May 23, 2024

DSG PROGRAMS AT-A-GLANCE

CONGRATS GRADATES!

The DSG extends a huge congratulations to all our 2024 graduates. From pre-k through high school, we know our students have worked hard this year to reach their goals. A big pat on the back for our parents too as we know you've also given it your all when it comes to educational advocacy. We wish all our families a safe and restful summer. And, best wishes to all our graduating seniors on their exciting future endeavors.

ICAN BIKE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

JUNE 17-21 | LACORE LOGISTICS (MCKINNEY)

ICAN BIKE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (AGES 15+)

Camp Dates:

Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21, 2024

Camp Location:

LACORE Logistics

900 Wilmeth Rd, McKinney, TX 75069

Session Times:

Session 1 : 8:30 am - 9:45 am

Session 2 : 10:05 am - 11:20 am

Session 3 : 11:40 am - 12:55 pm

Session 4 : 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Session 5 : 3:35 pm - 4:50 pm

(Choose 1 or more sessions)

Volunteer Opportunities:

iCan Bike relies on the assistance of over 60 community volunteers to provide emotional and physical support to camp participants. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and be physically fit and able to run with rider as required. We require 2 volunteers per rider, which is especially important on Wednesday and Thursday of camp (days most riders start on two wheels). Each volunteer is assigned to work with the same rider all week at camp. Ideally, volunteers will attend all 5 days of camp to ensure riders consistently have the same volunteer. However, people may still volunteer even if they cannot make all 5 days of camp. Volunteers may serve one or multiple sessions per day. Experience working with individuals with IDD is preferred, but not required. Ongoing training and support is provided throughout the week, and there is a mandatory volunteer training on Sunday, June 16.

Questions? Please contact Hannah Fredette.

GRUPO DE FAMILIAS UNIDAS

SÁBADO, 22 DE JUNIO | 11 AM - 2 PM | BAHAMA BEACH

BAHAMA BEACH DÍA FAMILIAR

Únete al Grupo de Familias Unidas para un Día Familiar en Bahama Beach Waterpark el sábado 22 de junio, de 11 am a 2 pm. Todas las edades son bienvenidas para disfrutar del sol y la diversión. Hemos reservado la sombrilla número 8 como punto de encuentro para que las familias socialicen y se conecten. Haz clic aquí para ver un mapa.

• Admisión general para personas de 48" (122 cm) y más: $15.00.
• Admisión junior para personas menores de 48" (122 cm): $11.00.
• Niños de 2 años y menores: gratis.
• Compra boletos aquí.

¿Hay algún cargo por estacionamiento?

El estacionamiento es gratuito en Bahama Beach Waterpark. El estacionamiento se llena rápidamente en días concurridos. Hay estacionamiento adicional disponible al oeste del parque acuático, junto al campo de fútbol. Por favor, asegúrate de cerrar tu auto con llave y de guardar todos los objetos de valor fuera de la vista.

¿Podemos llevar comida?

No se permiten envases de vidrio, cuchillos ni bebidas alcohólicas. Se cobrará una tarifa de $5 por hieleras de tamaño regular. Las hieleras de gran tamaño (mayores de 61 cm de ancho x 38 cm de alto x 33 cm de profundidad) tendrán una tarifa de $10. Todas las hieleras serán inspeccionadas en la entrada del parque acuático.

En Bahama Bob's Island Eatery se puede comprar comida y bebidas. Hay paquetes de comidas a precios accesibles para grupos.

El Gremio del Síndrome de Down de Dallas no proporcionará comida el sábado 22 de junio de 2024. Las familias son responsables de comprar comida adicional.

¿Preguntas? Contacta a Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org o a Grupo@downsyndromedallas.org.

FOR FAMILIES AGES 0-4

TUESDAY, JUNE 27 | 5:30-7:30 PM | WINDHAVEN MEADOWS PARK | $10 PER FAMILY

SPRAY 'N' PLAY FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DS AGES 0-4 + SIBLINGS

Families of children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 are invited to join us at Windhaven Meadows Park for an evening of water play and fun. Windhaven Meadows Park features a universally designed playground with more than 20,000 square feet of accessible play equipment and sprayground. The Pavilion will also be reserved for DSG families to take a break from the sun. Chick-fil-a nugget trays (regular & grilled), chips, and drinks 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 Monday, June 24. Have questions? Contact Shannon Beckmann.

SUNDAY, JULY 21 | 2-3:30 PM | PLAY STREET MUSEUM DALLAS | $10 PER CHILD

PLAY STREET MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN WITH DS AGES 0-4 + CAREGIVERS

Children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 and caregivers are invited to join us for an afternoon of pretend play at Play Street Museum in Lake Highlands. Your kids will have fun imagining and pretending in the museum’s “downtown” or exploring the interactive exhibits and kid's activities in the educational play space. To learn more about Play Street Museum, please visit https://lakehighlands.playstreetmuseum.com/.

Due to space constraints, this particular event is limited to children with Down syndrome and caregivers only. Additional events for the entire family will be coming soon. Space is limited and registration is required by Monday, July 15. Have questions? Contact Shannon Beckmann.

FOR ADULTS AGES 18+

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 | 6-8 PM | DSG OFFICE | $10

JUNE SUPPER CLUB BINGO FOR ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 18+

We will be hosting BINGO for our adults with Down syndrome ages 18+! This will be a night to eat dinner with friends, play a fun game as a group and enjoy time with your peers! We will have $5 gift cards for all participants. Dinner will be provided.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration closes Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (or when event is full).

Have questions? Please contact Hannah Fredette.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 | 10:00 AM-1:45 PM | DSG OFFICE

NAVIGATING AGING & DOWN SYNDROME IN ADULTS

The Down Syndrome Guild is pleased to introduce a new quarterly education program in 2024. Each half-day series will bring together local and national experts to help educate families on some of the most commonly asked questions at each life stage. This series will focus on Navigating Aging & Down Syndrome in Adults for ages 18 and older.

Attendees may attend one or more sessions throughout the day, and boxed lunches will be available for pre-purchase at the time of registration. The Aging and Down Syndrome Series is tailored for parents and caregivers of children aged 18 and older with Down syndrome.

This series will be presented in-person only. Recording will not be available for any sessions offered in this series.



Please note that childcare is not provided at this event. Some topics and discussion may not be appropriate for self-advocates. While we understand that childcare challenges often occur, we ask that attendees be mindful that bringing children could be a disruption to our presenters and other attendees in this conference style format.

Aging Process and Dementia Risk

10:00 am-11:00 am

Presented by Dr. Tara Goodwin (Bio)

Join us for an enlightening session with Dr. Tara Goodwin as she explores the aging process and its correlation with dementia risk. Gain valuable insights and practical tips on promoting cognitive health and well-being. Don't miss this informative presentation!

Symptoms of Dementia and Accurate Diagnosis

11:15 pm-12:15 pm

Presented by Dr. Tara Goodwin (Bio)

Discover the intricacies of dementia symptoms and the importance of accurate diagnosis in this insightful session led by Dr. Tara Goodwin. Gain clarity on identifying early signs, understanding diagnostic procedures, and accessing appropriate care pathways. Don't miss this essential discussion on dementia awareness and diagnosis!

Lunch

12:15 pm–12:45 pm

Boxed Lunch Available for Pre-Purchase Only (Additional lunches will NOT be available for purchase on the day of the event)

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder

12:45 pm–1:45 pm

Presented by Dr. Cynthia Wang

Join us for a crucial session led by Dr. Cynthia Wang as she delves into Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). Gain valuable insights into this rare condition, its symptoms, and potential management strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and support for individuals with DSRD and their families.

Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, June 5 (or until the event is full). Questions? Please contact Hannah Fredette.

FOR ALL AGES

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 | 11 AM-3 PM (WALK AT 2 PM) | TOYOTA STADIUM IN FRISCO

BUDDY WALK®

Registration and giving is NOW OPEN for the 2024 Dallas Buddy Walk®. We invite you to join us this fall for a rock star celebration of all people with Down syndrome. The event rolls into Toyota Stadium in Frisco for one day only on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm.

The Dallas Buddy Walk® is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas bringing together more than 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and community supporters annually. The event features family-friendly activities like inflatables, music, games, face painting, vendor booths, and more for kids and adults alike. The event also includes an awareness walk around the outside of the stadium at 2 pm.

Participants are encouraged to form teams consisting of family members, friends, and other community supporters leading up the Buddy Walk®. Registration and additional donations assist in raising funds that support vital programs for people with Down syndrome and their families across North Texas. Proceeds from the Dallas Buddy Walk® benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas in helping provide information, resources, and support to more than 2,600 people with Down syndrome and their families across North Texas. A small percentage is also donated to the National Down Syndrome Society to support national advocacy, resources, and programs that benefit our local community.

Registration is $21 for ages 13 and older, $3 for kids ages 12 and under, and free for individuals with Down syndrome. Registration is REQUIRED for entry into Toyota Stadium and includes access to all event activities, awareness walk, and a commemorative event t-shirt.

We cannot wait to rock out with you and your team at the 2024 Dallas Buddy Walk® on Sunday, October 20, at Toyota Stadium!

FROM OUR NATIONAL DS ORGANIZATIONS

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is proud to support our partners in the disability community by sharing opportunities hosted by other local and national organizations. Please click each flyer to learn more.