Follow us
www.DSFFlorida.org
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Click here if you want to be featured in our monthly newsletter
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Tour of Champions Bowl-a-Thon
and Silent Auction
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How do you organize a fundraiser for the Earth?
You plan-et!
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We are ready to rock and BOWL and will help
you and your TEAM are set up for SUCCESS!
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Check out our CURRENT INCENTIVE: |
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Who wouldn’t love a little sparkle in their Christmas stocking? |
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No pressure! (you know coal + pressure = diamonds) but there are only THREE more days to enter for a chance to WIN! |
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How to enter:
- Every $25 donated between 10/24/22 - 11/4/22 will give donors one entry into the drawing for a $250 gift certificate at International Diamond Center.
- Team Captains will receive one entry for every $100 raised during the same incentive period.
Start your team or donate to your favorite GLITTERY CHAMPION by clicking here:
Let’s make this week SPARKLE as we reach for our $500,000 GOAL!
The gift certificate is valid at stores in:
- Clearwater
- Tampa
- Lakeland
- Gainesville
- Port St. Lucie
- Florida Mall - Orlando
- Millenia
- Waterford Lakes
- Altamonte Springs
- Savannah, Georgia
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Need more help? Click on the links below for our tutorial videos!
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It's not too late!
You can still make this the best year ever for your child and his/her teacher and school.
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Puberty, Boundaries, and Dating Workshops |
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If you have a loved one with Down syndrome that is 10 or older, you don't want to miss one of our upcoming workshops addressing issues related to puberty, dating, relationships, and self-care, as well as to understand some of the physical, emotional and psycho-social aspects of sexual awareness.
Terri Couwenhoven MS, CSE is a well-known certified sex educator and author, specializing in the design and implementation of sexuality programs and resources for people with unique abilities, their parents, and the professionals who support them. Her gentle, matter-of-fact approach combined with extensive knowledge and experience make her a popular speaker with self-advocates, parents, and professionals around the country. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
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Calling all Young Explorers (members in 1st through 6th grade) and their families! Join us for a pool party potluck with friends!
When: Sunday, November 6
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
Location: Dr. Phillips, Orlando (location to be sent after registration).
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Neurodevelopmental Approach
with Kay Ness
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(note: please schedule your appointment before applying for a scholarship).
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Kay Ness will return to Orlando from November 7-15.
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.
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Neurodevelopmental programs have helped many children with various learning abilities make advancements in academic gains, sensory issues, 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 challenges, Kay has guided many families to help their loved ones reach levels of achievement that were thought impossible.
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November - Members 18+
Join us for an amazing program where your loved one can learn how to improve self-confidence and self-esteem, learn how to speak up for their rights, and make choices and decisions that will affect their life. The goal of self-advocacy is to help our members be the best version of themselves.
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This camp is specifically for our members with Down syndrome to learn how to best advocate for themselves at school, at work, and throughout life. |
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***We strongly encourage you to be registered with VR/ in the process. If you are not please reach out to Caroline to get started.*** |
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FOUNDATION Families with little ones from birth to age eight - come enjoy an afternoon with friends - we will be creating and crafting a toy turkey at Lowe's and then heading to Chick-fil-A! (siblings are welcome!).
When: Saturday, November 19
Time: 11 am - 1 pm (We will be at Lowe's from 11 am to 12 pm for our craft and from 12 pm to 1 pm at Chick-Fil-A for lunch with friends!)
Location: Lowe's Home Improvement, 6735 South Us Hwy 17-92, Fern Park, 32730
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Mom's Night Out On Strike!
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Join our AWESOME mom's group as we STRIKE the night away at the Boardwalk Bowl!
(psst... this can be your chance to practice for our upcoming Tour of Champions Bowl-a-Thon!)
The FOUNDATION will cover the cost of bowling and shoe rental
When: Monday, November 14th
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 E. Colonial Drive
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Do You Have A Minute?
FES-UA Scholarship (Formerly Gardiner and McKay) Q&A
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YOU are invited to our newest program - Do You Have A Minute? November's spotlight will be on the FES-UA Scholarship (formerly Gardiner and McKay).
We will be discussing questions regarding the FES-UA Scholarship with panel experts: Barbara Beasley, Christin Carlisle, and Emily Ashworth - former members of the Gardiner Scholarship Parent Advisory Council.
When: Tuesday, November 29
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Location: Zoom virtual meeting
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iCan! Work - Apply TODAY! |
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Are you 18 years or older?
Looking for meaningful employment?
Check out our iCan! Work program! We are currently hiring!
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Magic Games - Volunteers needed! |
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When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Location: Amway Center
The MAGIC is back! Join our amazing group of volunteers and STAFF and help make our iCan! Work program a magical success!
Our members will deliver meals on the Club level to VIP guests. It is such a FUN time for all who participate! Cheer on the home team while making a difference with The FOUNDATION!
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Tour of Champions Bowl-a-Thon
& Silent Auction Committee Meeting
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Love all of our upcoming events?
Be part of the FUN and help us keep them coming next year by
joining our premier FUNdraiser!
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The FOUNDATION has awarded more than $1.2 MILLION in scholarships to give our members the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in life. We need YOUR HELP to continue to run these EXTRAordinary opportunities.
Join us on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 pm for our next virtual meeting! Help make our 2023 event the best year yet!
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Post Secondary Scholarship Application |
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The Down Syndrome FOUNDATION of Florida is providing TWO lucky college students with Down syndrome a $500 scholarship to help offset the costs of books, housing, or tuition. |
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We are excited to once again offer this great opportunity to our members:
Our post-secondary scholarship
for individuals with Down syndrome is NOW OPEN!
Already thinking about college? According to FORBES, more and more colleges are opening their doors to welcome individuals with unique abilities!
Complete the application by Friday, December 3rd to be considered.
Applicants will be notified of their status by January 2023.
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Oral Motor Placement Evaluations |
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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 the difference in client’s lives.
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.
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The FOUNDATION's next travel clinic will be January 19 -21 2023.
If you are interested in having an evaluation or re-evaluation with Renee Roy-Hill or Whitney Pimental, please register HERE by November 10th . Once you've registered with The FOUNDATION a therapist will reach out in November to schedule your appointment.
If you have any questions please contact Camille.
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Spring Scholarships are now OPEN! |
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The FOUNDATION has awarded almost
$1.2 million since we began our scholarship program!
For our scholarships, we ask YOU to find something that your son or daughter would like to do, sign up (with that organization) and then apply for our scholarship.
Scholarship applications will be accepted for Educational, Community, Swimming, Speech, and Behavioral (ABA). The spring scholarship covers January 2023 - April 2023.
*Applications will close on Monday, December 5, 2022.*
Here's what one mom had to say about her son's experience with the
Community Scholarship:
"We are very grateful for the scholarship assistance from The FOUNDATION that has enabled Conor to continue to follow his dream and grow into the confident vibrant young man he is. Thank you!"
-Tracey P.
**All documentation must be received by Friday, December 9, 2022. Award letters will be sent by Friday, December 30, 2022. Payments will begin on January 1, 2023, or when sessions begin if after January 1, 2023. Checks are mailed to providers only on the 15th of each month, through April 2023.***
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Register NOW!
It's a Wonderful Life -
Winter Wonderland Party
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The FOUNDATION is very proud to once again provide our members the opportunity to enjoy a fun night of great food and entertainment as we celebrate the wonderful lives of our friends and families!
When: Saturday, December 3
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
*New Location! for 2022* Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
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What is a Paraprofessional?
Paraprofessionals play an essential role within school districts. Under the supervision of a licensed teacher, a paraprofessional supports teachers and students in many ways.
Roles a paraprofessional play:
- leading small group instruction designed by the teacher,
- gathering materials,
- providing assistance for personal care and other physical needs,
- assisting students to complete directions given by the teacher,
- facilitating interactions between students,
- adapting lessons under the teacher’s guidance,
- and executing other, often unseen, but very important tasks for the classroom community.
It is important to discuss the role of the paraprofessional several times each year. If a student can be successful in the classroom once peer supports are developed, the role of the paraprofessional changes.
For some students, the paraprofessional will continue to be a necessity. However, their direct interaction with the student should lessen over time as natural supports and accommodations are developed and the student learns the classroom routines.
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Want to learn more about paraprofessionals? Click on the following links and video:
2021 Guidelines for Inclusive Teaching:
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As we head into the holidays, we want all of our members to celebrate with a nice meal that they can enjoy with their loved ones.
The FOUNDATION continues our tradition this season, providing food and gift items for our families who need assistance.
If your family would like to receive the ingredients for a holiday dinner or assistance with purchasing gifts, please click on the request button below, fill out the form and we will be in touch with you.
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For more information about our online programming:
follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4 pm
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Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!
Upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, November 8
- Tuesday, November 15
- Tuesday, November 22
- Tuesday, November 29
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Virtual Club 321
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
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Club for middle and high-schoolers. This is a great opportunity to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, November 2 - Learn About Community Safety Signs
- Wednesday, November 9 - Learn About Fire Safety and Create A Fire Escape Plan For Your Family
- Wednesday, November 16 - Draw a pumpkin spice latte for someone you love!
- Wednesday, November 23 - Learn About Volunteering and Giving Back to The Community
- Wednesday, November 30 - Play Volunteering Bingo! Learn new ways to give back
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T21 Social Network (18+)
When: Every Thursday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
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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!
Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, November 3 - Learn About Fire Safety and Create A Fire Escape Plan For Your Family
- Thursday, November 10 - Learn About Community Safety Signs
- Thursday, November 17 - Draw a fall gnome for someone you are thankful for!
- Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving - No T21 - see you next week!
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Looking forward to seeing YOU! |
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.
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