The Social Security Administration announced on October 13, 2022 that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 8.7 percent from a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2023. Increased payments to more than 7 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2022. 

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. The fastest way to find out their new benefit amount is to access their personal my Social Security account to view the COLA notice online. It’s secure, easy, and people find out before the mail arrives. People may create or access their my Social Security account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Want to help improve the lives of people with Down syndrome - see the Advocacy Alert below.

Parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome often have a primary concern: who will care for their children once they are no longer able to do so? Where will they live? Will their lives hold dignity and purpose? Will they be connected to their community by making meaningful, productive contributions? These concerns are the driving force behind HOPE North Carolina’s efforts to create an inclusive community for people with and without disabilities in the Triangle area. HOPE NC is hosting their first Inclusive Housing Summit on November 10th. Registration is full. To learn more and to get on the waiting list, click here.

Congratulation to NCDSA Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Neal

Amanda has worked tirelessly behind the scenes at NCDSA for many years. She always rallies behind NCDSA in any fundraising event. She’s always the first person to sign up for an event and this past year she has been vital to completing projects in the office that the staff just hadn’t had a chance to do, allowing staff to focus elsewhere. She has been an incredible asset to NCDSA and we wouldn’t know what to do without her. We sincerely appreciate her random office treat deliveries that always bring a smile to staff member's faces.

This presentation will cover the broad topics of transition and employment for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Often individuals, parents, and even professionals encounter roadblocks on the path to meaningful, gainful employment for persons with disabilities. Ryan will share personal experiences, as well as current efforts and initiatives at the national and state level to promote competitive integrated employment (CIE) along with other employment, vocational training, and volunteer opportunities. This presentation will also provide audience members with information on state and community level employment supports and services.

The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance Afterschool Academy provides free weekly 1 hour sessions supporting growth in academics, communication, and social skills. The Afterschool Academy is staffed with credentialed teachers supported by interns and volunteers. Weekly Tuesday sessions are for students in 1st through 4th grades and weekly Thursday sessions are for students in 5th through 8th grades.

Many people with Down syndrome rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the basics of everyday living—but SSI has outdated rules that make it impossible to save money and live with dignity. The SSI asset limit is $2,000 per person and has not been updated since 1989! Assets include money in bank accounts, property, and savings. These asset limits make it hard for people to save money for emergencies and force many people with disabilities into poverty.

Urge your U.S. Senators to support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act now! This bipartisan bill would raise the SSI asset limit for the first time in over 30 years and adjust for inflation each year. 

An occupational therapist (OT) considers "occupation" to be anything we do throughout the day. An OT can work with an adult with Down syndrome to address life skills, self-care skills, social skills, transitions, routines, and more. The article "What is Occupational Therapy" by Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, the occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocates Medical Group in Park Ridge, IL, provides additional information about the benefits of occupational therapy for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome.

10/20 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

10/23 - Sibshops 3:00 pm

10/27 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

10/29 - Social Saturday 9:00 am (Ages 0-6)

10/29 - Social Saturday 10:30 am (Ages 7-15)

11/2 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm

11/3 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

11/5 - T-21 Club Social 6:00 pm

11/8 - Coffee Connection 10:00 am

11/8 - Moms' Night Out 7:00 pm (Durham)

11/9 - Teen and Young Adult Parent Support Group 7:00 pm (Virtual)

11/10 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

11/10 - Noche de Mamas 8:00 pm (en Espanol) (Virtual)

11/16 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm

11/16 - NCDSA Virtual Speaker Series 7:30 pm 

11/17 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

11/19 - The Learning Program 8:00 am (Registration FULL)