federal legislation has been introduced in both chambers of the 114th Congress. The Transition to Competitive Employment Act (HR873/S260) changes this practice that limits people with Down syndrome and prohibits them from having sustainable gainful employment. In order for individuals with Down syndrome to have the opportunity to live up to their potential and be fully included in their community, we must eliminate these oppressive and archaic laws. Unfortunately, there are stakeholders who support this outdated model of employment. You can make a difference. The National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition of the NDSC has made it easy for you to have your voice heard.

Milestones and More!
Meet Dylan Kinlaw

Dylan Kinlaw attended the Apex High School prom on May 18 th . After pictures with his friends and peers from school at the MacGregor Country and a bite to eat, it was on to the prom. Dylan danced the night away among dozens of friends, right in the middle of the dance circle for much of the night. This was a truly special and memorable evening where Dylan was embraced and included in a remarkable way. He could not have been happier and was excited to reach this milestone and attend his senior prom.

Congratulations Dylan!

Share your loved one's milestones - big and small.
FREE MNO and Buddy Walk Kick Off

It's that time of year again - the annual TDSN sponsored Moms' Night Out! Join TDSN and moms from across the Triangle at Kings Dining and Entertainment for an evening of fun, good food, and camaraderie. Buddy Walk registration will open and you can be one of the first to register your team and be eligible for great fundraising incentive prizes.
Monday, July 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
Please register in advance and
come ready to have a great time!
New Parent Mentor

Meet  Meredith Hawley Pysnik. Meredith lives in Durham with her husband Steve and their almost 2 year old daughter Cora. Meredith cannot emphasize enough just how much a strong community of support has meant to her. She wants to do what she can to make sure that all parents who need it have this too. She believes it is so important to find folks who understand at least some of what you're experiencing, and who can meet you where you are, as you are, and without judgment. Meredith feels lucky to have this in her own family and friends, and now that network has grown exponentially with the connections and support she gained through the Down syndrome community. Meredith says "everyone should have this chance."

In addition to being a New Parent Mentor, Meredith keeps very busy having gone back to work part-time and volunteering with the Duke Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) Family Advisory Council, which aims to support families of children in the ICN. The Pysniks are a music-loving family and try to stay active in local choirs and Meredith once got to sing back-up with her choir at a Rolling Stones concert!
Starring Zack Gottsagen

The Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Dakota Johnson, Shia Labeouf, and Zack Gottsagen opens nation-wide in theaters
on August 9th, 2019.

Read about Zack's passion for acting and the on-screen chemistry and bond between Zack, the screenwriters, and fellow actors.


Benefiting TDSN

Free and open to the public Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m. at North Hills. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and sit and relax to your favorite beach music or put on your dancing shoes and Shag!

July 18th - Chairman of the Board
July 25th - BlackWater Band
August 1st - Band of Oz
August 8th - Sleeping Booty
August 15th - Liquid Pleasure

Be sure to visit the TDSN exhibit tent!
Upcoming Events

July 10th:  Parent & Child pottery painting at the  Painted Peacock 10:00 a.m.

July 15th-19th:  iCan Bike Camp

July 19th: TDSN Pizza & Karaoke Party at Gigi's Raleigh Teen Tastic 6:30 p.m.

July 22nd: MNO Raleigh at  KINGS 6:30 p.m.

July 27th: TDSN & Gigi's Hispanic Social Gigi's Raleigh 12:00 p.m.

August 1st: Lions Water Adventure Family Outing Kinston 9:30 a.m.

August 2nd: TDSN Pizza & Karaoke Party Gigi's Chapel Hill Fantastic Friends 7:00 p.m.

August 9th: TDSN Pizza & Karaoke Party Gigi's Raleigh Fantastic Friends 6:30 p.m.

August 11th:  Marbles Family Fun Night 5:30 p.m.

Save the Dates
October 6th: NC Buddy Walk
November 16th: NC Down Syndrome Conference
December 7th: TDSN & Gigi's Holiday Party
TDSN Board of Directors Meetings

Capitol Financial Solutions | 8816 Six Forks Rd. | Suite 301 | Raleigh
Third Monday of the month | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
July 15th | August 19th
Together We Can Do So Much!
Why give to TDSN? Your support helps us to embrace new families with welcome baby bags and provide expectant mothers with up-to-date resources. 
 
Among other things, your donation helps to educate healthcare professionals on how to deliver special healthcare guidelines to people with Down syndrome. We thank you for your support!