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We will continue with our weekly virtual programs - details below! If there is anything else we can do to support you, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you.
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September
- Friday, September 4 - Family Movie Night (Live-Action Mulan)
- Thursday, September 10 - Amigas de la Fundación
- Thursday, September 17 - Virtual Parent Meeting (7:00pm-9:00pm)
- Saturday, September 19 - Family Game Night
- Mondays - Lunch and Learns (1:45pm)
- Mondays - Virtual Mom's Night In (9:00pm)
- Tuesdays - Virtual Zumba with Elyse (4:00pm - 5:00pm)
- Wednesdays - Virtual Club 321 (4:00pm-5:00pm)
- Thursday - Virtual Playdates - help us decide on a new day/time below!
- Thursdays - Virtual T21 Social Network (18+) (4:00pm-5:00pm)
- Fridays - F^3: Fantastic Foundation Friends (4:00pm) and (4:30pm)
October
- Monday, October 5 - Dad's Night Out (6:00pm-8:00pm)
- Saturday, October 10 - Learning Programs Sip and Chat
November
- November 6-8 - Camping Jamboree
Don't want to miss out on our events?
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It's time for a temperature check - not the forehead kind! How are you and your family feeling about the fall? Are you open to any in person gatherings or sticking with virtual? Has your school shifted to at-home learning in response to COVID-19? Did you opt for face-to-face learning or sign up for programs such a Launch Ed? The FOUNDATION is committed to supporting your efforts. Please take a minute to fill out our survey and let us know how your experience is going so far, and if you have access to the right tools and supplies needed for a successful school year.
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Join us for another FUN-FILLED
Family Movie Night!
When: Friday, September 4th
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - The link can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
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About the movie:
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s "Mulan," in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 115 minutes
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Check-out the trailer here:
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Make an Impact!
Join the 2021 Bowl-A-Thon Committee.
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We are looking for Bowl-A-Thon Committee Members. If you would like to be part of the team which puts on our ONLY FUNDRAISER for the year, please email Camille.Gardiner@dsfflorida.org.
It is a short-term commitment that only requires a few hours a month between now and our Bowl-A-Thon.
We would love a few more creative and energetic individuals to help us make this the best event yet!
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Our next meeting is virtual through Zoom on:
Date - Monday, September 14th at 7pm
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Meeting ID: 930 5811 9365
Passcode: 106125
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Neurodevelopmental Approach
with Kay Ness
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For over 60 years, the neurodevelopmental approach to working with learning, mobility, speech, language, processing and attention problems, has been offering hope to parents of children who have received a variety of labels.
This program has helped many children with various learning abilities make advancements in academic gains, sensory issues and behavior modification and other areas through the innovative and personalized programs by Kay Ness.
People trained in the neurodevelopmental approach look at the causes, train the parents to work with their child at home to address the problems, and also accelerate academics to help the child catch up. By addressing root causes of learning and developmental problems, Kay has helped many many families help their loved ones reach levels of achievement that was thought impossible.
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Kay Ness will be in Orlando December 7-11.
*Scholarships are available.
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Cuando: Jueves, 10 de Septiembre
Hora: 8:00pm
Lugar: Conferencia virtual via Zoom - para más información favor de verificar nuestra página privada de Facebook, nuestro portal de MeetpUp ó enviando un correo electrónico a karmarie.maldonado@dsfflorida.org
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¡Ven y comprate con las Amigas de la Fundación! Nuestras charlas incluyen tópicos sobre educación a distancia, ayudas con nuestros programas y becas, BAILES y mucho mas!
Aquà un vistazo de nuestra ultima charla - noche de Sevillanas!
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No te pierdas nuestras charlas virtuales! Apuntate y se una Amiga de la Fundación!
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Parent Informational Meeting:
Paving the way to independence!
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Date: Thursday, September 17, 2020
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
We all want our children with Down syndrome to dream big, and aim high. We also all desire that our children's lives will be full and that they will be respected and valued as contributing and responsible young adults. How do we pave the way for them to live as independent adults?
- APD Eligibility Guidelines and Application Process
- APD CRISIS Criteria and the CRISIS Application Process
- Medicaid and APD Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities
- How to Upload and Submit Your Documents Digitally
- Q and A
If your son/daughter is 3 or older and is not yet registered with APD then please complete the attached application ahead of time. APD also requires the following documents:
- Copy of chromosome report and/or genetic testing before age of 18.
- Copy of individual's birth certificate
- Copy of individual's social security card
- Proof of residency (utility bill, Florida ID, applicant school ID) must show name and current address and match address on application
- Copy of legal/court ordered guardianship if applicable
- If there is no chromosome report available, medical records with diagnosis code and description are needed to determine eligibility
Please have these documents ready to send electronically.
Thanks to changes made during the 2011 Legislative Session, beginning July 1, 2011, it became easier for individuals with Down syndrome in the state of Florida to apply for services through APD. Prior to this, persons with Down syndrome were required to take an IQ test before they could get on the wait list. Thanks to the Florida Legislature, people with DS automatically qualify to be on the wait list without the additional testing.
It is our hope that our members will better understand what APD offers and that we can help facilitate the enrollment process.
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When: Saturday, September 19
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom.
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It's Family Game Night time!
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How Game Night works:
💚 The host will ask a question and give participants a limited time to come up with an answer and submit it through the chat.
💚 Each correct answer earns your family a point.
💚 The family with the most points at the end of the night wins a $25 gift card!
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Camping Jamboree - Registration is OPEN!
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Where: Jetty Park Campground - 9035 Campground Cir.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
When: November 6-8
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Join us for a fun-filled weekend at Jetty Park, located next to one of Central Florida's most beautiful beaches! The campground has many amenities including a HUGE playground, sand volleyball, fishing from the pier, and sport equipment rentals such as boogie boards, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
If you're planning to join us, sign up now to secure your spot. If you don't have a tent, no worries! The FOUNDATION has a set of tents just for this event so families who are interested in giving the outdoor life a try can borrow a tent for the weekend. Please let us know when registering that you'll need one.
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- Registration Deadline: October 18, 2020 to receive a t-shirt; October 21, 2020 last day to register.
- RV reservations must be done by October 1st to be guaranteed. We have a limited number of RV spots and if they sell out we will have to look for spaces not with our group (if they are even available).
- Cost: $25 per family to camp or $10 per family for Saturday cookout.
- Payment due at time of registration.
- This event is for immediate family only. All FOUNDATION campsites will be together.
- A confirmation letter with details regarding check in and events during the weekend will be sent to each family.
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Deadline to register is October 21st
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Join the FUN!
Check out our 2019 Camping Jamboree recap!
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Come out and join some dads in the area for some much needed social time and fellowship. In October, dads will be meeting at the Topgolf on iDrive to relax and get to know each other. Topgolf offers a wide selection of games that utilize micro-chipped golf balls to keep track of every shot. Player's shots will be relayed back to their bay screen showing the accuracy and distance of each ball. It's super fun and you don't have to be a golf pro to compete!
Where: Topgolf on iDrive 9295 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
When: October 5th
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: The FOUNDATION will cover the cost of Topgolf and food, dads just need to cover their drinks.
Thank you to Lorin Anderson and John Chiorando for planning!
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Learning Programs Sip and Chat -
 Save the date!
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Date: October 10, 2020
Time: 10:00am
Location: Virtual
Who: Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 4-9
Unique times...unique programs! We are working with our partners at UCF to bring to you an innovative iCan Learn program to best serve our families. The Sip and Chat will feature a panel of UCF professors/iCan program experts and doctoral students to address your specific needs and questions. The panel will discuss and share resources around education, mental health and wellness, and behavior.
We will also be sending an update regarding iCan! Excel, which is a mindfulness program geared towards the ages of 10-15. Keep an eye out for information for iCan! Excel as well as the College and Career Prep Program (for all individuals 16+).
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To make this talk as tailored to your needs as possible, we will be sending out a registration link and survey in mid-September for you to submit questions for the panel to address.
Mark your calendar and keep an eye on your inbox!
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Moms Night In: Special Edition
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When: Wednesday - September 9th and September 23rd.
Time: 9:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
Do you have a son or daughter that struggles with communication or has a dual diagnosis? Have you attended an event with other families that have a child with Down syndrome and left feeling like your child doesn’t fit in. If so, you are not alone! We’d love for you to join us to connect with other families.
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When: Monday - September 14th and September 28th
Time: 9:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
Every other Monday at 9pm we're providing the opportunity for moms to share some time together !
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse!
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When: Every Tuesday (Off September 8
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual zumba class! We will post the zoom information in the event for details to log in. No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!
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Join our Club 321 virtual meet up for middle and high-schoolers!
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When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
September 2: Fashion Show
September 9: TBD
September 16: STEM Day with Clockwork Mania
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We will host our play date this week at the normal time. However, we would love to collect your updated availability now that school is back in session. Help us find the ideal time for this program and provide your input! Once a new weekly time is decided, we will update the events on Facebook and MeetUp.
When: Thursday, September 3rd
Time: 10:15am - 11:00am
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
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We'll sing songs, read stories, and have fun - all through Zoom!
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Virtual T21 Social Network (18+)
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When: Every Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
This is a great opportunity for our adult group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
September 3: Social Games
September 10: Mixed Martial Arts
September 17: TBD
September 24: STEM Day with Clockwork Mania
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F^3: Fantastic Foundation Friends
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When: Every Friday
Time: 4:00pm-4:30pm and 4:30pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found on our private Facebook page, MeetUp, or by emailing Erin.goding@dsfflorida.org
POWER UP!
This program will provide opportunities for small groups to form relationships and friendships in a virtual environment. Sessions are capped at 5 participants to allow for deeper engagement and a more personal experience. We'll build conversational skills and independence with the goal of forming true friendships over time. Each session will be offered to different age groups. Ex: Girls aged 11-14 for one session and boys aged 15-18 for a different session, women 25-30, etc.
September 4 at 4pm: Women 19-24
September 4 at 4:30pm: Boys 15-18
September 11 at 4pm: Women 25-30
September 11 at 4:30pm: Men 19-24
September 18 at 4pm: Women 31 and older
September 18 at 4:30pm: Men aged 25-30
September 25 at 4pm: Girls 11-14
September 25 at 4:30pm: Men 31 and older
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Let's get ready to ROCK OCTOBER!
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The FOUNDATION is getting ready for
Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
We will be highlighting one family each day for the month of October on social media. If you would like your son/daughter/grandchild to be featured, submit the form below with pictures and a write-up.
Here are some ideas for what to mention:
-Name and age
-Hobbies or sports
-Things he/she likes to do
-What makes him/her unique
-Anything you'd like the world to know!
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The CFCArts Youth Programs are designed to train and educate young performers, age 3 through 12th grade, to become skilled in the areas of the performing arts through musical theatre, dance, choral programs and much more.
The Children and Youth Arts program has grown into an artistic community where each young performer is given the tools needed to become a successful, confident artist and the means to carry those skills throughout life.
Here is one of their upcoming programs:
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A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Students entering Grades PreK through 12 this school year: Join us for the musical A Christmas Carol! This inventive new staging of the favorite holiday classic will incorporate both virtual and live (small group, socially distanced) performances from our young actors. Grades PreK-2 will comprise our Junior Company, while students in Grades 3-12 will either partake in our Company (chorus, optional auditions) or Featured Cast (lead and supporting roles, mandatory auditions) either in a virtual or live format.
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Auditions (Grades 3-12 only): Open through Thursday, October 15th via video submissions. Auditions are optional for Grades 3-12; email youth@cfcarts.com to bypass auditions. Grades PreK-2 may not audition.
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Rehearsals, Featured Roles (Auditioned, Grades 3-12): Live Featured Cast will rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays as called, 5:30-7:45 PM (Not every Featured actor will be called to every Featured rehearsal, or for the full time! Featured role actors must also attend Company rehearsals - see below.) Live Virtual Cast will have rehearsals scheduled according to student and staff availability. Live rehearsals will take place at Calvary Orlando (1199 Clay St., Winter Park) and virtual rehearsals will take place via Zoom. Dress rehearsals for Live Featured Cast will be Tuesday, December 8th through Thursday, December 10th, 5:45-8 PM.
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Rehearsals, Junior Companies (Grades PreK-2): The Live Junior Company rehearsals will take place Mondays, 5:30-6:30 PM at Calvary Orlando (1199 Clay St., Winter Park.) The Virtual Junior Company rehearsals will take place Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 PM via Zoom. The Live Junior Company will have a dress rehearsal Thursday, December 10th, 5:30-7:30 PM. Live rehearsals will take place at Calvary Orlando (1199 Clay St., Winter Park) and virtual rehearsals will take place via Zoom.
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Rehearsals, Companies and Featured Roles (Grades 3-12): Live Company rehearsals will take place Mondays, 5:45-7:45 PM. Virtual Company rehearsals will take place Wednesdays, 5:30-7 PM. Dress rehearsals for Live Company and Featured Cast will be Tuesday, December 8th through Thursday, December 10th, 5:45-8 PM. Live rehearsals will take place at Calvary Orlando (1199 Clay St., Winter Park) and virtual rehearsals will take place via Zoom.
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Performances: Performances will take place Friday, December 11th at 7 PM, and Saturday, December 12th at 2 and 7 PM in the Central Florida/Winter Park area. Specific performance location is to be determined based on the needs of our show and cast.

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Grades 3-12, fill out the Virtual Audition Form to register! (Even if not auditioning, please fill out form!)
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Welcome to the team Carla!
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Meet Carla Machado, The FOUNDATION's new Marketing and Program Coordinator!
Carla was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador then moved to the Sunshine State with her mother to pursue the American Dream. She is a senior at Arizona State University earning a bachelors degree in political science with a minor in media analysis. Carla's background with local nonprofits and social media management make her a wonderful addition to the team. In her spare time she loves to listen to music, practice photography and hang out with her cat, Dexter.
Carla will be leading iCan! Work Lunch and Learn as well as supporting our Marketing and Social Media initiatives starting in October including Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Bowl-A-Thon, and other events as we wish Karmarie well on her upcoming maternity leave.

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Technology Tip and Tricks
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Are apps safe?
People who would never dream of downloading an email attachment from a stranger buy apps without considering the possible consequences. Some apps are malicious -- they contain viruses, worms, malware or some other way of harming you. They might steal things like your personal information, others' contact information, or passwords and share them with others.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid downloading a malicious app.
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information
and to stay updated on our upcoming events!
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