CLASS OF 2022
We know that graduation at any age is a huge honor for not only our students, but also our proud parents. The Down Syndrome Guild wants to honor all 2022 graduates with a feature in our upcoming newsletter and on social media. If you are interested in your graduating senior, kindergartner, 5th grader, etc, being recognized by the DSG, please email name, one photo, grade level, and school to Jennifer Ford. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, June 1 and featured in the June 2 newsletter.
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#DALLASBUDDYWALK
Celebrate 21 Years of the Dallas Buddy Walk® with us on Sunday, October 23, at Toyota Stadium. Registration will open next month, so start planning your teams NOW!
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT-A-GLANCE |
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ADULT BOOK CLUB
Virtual: May 31-July 26 (FULL)
In-Person: June 1-July 27
Self-Advocates Ages 18+
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TEEN BOOK CLUB
Virtual: June 1-July 13
Teens Ages 13-17
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ROAD TO SCHOOL READINESS SERIES
June 7-25
Early Childhood-Kindergarten
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DUAL DIAGNOSIS CONNECTION
June 11
Parents/Caregivers of All Ages
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ADULT SUPPER CLUB BOWLING
June 11
Self-Advocates Ages 18+
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SRAY 'N' PLAY
June 28
Families of Children with Down syndrome Ages 0-4
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FAMILY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
July 15
All Ages
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FALL CONFERENCE
August 27
Sessions for early childhood-adult and self-advocates
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DETAILS COMING SOON
Mom's Night Out
Dad's Night Out
Buddy Walk®
And More
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READY, SET, GO!
ROAD TO SCHOOL READINESS SERIES FOR ECSE-KINDERGARTEN
with KATRINA PIDLAOAN FROM UTMB
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Katrina Pidlaoan is a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student from UTMB. She will be working with the Down Syndrome Guild through June as part of her doctoral capstone project. With feedback from our families, Katrina has created an educational series aimed at helping young families prepare for the transition to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Kindergarten.
This 4-part series will feature 3 seminars via Zoom to address the intake and IEP process, social skills & managing change, and self-help skills in order to maximize learning in the most inclusive educational setting. The series will conclude with an in-person purposeful play session for children and parents to meet and get to know potential classmates and friends in neighboring school districts. Zoom sessions will be recorded and available on our website concluding the series as an ongoing resource for families.
Registration closes Friday, June 3. For additional questions, please contact Katrina Pidlaoan.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 28 | 5:30-7:30 PM | CELEBRATION PARK
IN ALLEN
SPRAY 'N' PLAY for Families of Children with DS Ages 0-4
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Families of children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 are invited to join us at Celebration Park Sprayground in Allen for an evening of water play and fun. The park also includes an all accessible playground near the sprayground. Chick-fil-a nugget trays (regular & grilled), fries, drinks, and popsicles will be provided. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and any water toys, balls, and games for your family to enjoy. Please note that swim diapers are REQUIRED for children who are not fully toilet trained.
Space is limited and registration is required by Friday, June 24. Have questions? Contact Jennifer Ford.
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WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 1-JULY 13 | 3:00-5:00 PM | $10 EACH
VIRTUAL WEEKLY BOOK CLUB for Teens Ages 13-17
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Teens will read together, ask questions and learn, all while enjoying social time via Zoom. If participants would like to bring a snack to the first 30 minutes of book club and catch up with friends, they are welcome to do so. The group will then alternate reading for the remaining hour and a half. We will be reading Donovan And The Big Hole by Nancy Davenport. The Down Syndrome Guild will provide participants a copy of the book. Please check your shipping address when filling out registration. Zoom login information will be sent to all registrants prior to the first book club.
Space is limited and registration is required by Tuesday, May 24. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Hannah Fredette.
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FOR ADULTS WITH DS AGES 18+ |
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BEGINS MAY 31 & JUNE 1
ZOOM & IN-PERSON WEEKLY BOOK CLUB for Self-Advocates 18+
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IN PERSON:
Wednesday, June 1-July 27
5:30 pm-7:30 pm | DSG Office | $25 Each for Semester (Includes Snacks)
VIRTUAL (FULL):
Tuesday, May 31-July 26
3:30 pm-5:30 pm | Zoom | $10 Each
for Semester
Adults will read together, ask questions and learn, all while enjoying social time with friends. The DSG will provide light snacks and water each week at the in-person sessions. All participants are also more than welcome to bring their own snack or dinner to enjoy during the first 30 minutes of book club. The group will then alternate reading for the remaining hour and a half. We will be reading How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas will provide participants a copy of the book.
Space is limited and registration is required by Tuesday, May 24. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Hannah Fredette.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 11 | 3:00-4:30 PM | PINSTACK PLANO | $10 EACH
SUPPER CLUB for Self-Advocates 18+
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We will be hosting our June Supper Club at PINSTACK in Plano (6205 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024). Self-Advocates ages 18+ are encouraged to join us for an afternoon of bowling with their peers. The DSG will be providing soft drinks, bowling, and shoe rental for this activity Please note that food will not be provided by the Guild, and we encourage participants to eat before they come. Self-Advocates are responsible for transportation to and from Pinstack.
Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, June 1. Please only register if you plan to attend. If you register and your plans change, please contact Hannah Fredette as soon as possible to allow those on the waiting list the opportunity to attend. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Hannah Fredette.
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FRIDAY, JULY 15 | 7:05 PM | DR. PEPPER BALLPARK FRISCO
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK for All Ages
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Enjoy a Family Night at the Ballpark while watching the Frisco RoughRiders play the Midland RockHounds. Enjoy complimentary tickets (sections 101-103) for your individual with Down syndrome plus 1 parent/caregiver. Additional ticketS can be purchased through the Down Syndrome Guild at a discounted rate of $12 each. Any fan two (2) years or younger and sitting on a lap does not require a ticket. Fireworks follow all Friday night games for no additional charge.
Food and drinks are not included with tickets, but may be purchased inside the stadium. Parking is also not included, and may be purchased in Lot E (garage) for $10 cash on game day. Tickets will be mailed to families in advance of the game, so please double check your shipping address at the time of registration.
Space is limited and registration is required by Thursday, June 30. Please only register if you plan to attend. If you register and your plans change, please contact Hannah Fredette as soon as possible to allow any families on the waiting list the opportunity to attend. If you have additional questions, please contact Hannah Fredette.
Please note that the Roughriders have a strict bag and item policy. Review before you go HERE.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 | 8 AM-5 PM | $50
ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
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The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) have collaborated to bring you a joint conference that will touch on topics for caregivers who have loved ones in early childhood, school age, young adults in their 20s and 30s, in addition to self-advocate sessions throughout the day.
Conference Schedule and Tracks:
Parents, family members, educators, medical professionals, service providers, direct care staff, and self-advocates ages 16 and older are encouraged to attend. Each conference track includes the opening plenary session, four breakout sessions per age group, lunch, and the closing plenary. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse and speak with exhibitors throughout the day. Detailed conference schedule coming soon!
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Early Childhood (0-4 Years): In-Person Sessions on overall health and wellness, specific therapies, and more.
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School Age (Elementary-High School): In-Person Sessions on inclusive education, mental health and wellness, and more.
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NDSS Adult Summit (High School-Adulthood): In-Person & Virtual Sessions on health and wellness, relationships, independence, and more for caregivers of adults with Down syndrome in their 20s and 30s.
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NDSS Adult Summit: Self-Advocate (Self-Advocates 16 and Older): In-Person Hands on sessions for self-advocates with Down syndrome on relationships, independence, and more.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 11 | 10 AM-12 PM | DSG
DUAL DIAGNOSIS CONNECTION for All Ages
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The Dual Diagnosis Connection serves families whose loved one with Down syndrome has an additional diagnosis, such as Autism or ADHD. This session is also applicable for those who may suspect their child has a dual diagnosis.
During this informal meeting, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to connect and share challenges, frustrations, successes, resources, and ask questions. This will also be a time for families to help determine what additional resources and support the Down Syndrome Guild can potentially provide to better support individuals with a dual diagnosis. The session will be led by Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Joli Webberman, and a parent of a child with a dual diagnosis, Sherri Parma. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Space is limited and advance registration is required by Wednesday, June 8. Please note that childcare will not be provided, and some content may be difficult for self-advocates with Down syndrome to hear. Questions? Please contact Hannah Fredette.
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RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY |
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DID YOU KNOW?
TAKE ME HOME PROGRAM
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Police Departments across the country have adopted and developed programs intended for residents of any age who may become lost or need special assistance. These programs help first responders identify children or adults who are unable to communicate their names or addresses due to a cognitive impairment.
The information shared and assistance provided may be necessary if the person becomes lost or disoriented and is unable to speak, properly identify themselves, or might act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders. Most programs include a current digital picture, demographic information and caregiver contacts.
If the individual is found wandering, police can search the database for individuals who match the physical description. With photo identification, medical information and emergency contacts easily accessible, police can return the individual to caregivers quickly and safely. The system also works in reverse: if a loved one goes missing and is reported by a caregiver, the individual’s picture and description are immediately available to responding officers.
It is critical to update the information every 6 months to a year for the safety of your child or adult!
A few Police Departments are listed below. If your local police department is not listed, please contact their non-emergency number and inquire about a similar program!
- Frisco, TX (Take Me Home)
- Prosper, TX (Take Me Home)
- Celina, TX (Take Me Home)
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McKinney, TX (Take Me Home)
- Allen, TX (Project H.O.M.E.)
- Plano, TX (Take Me Home)
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Irving, TX (Take Me Home)
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Wylie, TX (Take Me Home)
- Southlake, TX (Take Me Home)
- Richardson, TX (File of Life)
- Denton, TX (Take Me Home)
- Denton County Water District- Proudly serving the Residents of Savannah, Artesia, and ArrowBrooke (Special Needs Alert Program (S.N.A.P.)
- Rowlett, TX (Special Needs Registry)
- Rockwall, TX (Guardian Program)
- Melissa, TX (Special Needs Registration)
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SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
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The Down Syndrome Guild has received numerous questions about summer programs around DFW lately. Our team is working on some fun summer gatherings for our families, but we know many of you are looking for daily camps to keep your kids active and engaged all summer long.
The DSG has a Recreation & Leisure and Summer Camp resource page on our website that we encourage you to check out. The pages contain links to several options that may be a good fit for your family.
One of our recent presenters from Prosper ISD also shared this amazing Spreadsheet that is constantly updated with resources. Most opportunities are focused on Collin County/North Texas with the exception of overnight camps. It has color coded activities by categories: day camps, disability-specific programs/camps, single events/misc., programs also serving families and/or siblings, fine/performing arts, fitness/recreation/sports, overnight camps, parks, sensory friendly activities, and social skills/language.
Know of a great resource not listed? Let us know by emailing Hannah Fredette.
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The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is proud to share opportunities hosted by local and national partners in the Down syndrome community. Please click each flyer to learn more and register for these opportunities hosted by other local and national organizations. |
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The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (the DSG) assumes no specific or implied liability with respect to the interpretation, use, misuse or subsequent communication of editorial content or information contained in this publication. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed herein are those of the individual authors and contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the DSG, its directors, members or the editor of this publication. The content of all The DSG News is provided as a public service for informational purpose and is not a substitute for medical or professional advice. The DSG News does not endorse any particular therapy, institution or professional system. The information herein is presented as is, without warranty of any kind express or implied and is intended to inform and not influence our readership. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is an affiliate member of the following organizations: |
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Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas
1702 N. Collins Blvd. Suite 170
Richardson, TX 75080
214.267.1374
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