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We all LOVE The FOUNDATION! The majority of our scholarships, programs and events providing OPPORTUNITIES for SUCCESS and INCLUSION are funded by ONE fundraiser annually - our Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction. Our MEMBERS are our MISSION.  Please help us to ensure that we can do even more to BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO SUCCESS for our members. Having YOU on our team makes all the difference.  

We’d love for you to be part of our planning committee and join us for a kickoff meeting on Monday, August 26th at 6 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando. Dinner will be provided. Our 2025 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, February 16 at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando. Help us kick off our event planning and bring your ideas for 2025.

If you know a parent or volunteer interested in being part of the planning committee, let us know and help us spread the word. We need you and we look forward to seeing you and having you be part of our team.

You can register to be part of our planning committee and attend the kickoff dinner here.

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!)



These programs change from year-to-year 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. Together, let's make this an unforgettable experience for our participants!

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

That's a wrap!

Our 13th annual iCan Bike! Camp was a shining example of determination and progress. With over 100 volunteers and 40 riders, we proved once again that when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!

• A big thank you goes out to our primary sponsor, Kingdom Charitable Trust, for supporting iCan! Bike, and to the incredible Orange County Convention Center for hosting our event.

• Huge gratitude to Kate & Leyton from iCan! Shine, and to all the families and riders for allowing us to be part of their inspiring journey.

• A special thank you to our dedicated volunteers – your unwavering support makes all the difference.



• Let's also give a round of applause to Camille Gardiner and her family for their impactful contributions.

Thank you for believing in our riders and helping us redefine what is possible. Together, we are transforming lives and surpassing expectations!

The FOUNDATION has proven once again that when POTENTIAL is given OPPORTUNITY the outcome is SUCCESS!

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS FOR

HELPING MAKE THIS CAMP POSSIBLE!

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for pictures and our recap video!

RIDE ON!

Exciting news! You are cordially invited to an exclusive event at Winter Park Fire Department Station #61 for a tour and Q&A with firefighters. After the visit, enjoy dinner at Panera Bread. Volunteers will ensure safety and assistance throughout the evening. Join us for a memorable experience of learning, camaraderie, and good food!

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

Come join our Lucky Littles (members aged from birth to 8 years old and expecting parents) for a pool and water safety class. The event will be held at the Community Center's pool, where Dr. Barnett will guide both children and parents through essential water safety techniques. Our engaging, fun-filled sessions will cover basic swimming skills, how to use flotation devices, and important safety rules around the water.

Parents can look forward to learning crucial tips on supervising young swimmers and preventing accidents, while kids will have the opportunity to build their confidence in the water with age-appropriate activities.

See you at the pool for a day of learning, laughter, and lots of fun!

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

Join us for a perfect opportunity to unwind, have fun, and connect with fellow moms in the community. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, friendly instructors at The Barn in Sanford will guide you through the steps, ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. Don't miss this chance to enjoy a relaxing evening filled with laughter, good food, and great company. Get ready to dance the night away!

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

Gain confidence in the water with our surfing crew! No experience is necessary - just get ready to have fun and learn the fundamentals of surfing at iCan! Surf!

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

Let's whip up some fun together!

Join the Young Explorers (1st through 6th grade) for our August Meet-Up at Lil Chefs Academy.

We'll be diving into a world of culinary creativity, where kids will have the chance to learn new cooking skills, experiment with ingredients, and create a delicious Mexican dish. Experienced instructors will guide the young chefs, ensuring a safe and engaging environment. Don't forget to bring your appetite and a sense of adventure!

We can't wait to see you there and share this delightful experience with our Young Explorers. Let's make this August Meet-Up a memorable one!

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

The FOUNDATION will cover $15 of your $25 registration fee. Members pay $10.

The FOUNDATION awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships just for the SUMMER! (May-August) This represents hundreds of hours where our members are engaged in showing their communities what's possible when POTENTIAL is given the right OPPORTUNITY! 

Behind every accomplished athlete, scholar, or artist lies countless hours of commitment and diligence. Our mission is to widen community-based opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, nurturing their inclusion and participation - not just because it is the right thing to do, but because we know EVERYONE will benefit from it!

Scholarship applications will be accepted until Monday, August 19, 2024. All documentation must be received by Friday, August 23, 2024. Award letters will be sent by Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Payments will begin on September 1 or when sessions begin after September 1.

Click on the image above to apply.

Do you have a son or daughter enrolled in a post-secondary program? If so we encourage you to apply by Monday, August 19 for a chance to be one of the recipients of our Post Secondary Educational Scholarship. The names of the scholarship winners will be announced in the September Member Newsletter. We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your educational journey.

Click on the image above to apply.

Join us for The FOUNDATION's August Parent Informational Meeting. We are collaborating with Step by Step Behavior Concepts on a 4-part training series that aims to support parents and teachers in teaching coping skills, general ABA concepts, and zones of regulation.

The training will cover child-specific coping skills and the zones of regulation curriculum, fostering consistency between school and home environments. We are excited to introduce these new teaching strategies to you!

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

***Dinner & childcare will be provided. Spanish translation available upon request.***

 Renee, Whitney, and Jill will be back in Orlando August 23-25!

Please register now if you'd like your son/daughter to have an evaluation.

Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) uses a hierarchical-based approach to improve speech clarity and feeding skills in individuals of all ages and across diagnoses. These innovative techniques focus on motor movement activities used to improve phonation, resonation, and speech clarity. Combined with a tactile-sensory approach, OPT provides a comprehensive solution to a variety of speech and feeding issues. OPT involves the use of therapy tools to train and transition muscle movements for speech production. Our techniques, applied in combination with the tools, make a difference in clients' lives.

Click here for more information.

To learn more about Oral Placement Therapy please visit: https://talktools.com/pages/parent-video-library

Parents are required to view the second video on the page - "Parents' Guide to Talk Tools" to be eligible for an Oral Motor Therapy Scholarship.

Explore all the wonderful ways the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida can support you and your family. Join us for our heartwarming "Welcome Baby! Welcome Family!" Breakfast event where you can connect with other families who understand your journey. This special gathering is open to all families with a little one aged from birth to two years old.



You can relax and enjoy the event knowing that childcare will be taken care of by The FOUNDATION. Simply let us know how many children will be attending and their ages when you fill out the registration form.

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

Attention to all amazing members aged 18 and above! 🌟🎉

We are thrilled to invite you to spend a fantastic day by the lake, filled with exciting activities such as tubing, swimming, knee boarding, boating, jet skiing, corn hole, frisbee, and a variety of other fun backyard games. It's going to be an unforgettable day of laughter and enjoyment!

Don't forget to bring along a snack to share, your favorite swimwear, sunscreen to stay protected, and a cozy towel for relaxation. No need to worry about beverages - we've got you covered! For your safety, life jackets will be provided for all lake activities.

Come join us for a day of fun in the sun and create wonderful memories with your friends and fellow members. We can't wait to see you there! 🌞🌊🚤

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

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Hey awesome dads! Join us for a fantastic Dad's Night Out at Nona Blue Modern Tavern! It's the perfect chance to bond with fellow dads from our incredible FOUNDATION community and forge new friendships. Plus, enjoy a $15 contribution from the FOUNDATION towards your meal. See you there!

This event is also BYODJ (Bring your own dad jokes)

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

Join The FOUNDATION at our August "Do You Have A Minute?" Zoom program to explore augmentative communication devices with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) at UCF.



Experts from FAAST will be available to demonstrate various devices, answer questions, and offer personalized advice to help participants find the best solutions for their needs.

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

Thanks to YOUR successful efforts during #GivingTuesday and our Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon, we are able to add new programs for our members each year. We are excited to announce that in January 2024 we launched The FOUNDATION PEERS Program and it was SO SUCCESSFUL we are doing another class this fall!

Developed at UCLA, this is an evidence-based program that uses strategies and tools for SUCCESS in social settings. PEERS, which stands for Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, is an innovative and dynamic program designed to empower individuals with unique abilities. 

The PEERS program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of social skills. Through engaging group sessions, interactive role-playing exercises, and real-life practice opportunities, participants gain the confidence and know-how to navigate social situations with ease.

Topics the program will cover include: 

• Conversational Skills
• Finding a Source of Friends
• Electronic Communication
• Appropriate Use of Humor
• Handling Disagreements
• Handling Bullying
• Dating Etiquette

Young adulthood is a crucial time for social development, and acquiring effective social skills is integral to building meaningful relationships. The PEERS program is tailored to address the distinctive challenges faced by young adults with unique abilities, including navigating the complexities of social interactions both online and offline.

By participating in PEERS, your loved one will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen their social skills in a structured and supportive setting.

Classes are designed for members 18 and older and will be on Wednesdays from 9am - 1pm in downtown Orlando.

Click on the image above to register.

Click here to learn more about PEERS.

iCan! Golf Registration opens in September, with the event starting on Monday, October 7th. Mark your calendar for the golf sessions on 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, and 11/4.

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! Join the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida for a FREE family night at Astro Skate. Here's what to expect:

• Dinner and a fun night out with friends!
• An opportunity to discover more about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), ABLE United, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
• Enjoy pizza and receive assistance from volunteers if you need help skating or filling out paperwork for APD, opening an ABLE Account, or signing up for VR.
• Even if you're already registered with APD, have an ABLE Account, or are part of VR, we encourage you to come out and have a great time!

No skating experience is necessary for you or your loved ones. The goal is to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn. Astro Skate offers PVC "skate mates" that can assist skaters of all levels. These aids make skating independently a breeze and are especially helpful for parents.

We look forward to seeing you at the skating rink!

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

Join the LEAP Club Today!

The LEAP (Learning Enrichment Academic Program) Club is a collaborative effort between parents and children. Our aim is to assist families in various academic and developmental areas. Through engaging in group activities, we promote academic growth, social interaction, and therapy support. By incorporating successful techniques from the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, we tailor sessions to help children progress toward their unique academic and developmental milestones. LEAP is exclusively for kindergarten through fifth-grade students and their immediate families.

Together, we will advance by LEAPs and bounds, fostering encouragement and confidence. Parents play an active role in the program by guiding and supporting their children, while also receiving guidance from teachers, tutors, and therapists to enhance student progress and help them leap to the next level! Let's LEAP to success! Limited spaces available.



We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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

November 3-5

The FOUNDATION is excited to announce that registration for our 2024 Camping Jamboree is now open! Seize the opportunity to participate in exciting activities alongside other families. Join us at Jetty Park for one of our most anticipated events of the year, where the community comes together for a weekend of enjoyment. Please note that this event is exclusive to immediate family members, and all FOUNDATION campsites will be grouped together.

Don't miss out on this fantastic 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 there for a weekend filled with laughter, adventure, and the great outdoors!

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.

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

Click here or on the image below to get started.

This breakfast 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 you son or daughter's team. Invitations will be available at our Back to School Skate Party on 9/16.

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!

UPCOMING DATES:

Wednesday, August 7 - What is responsibility?

Wednesday, August 14 - Making good choices

Wednesday, August 21 - Responsibility at school or work

Wednesday, August 28 - Setting goals for responsibility

All ages are welcome!

Virtual Zumba with Elyse

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, August 6
• Tuesday, August 13
• Tuesday, August 20
• Tuesday, August 27

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.