The latest news from NCDSA - June 2022

Hot off the press...

321 Coffee is hiring! 321 Coffee is now taking applications for baristas and cashiers for their Raleigh shops. The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 26th at 5:00pm. Information and the application process can be found here.

Entrepreneur Chris González and model Sofía Jirau are accomplishing great things as young adults with Down syndrome. The couple from Puerto Rico are living life without limits. Watch a recent segment on CBS News highlighting their successes.

In case you missed it...

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is accepting submissions of a photo of yourself/your loved one with Down syndrome for the 2022 Times Square Video presentation on September 17, 2022 at 9:30am ET! Submissions will close on July 10, 2022 at 11:59 ET so get yours in now. Submit photos here.
Doctors from the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Advocate Medical Group share their recommendations for booster shots based on what is known about COVID-19 infections and vaccinations in individuals with Down syndrome. Read about Information on COVID-19 Booster Shots.

Wednesday, July 20th - 7:30pm

Inclusive Education

Sara Jo Soldovieri, M.Ed

Inclusion is a right not a privilege for a select few (Oberti v. Board of Education, 1993). Not only is inclusion a right but it is supported by nearly 50 years of research as the way for ALL students to make the MOST progress across all areas! In this session you will learn the WHY and the HOW of all things about inclusive education for students with disabilities in public schools!

Sara Jo Soldovieri, M.Ed is a 3^rd year doctoral student studying Inclusive Special Education at Syracuse University. A former inclusive special education teacher, Sara Jo directly supports students, families, school districts, and policy makers by providing advice, professional development training, and consultation. Through her work she has supported the creation and implementation of over 1,000 fully inclusive Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students with complex support needs. When not working with families and/or school districts she has advised presidential and congressional campaigns and most recently appeared in the 2021 documentary, “Forget Me Not”.

Virtual Speaker Series Info and Registration

NCDSA is recruiting Camp Counselors for two half day camps the week of July 18th - July 22nd for individuals with Down syndrome.

All counselors are required to work a minimum of three days for the entire length of their shift:

Summer Days Camp ages 5-10

Counselors must commit to volunteering 8:30am-1:00pm

L.I.F.E. Camp ages 11-15

Counselors must commit to volunteering 12:30pm-5:30pm

Counselors with and without experience are encouraged to apply.

Summer Camp Counselor Application

Social Saturday

Social Saturday is an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome to socialize with each other while they interact and play together. Each month will have a focused activity or special guest.

Specific age groups meet at different times during the day allowing children of similar ages to make friends. Siblings are welcome to participate. Parents/caregivers must remain on the premises.

9:00 - 10:00 am Ages 0-4

10:30 - 11:30 am Ages 5-10

12:00 - 1:00 pm Ages 11-15

Medical Outreach

Representative Training

The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance will host Prenatal Outreach Representative Training on Saturday, August 6th from 8am - 1pm. The purpose of the Medical Outreach Program is to raise awareness among medical professionals about local resources and support. This is best done by establishing relationships of trust between NCDSA and medical providers. The Prenatal Outreach Representatives visit OB/GYN offices quarterly to build relationships and distribute materials.

Prenatal Outreach Representative training is offered so that representatives understand NCDSA's mission, vision, and focus of the program in order to represent NCDSA.

If you are interested in participating in Prenatal Outreach Representative Training please fill out the survey by July 15th.

Prenatal Outreach Representative Survey

Parent Mentor Training

For new and expectant parents, any opportunity to connect with other parents who have had similar experiences can be invaluable. NCDSA will hold training for parents interested in becoming mentors to families that have recently received a diagnosis.

Prospective Parent Mentors should have a child with Down syndrome under the age of 8. This training is for parents to become certified in the North Carolina First Call Program. Training materials cover genetics, sharing personal stories, listening skills, resources for families, and role play.

Parent Mentor Training Information and Registration

Monthly Triangle Buddy Walk Update

Please join NCDSA for the annual NCDSA sponsored Ladies Night Out and the Triangle Buddy Walk Kickoff. Is this your first Triangle Buddy Walk? Whether you are a new mom/family member, new to the area, or new to NCDSA, join the fun and find out all the details about your first Triangle Buddy Walk. If you are a returning Buddy Walk Team Captain or you have not been to a Buddy Walk in a few years, there will be something for everyone. Learn more about the Triangle Buddy Walk, register your team (registration is FREE), get fundraising ideas/tips, and ask questions. Registration closes June 19th

NCDSA Sponsored Ladies Night Out Registration

Volunteer Spotlight

Debora Braga moved to the Raleigh area in the early 2000s. She has a background in Child Psychology that steered her to volunteer with NCDSA. She especially enjoys volunteering with the Homeschool Group where she has the opportunity to interact hands on and engage with the children with Down syndrome and their siblings. Being a part of the support the NCDSA provides to individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and our community is a definite plus for her. Thank you Debora!!!