www.DSFFlorida.org

This event is hosted by

The FOUNDATION to SUPPORT schools and teachers. 🍎✨

We know that when experts in education and experts in Down syndrome come together, everyone walks away better prepared for the year ahead.

At this event, we will provide research-based tools to help teachers and professionals succeed in educating students with Down syndrome.

Now that we are back to school, be sure to share this opportunity with your son or daughter’s team!

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 members in reaching significant milestones crucial for their overall development and success.

• 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 of every individual.

iCan! Communicate Program is ALL NEW this year!

iCan! Communicate is an innovative, evidence-based program designed for children with Down syndrome who are developing language and communication skills. Think of this program as us filling your speech, language and even literacy tool box with research based tools that you can use at home.

The new format of iCan! Communicate will focus on a variety of communication tools over the course of two semesters (7 Saturdays). The classes will be geared towards teaching our parents useful research based skills and techniques to foster communication. The UCF team of experts will introduce a variety of communication methods - NOT JUST augmentative communication devices (AAC). Members who want to use and qualify for a AAC device will receive a device, customized software and training at the end of the program.

"WAIT, I DON'T WANT MY KID TO HAVE AN IPAD!" Don't worry, we hear you and have been in that same seat! Guess what? You don't have to use the iPad, however, we encourage you to come learn about the research. We have helped UCF secure over $5M in grants over the past 10+ years to see if AAC devices work - and the research has proven that using an AAC device actually speeds up spoken language and literacy when used early and correctly. Our goal is never to push any one method on anyone, but rather give you access to as many tools and opportunities as possible to see which one works for your family and child.

The ability to communicate is one of the biggest challenges and also OPPORTUNITY for your child to be included, educated, understood. If they can express what they want, don't want and know to people other than family, their ability to do things expand exponentially. So come learn form the best and let us help you get ahead of the game!

We truly believe this is a win-win-win: for university students, the individuals we serve, and our broader community. Please reach out to ChristineBancalari@DSFFlorida.org if you have any questions about the program.

Let’s Have Some FUN and Get Ready for SUCCESS

at Our Back-to-School Skate Night!

Our annual Back-to-School Skate Night is a fantastic event for all ages! Whether you’re eager to learn how to skate or looking to relive your childhood skating days, there’s something for everyone. Even if you don’t skate, you can still enjoy dinner, music, and dancing!

Join the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida for a family night at Astro Skate!

Why should YOU attend?

• FREE dinner — pizza for everyone!
• “Skate mates” (PVC walkers) available to help members enjoy skating safely.
• Opportunities to learn about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), ABLE United, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), all valuable programs for individuals of all ages.
• Volunteers available to assist with skating or help complete paperwork for:
• APD (ages 3+)
• Opening an ABLE Account (birth through adulthood)
• Signing up for VR (ages 14+)

This is an opportunity to connect with other families, discover helpful resources, and enjoy a fun night out together! Plus, learning how to skate opens the door to joining friends on the rink, celebrating at birthday parties, and taking part in school skate nights.

No skating experience is necessary, our goal is for everyone to have fun while learning something new. We’ll have plenty of volunteers ready to help your loved ones on the rink while you connect with providers.

September 27 & 28

Terri Couwenhoven

Workshops

Be featured on our social media as we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month throughout October! 💙 Share your smile, your story, and your shine with our FOUNDATION Community!

Friday, October 3

Down Syndrome Awareness Dance!

Put on your dancing shoes and join us in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month with our FOUNDATION friends!

Enjoy a night filled with delicious food, upbeat music, and—of course—plenty of dancing. Plus, be on the lookout for exciting announcements as we kick-off the 2026 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon!

Surprise, surprise! It’s that time of year!

Next month, October, is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! As we kick off our 2026 Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction, we’re excited to celebrate by showcasing

YOUR smiles on billboards across Central Florida!

Want to see your loved one promoting awareness this October? Here’s how you can get involved:

🔹Option 1: Register for the 2026 Tour of Champions and raise just $121. All teams that reach $121 by September 19th will be entered into a drawing and seven lucky winners will see their smiles shine on our billboard!

🔸Option 2: If you’d like your very own billboard, simply register a team and raise $321 by September 19th. All teams who meets this goal will be entered into a drawing for a chance to be featured!

Thank you to Lamar Advertising Company for your support!

Let’s spread awareness together!

The 2026 Tour of Champions

Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction will be Sunday, February 15, 2026

at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.  

Don’t forget to register NOW for The FOUNDATION’s 2025 Camping Jamboree!

Pack your bags and join us at Jetty Park, November 7,8 & 9, 2025, for one of our most anticipated events of the year! Families from across the state will come together for a weekend of camping, connection, and FUN.

Weekend Highlights:

• Fishing
• Surfing
• Beachside games with friends
• A fabulous cookout
• Campfire & s’mores under the stars
• And more…

This event is exclusive to immediate family members, and all FOUNDATION campsites will be grouped together—making it the perfect chance to relax and bond with your FOUNDATION family.

Important Deadlines:

• RV reservations: September 30, 2025 (guaranteed availability)
• T-shirt deadline: October 22, 2025 (included with all packages)
• Final registration deadline: October 30, 2025

The Orlando Magic season is right around the corner! We’re calling all members 18+ to volunteer at Magic games by assisting with delivering food and snacks to the Club and Loge Level lounges. Members must volunteer with another adult.

Members who are not in our iCan! Work program must volunteer with another adult (18+) for their first five games. After completing five games, members become eligible to receive payment for working Magic shifts.

Empowerment Through Employment

The iCan! Work Program is designed to help members 18+ who have completed high school gain meaningful employment. The program consists of on the job training opportunities and our signature Lunch & Learn Program with the outcome of long-term employment. Participants in our program will gain:

• Skill Development: Participants are provided with training to develop essential workplace skills, such as communication, punctuality, customer service, and task management.
• Real-World Experience: The program partners with local businesses to offer hands-on job experiences and supported employment in a variety of fields.
• Customized Support: Each participant receives individualized support tailored to their strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
• Job Coaching: Professional Success Coaches assist individuals during training and while at work, ensuring a successful transition into the workforce.
• Confidence Building: The program focuses on building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose in its participants.
• Employer Education: The FOUNDATION educates and collaborates with employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
• Long-Term Success: The goal is to help participants secure and maintain competitive, integrated employment for the long term.
• Community Integration: iCan! Work fosters greater inclusion by connecting participants with their communities through employment.



Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help your son/daughter shine! Sign up today and watch them thrive!

Supporting Our Homeschooling Families

To better support our community, we’re launching monthly Homeschool Support Zoom Meetings! Whether you're just considering homeschooling, currently navigating it, or have completed your journey and want to share your experience—this space is for YOU.

Families of all ages and stages are welcome! A special thank you to Gemma (mother of Randy) for her initiative and dedication in starting this program!

For more information about our online programming:

follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email

dennymarie.linares@dsfflorida.org

Thank you to our sponsors

for making all of these events possible!