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This OPPORTUNIY is to SUPPORT schools AND teachers.



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

We will provide research-based tools to help teachers and professionals succeed in educating students with Down syndrome. As you head back to school be sure to share this opportunity with your son or daughter's team.

Download your invitation now or pick one up at our Back to School Skate Party on Monday, 9/16.

Click on the image below for more information.

Join the team that helps OVER A MILLION dreams come true!!

The FOUNDATION has awarded $1.5 MILLION in scholarships to give our members the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in life. We need YOUR HELP to continue to run these EXTRAordinary opportunities.

Join us on Monday, September 9 for our Tour of Champions Planning Committee Kick-off Meeting. You can participate in person or virtually! Come be part of the team that helps to make the magic happen all year long!

The Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction is our PREMIERE fundraising event of the year, and we need your help to make it a success! The money we raise from this incredible event keeps all of our scholarships AND programs running.

Join our DREAM TEAM and help us continue to make dreams come true!

If you would like to be part of this essential team, please email Camille.Gardiner@dsfflorida.org.

Join Club 321 and T21 Social Network for our annual Open House, Sunday, September 15th from 2-5 pm in Mount Dora.

Our annual open house is an opportunity for families who have not participated in our social groups to come out and meet our staff and other families that are participating. We hope that having the opportunity to check out Club 321 and T21 Social Network will help you feel comfortable to start participating in our monthly drop-off events.

This is always a favorite day of lakeside fun with an exciting lineup of activities waiting for you! From boating to spending time in the pool with friends - there's something for everyone - and this time PARENTS are INVITED!

Don't forget to pack your swimwear, a cozy towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, and bring along some comfy lawn chairs for lounging and a dish to share!

So, what are you waiting for? Register TODAY for a day filled with laughter, new friends, and unforgettable memories by the lake! Come join us - it's going to be a great day!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Let's have some FUN and GET PREPARED for SUCCESS

at our Back-to-School Skate Night!

Our annual back-to-school skate night is an amazing event for all ages. Whether you want to learn how to skate or reminisce about your childhood skating days, there's something for everyone! Even if you don't skate, there will be dinner and lots of music and dancing, too! Join the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida for a FREE family night at Astro Skate!

Why would YOU want to attend?

• Did we mention FREE dinner? Pizza for everyone!
• "Skate mates" PVC walkers to help your children have fun skating around the rink
• An opportunity to discover more about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), ABLE United, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). All of these programs are valuable for individuals of all ages.
• Enjoy pizza and receive assistance from volunteers if you need help skating or filling out paperwork for APD (age 3 and older), opening an ABLE Account (birth - adulthood), or signing up for VR (age 14 and older.)
• This is an awesome OPPORTUNITY to socialize with other families and enjoy a night out.

No skating experience is necessary for you or your loved ones. The goal is to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn. We will have plenty of volunteers on hand to help YOUR children with skating while YOU learn more from the providers! Register TODAY and we will see YOU at Astro Skate on Monday, September 16th!

We look forward to seeing you at the skating rink!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Don't miss out on the 2024-2025 iCan! programs! Registration will be closing soon! Classes start September 21!

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. Make sure your child has the best opportunities for success in the classroom!

• 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 members 16 and older transitioning to adulthood. Let's learn about all of the opportunities for life after high school - college, career tech, working and more!



These programs change from year to year and provide invaluable access to specialists in their fields - so even if you have attended in the past, you don't want to 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 person.

iCan! Learn and College & Career Prep both provide classes for the parents and the child. The ability to have access to this level of instruction and knowledge is PRICELESS!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Calling all Young Explorers! Join us for our September meet-up (Young Explorers is for members in 1st through 6th grade) and their families - siblings are welcome!

We will be having fun and dancing with our friends at The Dance Collective in Winter Garden on Sunday, September 22 from 2-4 pm.

We will be dancing and having fun in a Limitless! dance class based on Rhythm Works methodology. The afternoon is structured with a warm-up, time spent working on rhythm, learning various dance moves and ends with a hip-hop-based dance that follows the latest trends. Members will be encouraged to help choreograph and will leave with moves to use on the dance floor and impress a crowd. Exercise can come in all forms - including FUN! After the dance class we can meet-up at Dairy Queen for a treat with our friends!

Come dressed to move and groove - we are going to ELEVATE your mood! Be sure to sign up and let's get dancing!

This month, Do You Have a Minute? will be an open forum to ask FOUNDATION board members and staff any questions about our programs, scholarships, opportunities or Down syndrome in general and give your thoughts about the future of The FOUNDATION.

The Board of Directors will be holding their strategic planning session on Friday, September 27, so this is a great time to complete a survey and give feedback on what is working for you and your family and what you might like to see in the future.

Please complete the MEMBERSHIP SURVEY by Sunday, September 22 so your voice can be heard in our planning sessions!

LINK TO MEMBER SURVEY

Come join the FOUNDATION - iCan! Golf is BACK!

Members ages 7+ are invited to attend and learn the fundamentals of golf!

Coach Cheryl, Coach Miriam, and Coach Christa will be teaming up to teach our members how to drive, chip, and putt. Coach Cheryl is one of the best instructors in the country and is one of Golf Digest’s Top 50 Teachers in America. Coach Miriam is a U.S. Kids Top 50 Instructor and Coach Christa coaches the 5-time Junior College National Champions at Seminole State College. 

The four-week session is $60 - The FOUNDATION will cover $30 of your cost, so your final cost is $30 per member. 

iCan! Golf is a four-week program and will take place from 5-6 pm at Mike Bender Golf Academy in Lake Mary on the following Mondays:

October 7, 14, 21 and November 4

Golfing equipment will be provided. Please wear sneakers, a hat, and sunscreen. Also, be sure to bring a water bottle and let's tee off to FUN!

Space is limited - register TODAY!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Hey Moms!

Are you ready for a night of fun and laughter? Join us on Friday, September 27th at 7 pm for an event tailored just for you - MOM! Let's learn how to play Bunco and enjoy a potluck dinner with friends. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with other moms, enjoy some delicious food, and create lasting memories just for YOU!

To make this event a hit, we kindly ask you to bring a dish to share with your fellow moms. Whether it's your famous macaroni and cheese or a mouthwatering dessert, we can't wait to taste your culinary creations!

Our gathering will take place at Tina Mundelein's home in East Orlando near UCF. A huge shoutout to Tina for generously hosting our September Mom's Night Out.

Don't miss out on this chance to unwind and bond with other moms. Grab your spot now - it's going to be an evening to remember!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Cowabonga dudes! It's not too late to join us for our September iCan! Surf on Saturday, September 28th at Hiles Blvd. Beach Park in New Smyrna Beach!

All ages and all abilities are welcome to join us for the fundamentals of surfing - get ready to have fun and catch a wave or two with iCan! Surf!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Join the LEAP Club Today

and embark on an exciting learning journey with us!

The Learning Enrichment Academic Program (LEAP) is not just any ordinary club - it's a vibrant community where parents and children come together to discover the joy of learning and growth. Our interactive group activities are not only educational but also loads of fun! We believe in fostering academic excellence, building strong friendships, and providing therapeutic support in a lively and engaging environment.

Our sessions are carefully crafted to help children progress toward their academic and developmental goals. From kindergarten to fifth grade, LEAP offers a tailored program for children and their families to thrive together.

Together, we will soar to new heights with boundless encouragement and unwavering confidence! Parents are vital partners in their children's learning journey, receiving valuable support and guidance from our dedicated team of teachers, tutors, and therapists.

Hurry, as spaces are limited - join us now, and let's make learning an unforgettable adventure!

Do YOU live in Polk County?

Exciting news!

LEAP is EXPANDING to Polk County!

Join us at our first LEAP Session:

Saturday, September 14 - 10-11 am

Legacy Community Church - 201 Dickey Road, Auburndale, FL 33823

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Hey there, all you Lucky Littles and families!

Lucky Littles is our families from birth to age eight and their siblings - let's get ready for a super fun time at Oh Hey Cafe in Orlando! Parents can enjoy an afternoon catching up while our little ones enjoy an air-conditioned indoor playground! Oh Hey Cafe has plenty of delicious delectables for the entire family!

Don't miss out on this chance to hang out and make lifelong friendships and memories together! See you there!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Join The FOUNDATION in October for

"Junie B Jones in BOO...and I Mean It!" at the Orlando Family Stage.

Join The FOUNDATION as we go to see "Junie B Jones in BOO...and I Mean It!" on Thursday, October 3rd at 10:30 am. This is a brand-new Junie B. Jones escapade, written just for Orlando Family Stage as a world-premiere production.

The ever-lovable (yet quite a handful) Junie B. has a slight problem – she’s a bit afraid of Halloween! Are there real witches and monsters amongst the trick-or-treaters? Do bats really nest in your hair? What exactly is candy corn? However, before the big night, Junie B. plans to win all the games and prizes at the school carnival, hoping that will arm her with all the courage and bravery she needs! 

All ages are welcome - children under three who are lap-seated are free. Be sure to register by Wednesday, September 18. Enter promo code FoundationFamily at checkout for $12 off each ticket for FOUNDATION Families. Individuals outside of The FOUNDATION are welcome to join us at the theater for $17 per ticket.

Thank you to Cindy Thomson for organizing and planning all of our Orlando Family Stage outings!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

It's another wonderful theater opportunity for FOUNDATION members! This time it is to welcome in the holiday season when we see the Central Florida Ballet perform the Nutcracker.

All members are welcome. Be sure to register by SUNDAY, September 22. Enter promo code FoundationFamily at checkout for $10 off each ticket for FOUNDATION Families. Individuals outside of The FOUNDATION are welcome to join us at the theater for $15 per ticket.

Thank you to Diana Bass for organizing and planning this wonderful kick off to the holidays!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

Get excited for an amazing time ahead! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month with our FOUNDATION Friends!

Come join The FOUNDATION for a night of scrumptious food, upbeat music, and of course, lots of dancing. Be prepared for some exciting announcements as we gear up for the 2025 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon!

Click on the image above for more information and to register - today!

Join us for our next Dad's Night Out

Hey Dads! This one is for YOU! Join us on Tuesday, October 8th from 7-9 pm at Top Golf in Orlando. Your meal & golf game will be covered by The FOUNDATION - come join the FOUNDATION Dads and let's tee off to fun!

Thank you to Lorin Anderson for helping us plan and host our October Dad's Night Out!

Join us on Saturday, November 9th for our annual Down Syndrome Clinic for Adults. This special event is designed specifically for individuals aged 17 and older with Down syndrome.

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive complimentary medical screenings, have consultations with healthcare experts, and gain access to valuable community resources. We invite you to be a part of this important, informative and supportive gathering created just for adults with Down syndrome.



The following specialists will be available for a consultation:

• Behavior
• Cardiology 
• Dentist
• Dermatology
• Dietician
• Endocrinology
• ENT
• Gastroenterology
• Genetics
• Occupational therapist
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Physical therapist
• Pulmonology
• Speech Therapist
• Trisomy 21 Research Foundation (Nutrivene)
• More providers will be added - stay tuned!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

The FOUNDATION is excited to announce that registration for our 2024 Camping Jamboree is now open!

Join The FOUNDATION at Jetty Park for one of our most anticipated events of the year, our 2024 Camping Jamboree! Families from all across the state comes together for a weekend of camping FUN. The weekend activities include fishing, surfing, beachside games with friends, a fabulous cookout dinner and a campfire with s'mores! Please note that this event is exclusive to immediate family members, and all FOUNDATION campsites will be grouped together.

This event is for experienced campers and those new to camping! We have tents we can loan to families who do not have one so you can try it out in a safe and encouraging environment. If you have an RV, we also reserve 15 spaces for our GLAMPERS! If camping isn't your 'thing' you can also opt to join us just for the beach day / dinner on Saturday. Truly, this is one of the best ways to make new friends and enjoy one of the best seasons outside at the beach with our FOUNDATION family.

Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to reconnect with nature and bond with your loved ones. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon. We can't wait to see you at Jetty Park for a weekend filled with laughter, adventure, and the great outdoors!

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

The Orlando Magic is making a return, and we want you!

Become a part of our iCan! Work team and prepare for a season of MAGIC while earning money! It's a win-win opportunity. We have a few ways to build your work resume! Members 18+ are invited to volunteer or get paid to work at Magic games this season. Anyone who commits to working 16 games during the season will get paid to work. If you are unable to commit to 16 games, you can still volunteer with another adult and gain valuable work experience while having a BLAST with one of the best NBA teams in the league.

Register today and we will see you at Kia Center!

The first home game is Friday, October 25. To get paid, members must be registered with VR. If you have questions about this program or need assistance, you can contact:

LeeAnn.Quintas@DSFFlorida.org

Click on the image above for more information and to register.

The FOUNDATION is dedicated to nurturing a culture centered around learning and growth! Join our iCan! Work initiative, carefully crafted to equip your son/daughter with the necessary tools and resources for both personal and professional development. Gain access to success coaches, as well as engaging training and development sessions aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge.

The FOUNDATION is uniting virtual powers! Welcome to our enhanced Virtual Social Club: Club 321 and T21 Social Network are joining forces to create the all-new Connect21 - an online social club and learning platform.

Join us now to CONNECT with friends, have fun and learn some really useful information and skills!

We are working on what makes us AWESOME this month! Self-confidence is one of the most beautiful things in the world and we believe our members deserve to go out into the world believing in themselves. Our online programming is fun with a purpose. So, instead of sitting around doing nothing, let's make friends and develop our SUCCESS SKILLS.

Don't miss out on essential learning opportunities to be an even better version of YOU! Mark your calendars and join us for our virtual events!

Virtual Zumba with Elyse - All ages are welcome!

When: Every Tuesday

Time: 4 pm-5 pm

Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! No experience is needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!

Upcoming dates:

• Tuesday, September 3
• Tuesday, September 10
• Tuesday, September 17
• Tuesday, September 24

Workout with Morganne - Last Thursday of each month!

Thank you to our sponsors

for making all of these events possible!

Let's get social!

Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.