Let’s Celebrate National Volunteer Week
April 19-25
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Let’s take t
his
opportunity to recognize and thank
all the
volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice, and support to NCDSA and our families. NCDSA
is successful, in part, to
our valuable volunteers
who contributed
over 10,000 hours
in 2019
.
NCDSA volunteers
are vital in everything we do from
o
ffice
work
, to serving on our Board of Directors,
to
running programs
,
to
event volunteers at the Buddy Walk and iCan Bike camp.
Thank you!
With
b
usy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer.
So
why volunteer?
Benefits to the community:
- Impact on the greater community
- Services provided to people in need
- Support to worthwhile causes
Benefits to the volunteer:
- Improve mental and physical health
- Make new friends and avoid loneliness
- Gain a sense of purpose
In turn, all of these things boost your overall happiness: a win-win situation for everyone.
Do you volunteer? Volunteers are in high demand! What skill or talent do you have? Think about what you are passionate about and find an organization that can use your skills. Want to learn more about volunteering with NCDSA? Complete the NCDSA
online volunteer registration form
or email
NCDSA
Volunteer and
E
vent
C
oordinator Dawn DeSoto
at
dawn@ncdsalliance.org
. You'll be glad you did!
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Where do we go from here?
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The situation with COVID-19 is changing rapidly.
NCDSA is monitoring the situation and will relay pertinent information that directly impacts the Down syndrome community. Until further notice, the NCDSA office will remain closed. Staff members are working remotely. NCDSA can be contacted by leaving a voicemail message at 984-200-1193 or sending an email to
info@ncdsalliance.org. For current information, please follow NCDSA on
Facebook.
An up to date list of resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families is being maintained at
NCDSA COVID-19.
For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, please rely on trusted and up-to-date information provided by the
CDC or
NC DHHS.
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What has NCDSA been up to?
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March was still a busy month for
NCDSA:
- 2 Welcome Baby Bags sent to new families
- 2 Information packets sent to new to area families
- 6 Family visits at the Duke Down Syndrome Clinic
- 29 Parents participated in Transition to Kindergarten Webinars
- 8 Wake County EMS Paramedic Program trainees attended NCDSA presentation
- Virtual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration on Facebook
- NC Executive Mansion lit up in blue and yellow for the weekend in honor of WDSD
- 12 Moms participated in virtual Moms' Night In
- AND 5 births since "safe at home" orders have been issued due to COVID-19
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What are we doing and how can you help?
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NCDSA staff continues to work remotely providing valuable resources to the Down syndrome community across North Carolina and staying up to date on the impact of COVID-19. NCDSA staff is also using this time to update our constituent database. There is a great deal of outdated information cluttering our records. Please take a few minutes to assist us in this necessary task by updating your information by completing a short questionnaire. Thank you!
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Transition:
An Informational Webinar
Tuesday, May 5th at 7:00 pm
Advance Registration Required
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Able Transition Consulting presents Transition: An Informational Webinar. In this session you will learn what transition is, what it involves, and you will walk away with three concrete steps you can take to envision and prepare for a more successful adulthood for your loved one with Down syndrome. Whether your family member is 14 or 40, this webinar will provide valuable information on how they can participate in a purposeful life. The webinar will end with a question and answer session.
Able Transition Consulting supports families and individuals across North Carolina to ensure high-quality adult outcomes and support for families, wherever you are in your journey. Kenzie Clark, former special education teacher, received her Masters Degree in Secondary Special Education and Transition after witnessing the lack of transition services provided in the public school setting. She is passionate about sharing her expertise and knowledge about all things transition.
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Delivered over the Internet,
Reading A-Z
is a constantly changing program. Each month, Reading A-Z adds new books, lesson plans, and other resources, thus continually expanding its wealth of materials. The website has more than 2,500 downloadable books (including English, Spanish, and French versions) and thousands of teaching and learning materials. NCDSA has purchased this online program for families to utilize while our students are out of school. For log in information, please email
info@ncdsalliance.org
.
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PetScreening
,
a tool used by property managers and pet owners, supports the Down syndrome community and advocates for the adoption of animals living in shelters. PetScreening for Down Syndrome (PS4Ds) is a philanthropic grant program that provides financial support to any person with Down syndrome who believes he/she could benefit by adopting an animal to improve his/her quality of life. This includes obtaining an animal for the primary purpose of owning an assistance or service animal.
PS4Ds will award up to four (4) $750 grants per year that will help pay for, up to the maximum award, the adoption of an animal from a shelter, the spay/neuter operation, and the first year of veterinarian vaccinations and food. Information is found in the grant application link and by emailing
info@petscreening.com
.
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We hope to see you at Moms' Night Out
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Alanis Morissette is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of her breakout hit "Jagged Little Pill" during 2020. NCDSA is hoping the Alanis Morissette concert on June 23rd at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Cary will not be cancelled. Join other moms for tailgating, music, fun, and a much needed Moms' Night Out!
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We look forward to seeing you in 2021 at...
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The 2020 Census is here and it is important that people with Down syndrome and their families be counted!
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SSI receipients who are not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer may still receive an Economic Impact Payment
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NCDHHS is providing financial support to essential workers and childcare providers
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Get your FREE t21 T-shirt!
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That's right, find out how to get your FREE t21 Down Syndrome Awareness T-shirt.
Don't delay, the offer ends April 30th!
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NCDSA has been keeping up to date with legislative issues in our nation's capitol through regular webinars with the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Council (NDAC) of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). There is an urgent need to
take action and
ASK CONGRESS TO INCLUDE THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE 4th COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE!
Congress has already passed three legislative bills to address the Coronavirus pandemic, but people with disabilities are getting left behind! We need to call, email and tweet at Congress NOW to make them realize that
#WeAreEssential
and deserve more resources and supports during this crisis! We need you to contact your Senators and Representatives to urge them to include IDD priorities in the 4
th
COVID-19 Relief bill. It is as easy as a phone call or email. Complete information is provided.
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Healthcare & Direct Service Provider Training
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Professional education webinars on a wide variety of important topics that address the needs and interests of professionals in the field of IDD.
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Rescheduled: October 8 & 9, 2020
Eastern AHEC Education Center
Greenville, NC
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Keep up to date - connect with NCDSA
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NCDSA Board of Directors Meetings
Third Monday of the month | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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By supporting NCDSA you help us embrace new families with welcome baby bags and provide expectant mothers with up-to-date resources. You help to educate healthcare professionals on how to deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome and provide healthcare guidelines for people with Down syndrome. Thank you!
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