—save the date—idahodownsyndrome.org/newsletter/201902.pdfthe cheesecake factory, boise 6:30 pm...
TRANSCRIPT
TVDSANEWSLETTERIn this IssueWorld Down Syndrome Day Save the Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Study Pinpoints Down Syndrome Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Social Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Parents Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Workshops, Webinars & Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3From the TVDSA Board . . . . . . . . . 3Night to Shine Coming Soon . . . . . . 4Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships . . . . . 4Legislative Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4After High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Volunteers Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Board Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
February 5 Board Meeting A New Leaf, Meridian 7:00 pmFebruary 9AIM/Cool Club/D.A.D.S. Boise State Men’s Basketball, Boise 11:30 amFebruary 16Lil’ Buddies Children’s Museum of Idaho, Meridian 10:00 amFebruary 16Best BudsWahooz, Meridian 12:00 pmFebruary 25Mom’s Night Out!The Cheesecake Factory, Boise 6:30 pm
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Upcoming Events
World Down Syndrome Day—SAVE THE DATE—
TVDSA’s 2019 World Down Syndrome Day CelebrationThursday, March 21 6:00–8:00 pmOpen-house celebration at Albertsons Stadium at Boise State University .Contact Erin Rosenkoetter if you want to help with this event .
Study Pinpoints Down Syndrome Milestones By Shaun Heasley, disabilityscoop.comIndividuals with Down syndrome continue to learn new skills well into adulthood, according to a study that’s offering a timetable of what to expect from those with the chromosomal disorder .Most people with Down syndrome are able to walk by 25 months of age, speak reasonably well by the time they’re 12 years old and manage their own hygiene by age 13, according to findings published online recently in the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A .The research is based on a survey of more than 2,600 parents of those with Down syndrome — including young children all the way up to adults in their 40s — in the United States and the Netherlands .Moms and dads who participated were asked about their children’s skills in 11 areas: walking, eating, speaking, grooming/personal hygiene, reading, writing, preparing meals, working at a job, going
on dates, traveling and living independently .The study found that the majority of those with Down syndrome can work independently by age 20 . Meanwhile, roughly half can read and write reasonably well by age 31 . And, about a third live independently by that point .“Contrary to some public beliefs, people with Down syndrome never stop learning, and functional skills can still be attained and improved well into adulthood,” according to Brian Skotko, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program and a senior author of the study . “Now we have guideposts — based on the responses of thousands of parents — that help clinicians know when children may be falling behind their peers with Down syndrome and, when necessary, refer parents to additional supports, resources and therapies,” Skotko said .
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adult family members are welcome to attend as well for a discounted price of $5 .00 per person . Children under 2 are free . Park at the back of the museum, and we will meet in the community room at 10:00 am for announcements and a short welcome . Then we will play, play, play until noon!We hope to see you there for this fun time playing with our Lil’ Buddies!For more information about Lil’ Buddies, contact Julie McConnel 208-830-7798 or [email protected] .
Social Groups
Cool Club/Adults in Motion (AIM)Cool Club and AIM will cheer on Boise State University’s Men’s Basketball team as they take on the competition, San Jose State at noon on Saturday, February 9 .
D.A.D.S.D .A .D .S . will be joining Cool Club and AIM at the Boise State basketball game on Saturday, February 9 . RSVP to Scott Gluch by February 2 if you wish to join the fun!For more information about D .A .D .S ., contact Scott Gluch at [email protected] .
Parent GroupsMom’s Night Out!Hello Amazing TVDSA Moms!The next Mom’s Night Out we are heading to The Cheesecake Factory located at 330 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704 on Monday, February 25 at 6:30 pm . Please RSVP by text or email no later than Friday, February 22, so I can let the restaurant know how many will be coming . Also, if you RSVP and then can’t make it, please send me a text . It helps to keep the number more accurate for the restaurant . TVDSA will pay for appetizers, cheesecake and a soda . You all deserve a night out so come out relax, laugh and converse with other moms who share the same journey as you . Thanks to all the moms who were able to come to Thai Basil in January . It was a good time had by all . Look forward to seeing you all again in February . For more information, contact Reme Echevarria at [email protected] or text/call 208-866-4095 .
We’ll meet promptly at 11:30 at the will-call booth where Kathy and Brenda will hand out tickets . (continued on page 3)
Lil’ BuddiesOn Saturday, February 16 at 10 am, the Lil’ Buddies will visit the Children’s Museum of Idaho at 790 S Progress Ave, Meridian! This new indoor location is a place for families to explore, play and learn together . Help a sick doggie get well at the animal hospital . Dress up like a pirate and sail the seas! Blast off in a rocket, shop at Trader Joe’s, milk a cow or cook up some tasty pies at Idaho Pizza Company . These are just a few of the fun and interactive, hands-on exhibits for children to enjoy at the Children’s Museum! TVDSA will pay admission for each child with Down syndrome and one parent or caregiver . Siblings and other
If you wish to purchase extra wristbands, it will cost $25 each .Please RSVP to Danielle Williams by text (208-794-8995) by February 14 . RSVPs after this date will not be accepted . Money for extra wristbands will need to be paid by February 14 . Everybody will be required to participate in the one-hour party and group photo . After that everybody is welcome to spread out and enjoy whichever activity they choose .For more information about Best Buds, email Danielle Williams at [email protected] or text 208-794-8995 .
Best Buds Best Buds are going to Wahooz at 1385 S Blue Marlin Ln, Meridian, on Saturday, February 16 from noon to 3 pm . The afternoon starts with a one-hour pizza party . After, each child with Down syndrome will receive a wrist band for inside activities including:
• Frog hopper• Bumper cars• Laser maze• XD dark ride• Laser tag
If you choose to pay an additional $5 per person, you can also make it an all-day wristband .
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Cool Club/AIM (continued)TVDSA will pay for a game ticket, hot dog and drink for those with Down syndrome and a guest . Participants may wish to bring additional spending money for souvenirs or additional concessions at the game .Please RSVP to Brenda Taylor or Kathy Brilz by Saturday, February 2 so we can purchase tickets . For more information about Cool Club, contact Brenda Taylor at [email protected] by email or text/phone: 208-724-5226 .For more information about AIM, contact Kathy Brilz at [email protected] by email or text/phone: 208-863-1423 .
TVDSA Scholarship InformationTVDSA supports members gathering information at local and national conferences and workshops .The TVDSA Scholarship program is not income based, so all TVDSA members are eligible . See our scholarship application to apply .
Workshops, Webinars & Scholarships
Planning a Healthy Transition to AdulthoodIn PersonFebruary 13, 2019 5:30–7:00 pm 4619 W Emerald Ste E, BoiseGo to the IPUL website to register .Webinar February 26, 2019 11:00 amThis training prepares youth for transitioning to adulthood with a goal of independent healthcare management .
8th Annual Family Caregiver ConferenceFebruary 9, 2019Student Union Building at Boise State UniversityCome and learn from inspiring speakers and build your toolbox of care strategies and knowledge . Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pmPlace: Student Union Building at Boise State UniversityCost: $25 .00 (before February 1, 2019), includes conference, resource expo, lunch, and parking .Learn more and register at their website .
2019 Inclusion Works! ConferenceFebruary 10–12, 2019 Denton, TXThe Inclusion Works! Conference gathers national leading experts and creative problem solvers in the field of inclusive special education . Featuring diverse keynote speakers, invigorating panel discussions and interactive workshops, the 2019 Inclusion Works! Conference will offer more opportunities for networking, learning, and discovery than ever before . Go to their website to register or learn more .
February 14–15, 2019 Denver, COPEAK Parent Center’s annual Conference on Inclusive Education holds the tools you need to reinvent schools to be places where all students can achieve success! We’ve been bringing the nation best practice for over 30 years! Go to their website to register or learn more .
Miss Amazing events celebrate the abilities of girls and women with disabilities . Miss Amazing serves as a platform for girls and women with disabilities to make new friends,
Miss Amazing Idaho Pageant
develop life skills, and dispel commonly held myths about their value and potential . To learn more, go to the Idaho Miss Amazing website .
March 15–16, 2019 College of Idaho, Jewett Auditorium Caldwell, Idaho
From the TVDSA BoardJanuary has sped by, and we’re exciting to see all the events coming our way, social club activities, parent activities, as well as a few proms, Miss Amazing, film premiers, and more! It’s just the beginning of 2019, and we know there are even more spectacular TVDSA events coming this year!These events would not happen without TVDSA’s incredible volunteers . Remember, you do not have to run a committee or event . If there is one thing you excel at, lend us your talent and make a difference today!
Ruby’s Rainbow’s goal for 2019 is to help as many people rockin’ that extra chromosome to go for their dreams of higher education and independence .The 2019 application is now open . We offer larger scholarship amounts (up to $10,000) and past Rockin’ Recipients no longer have to wait a year to re-apply . Past recipients may use the Re-Apply Application to learn more about their journey and how college is helping them achieve their goals . Please ensure the correct application is provided . If there are any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected]! Visit our website for more information:Scholarship Criteria • This grant is for individuals with
Down syndrome who are 18 years of age or older .
• Desire and intent to enroll or continue enrollment in a class or program that will enhance your life through employment, independent living or life skills, or interests in any other areas .
• Provide copy of high school diploma or equivalent (certificate of completion) or transcripts if graduating in spring 2019 .
• Individuals who were previously awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship may now apply the following year by filling out our Re-Apply Application .
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships open for 2019
Legislative Corner By Rob Cochems, legislation@ idahodownsyndrome.orgIn case you have not heard, I wanted to share an upcoming event:
You’re invited to the premiere viewing of the Idaho Developmental Disabilities Network’s film, Blessings of Liberty .
This film was created to emphasize the importance of home- and community-based services in Idaho and the impact they have on supporting the independence for people with disabilities to pursue their right to life, liberty, and happiness .
Date: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 4:00 to 5:30 PM
Location: Idaho State Capitol, Lincoln Auditorium
For more information, contact the Idaho Developmental Disabilities Network at 208-577-2633 or [email protected] .
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP via the online form .
Save the Date Shine! Prom 2019Saturday, April 6 6:00 to 9:30 pm
The theme this year will be Star Wars, so get ready for an out-of-this-world evening!
Watch the TVDSA Newsletter for more information in the coming months, or go to the Shine! Prom Facebook page .
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Night to Shine Coming Soon!Night to Shine is a prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older . On February 8, Calvary Chapel in Boise, together with other churches across the country, will host a Night to Shine from 6:00 to 9:00 pm . Every guest of Night to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi . Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, a catered dinner, prom favors for each honored guest, a Respite Room for parents and caretakers, and, of course, dancing! The highlight of the night comes when every one of the Night to Shine guests is crowned a king or queen of the prom!
Volunteers Needed!Volunteers are needed to assist the attendees and coordinators for food, fundraising, social media, etc . We want to get the word out so attendees can sign up for their tickets .If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lara Alexander at 208-869-4644 .
Share story ideas, event information, articles, or pictures with Newsletter Editor Mary Hacking at [email protected] more information, articles, past newsletters, and more, visit idahodownsyndrome.org.
Board of DirectorsPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Taylor Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brooke Johnson Secretary and Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jen Rice Treasurer and Spanish Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucy Olmos Self-Advocate Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dylan Thaner Community Outreach Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charmaine Thaner
Our MissionThe mission of the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association is to enhance the quality of life for persons with Down syndrome by promoting inclusive environments; providing accurate information to parents, families, and the community; and by advocating respect, dignity, and appropriate supports for people with Down syndrome .
Contact InformationTreasure Valley Down Syndrome AssociationPO Box 1404 Meridian, ID 83680 208-945-7448idahodownsyndrome.org
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Volunteers NeededTo continue bringing awareness to the Treasure Valley and have the activities and events TVDSA is known for, we need your help!Without additional support, future programs and activities are at risk of not being held in 2019 .
TVDSA Seeking Board MembersBoard members meet monthly, advocate for those with Down syndrome, and develop/advance TVDSA’s mission . Board members should serve on additional committees, in most cases as their chair . The TVDSA by-laws require a minimum of four board members and a maximum of 12 . Currently, there are six seats available .
TVDSA Seeking Committee ChairsCommittee chairs are not required to be on the Board, but can be if they want to take on the additional commitment . The available committee chair positions available include the following: marketing, communications, fundraising, and programs . If you are interested or have any questions, contact George Taylor or any current board member for more information regarding board or committee positions .
After High School: Different Paths to Success By Victoria Scanlan Stefanakos, understood.org
EnglishAs the parent of a teen with learning or attention issues, you may wonder what options your child will have after high school . School may have been a challenge . But there are many paths that can lead to a happy and independent life . Here are the most common options for life after high school .
• Four-Year College or University• Two-Year College• Trade and Certificate Programs• Gap Year• Work
Read the full article at understood.org.
EspañolComo padre/madre de un adolescente con dificultades de aprendizaje y de atención, usted podría estar preguntándose cuáles son las opciones que tiene su hijo una vez que termine el bachillerato . La escuela puede que haya sido difícil para él, pero hay muchos caminos que pueden conducir a una vida independiente y feliz . Estas son las opciones más comunes después de la educación secundaria .
• Universidad o colegios universitarios de 4 años
• Colegios universitarios de dos años
• Programas de oficios y certificados
• Año sabático (gap year)• Trabajo
Lea el artículo completo en understand.org.