www.DSFFlorida.org

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!

The FIRST OPPORTUNITY we have for your student's teacher(s) is our



CHAMPIONING SUCCESS IN EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM:

EXPECTATIONS SHAPE LIVES!

Designed specifically for teachers of students with Down syndrome, The FOUNDATION and the Toni Jennings Institute for Exceptional Education will provide a FULL day of teaching research, best practices and in classroom resources that will help your child's teacher have the best year possible.

Download the invtation below and send it to school with your child this week!

Prepare for our upcoming iCan! programs! Registration is now open. The iCan! program portfolio aims to assist our members 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 that supports academic, communication, sensory-motor, and developmental skills. This program has a parent session and a child session running at the same time, with parents learning research-based strategies and children participating in activities designed to meet their individual needs.

• iCan! Excel is for 10–15-year-olds and focuses on self-regulation, healthy lifestyles, managing emotions, and all that comes with the early adolescent years. Parents are asked to remain on campus during the program and are welcome to participate in other parent sessions happening at that time. Throughout the program, parents will also have opportunities to join their members in class and participate in activities together, creating meaningful opportunities to connect and practice what they are learning.

• 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.

Let’s Learn Sign Language Together!

We’re excited to introduce one of our newest programs: Virtual Sign Language Support!

Did you know? Many people with Down syndrome understand more than they are able to express verbally. Sign language can provide another way to communicate while also supporting spoken language.

Our monthly Zoom meetings are open to everyone, people of all ages! Whether you’re just getting started or already have experience, come learn, practice, and explore the world of sign language with us. You can participate with or without your loved one!

A special thank you to Erica, Emmy’s mom, for her initiative and dedication in helping start this program and creating a space for our communiy to learn and connect.

Let’s Have Some FUN and Get Ready for SUCCESS at

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) will be available to help members enjoy skating safely.
• Connect with important resources and take steps toward greater independence and future success. Families will have opportunities to learn about and get started with valuable programs including:
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) available for individuals ages 3+
• ABLE United learn how opening an ABLE account can help families save and plan for their loved one’s future, from birth through adulthood (and get $75 put in it for FREE for signing up with us.)
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) available beginning at age 14 to help individuals prepare for employment and greater independence
•  Need help getting started? Volunteers will be available to help families complete paperwork and take the next steps in accessing these important programs.

Fun Today. Opportunities for Tomorrow.

Back-to-School Skate Night is about more than skating—it’s an opportunity to have fun, connect with other families, and discover resources that can support your loved one throughout their life.

Taking the time to register for APD, explore an ABLE account, or connect with Vocational Rehabilitation can help families access valuable supports and plan for greater independence, financial security, and employment opportunities. And, of course, 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 one on the rink while you connect with providers, learn about available resources, and take important steps toward your family’s future.

Come connect, learn, skate (or not) and get ready for SUCCESS! 

Monday, October 5

Tour of Champions Bowling Committee Meeting

At The FOUNDATION, we LOVE supporting

our members!  

Our annual Tour of Champions

Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction funds the majority of our member scholarships, events, and programs.

Our fun and talented Tour of Champions planning committee needs one more gorgeous face - YOURS! 

Please sign up HERE to attend our next collaborative meeting on Monday, October 5 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 making the 2027 Bowl-A-Thon the BEST EVER! 

The 2026 Tour of Champions

Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction will be Sunday, February 21, 2027

at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.  

Take a look at the impact The Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon has made over the years. See the difference your support has helped make in our Annual Report .

Celebrating Down syndrome Awareness Month

November 6, 7, & 8

Camping Jamboree

Pack your bags and join us at Jetty Park, November 6, 7 & 8 for one of our most anticipated events of the year--our Annual Camping Jamboree! 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, 2026 (guaranteed availability)
• T-shirt deadline: October 22, 2026 (included with all packages)
• Final registration deadline: October 30, 2026



The Magic is Back!

The Orlando Magic season is right around the corner, and we’re excited to offer members ages 18+ an opportunity to gain valuable work experience at Magic games! Members will assist with delivering food and snacks to guests in the Club and Loge Level sections while building workplace skills in a fun, fast-paced environment.

Members who are not enrolled in our iCan! Work program must attend their first five games with an adult of their choice. These first five games are an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and learn the role. After completing five games, members become eligible to receive payment for future Magic shifts!

This is a great opportunity for members to build confidence, gain real-world work experience, and take a step toward greater employment independence.

Holiday Assistance!

Through our Holiday Assistance Program,

The FOUNDATION is here to help member families enjoy delicious holiday meals and thoughtful gifts.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our members and help bring a little extra joy to the holidays. All members are welcome to apply, with priority given to active members of The FOUNDATION.



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. And there’s a way for everyone to get involved, regardless of how much or how little time you have. Whether you can take on an ongoing leadership role or lend a hand when your schedule allows, there’s an opportunity to fit your availability and interests. 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 Bureau

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!

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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