We’re excited to share that our organization has earned a 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid! Now, you can support our work with trust and confidence by viewing our #NonprofitProfile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-3124673
Who: Anyone can volunteer as a “Fan in the Stand”. No age or skill requirement
What: Cheer on Special Olympics athletes during the Flag Football event from the stands!
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
When: Thursday, June 9th | 10:30a-1:00p
What Else: Athletes travel from all over the country and don’t always have a large support system in the audience. Let’s give them the spirit they deserve! When you volunteer with DSACF as a Fan in the Stand, you’ll receive cheer gear and a DSACF shirt (while supplies last).
May 2022
The American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated Clinical Report for Guidance for the Clinician in Rendering Pediatric Care. This report is designed to assist the pediatrician in caring for the child, adolescent, and family with a diagnosis of Down syndrome or suspected by prenatal screening.
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Join the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida for a fun outdoor activity day with our friends from the UCF Department of Physical Therapy!
Each person with Down syndrome will receive a pair of funky socks to rock. Why rock those funky socks? They are a conversation starter! Use it to your advantage to start a conversation about inclusion and empowerment for individuals with Down syndrome.
This event is FREE to all DSACF families! Register HERE.
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Check out what programs are happening soon!
Best Buddies Jobs
Ready for work in Seminole, Orange, Osceola or Lake County? Watch our meeting with Best Buddies Employment Consultants to learn more about how they can help your self-advocate find work in a variety of employment markets!
Toilet Training Tips & Tricks
Join us for a Zoom webinar on February 17th at 6:30pm to the most effective potty training methods and get your questions answered from the very best – Dr. Stacy Taylor, BCBA-D!
Special Reads for Special Needs
Natalie Hale is an award-winning author, innovative educator, and parent of an adult son with Down syndrome, ADHD, and ODD. For nearly 30 years, she has been a national and international speaker on the topic of teaching reading to learners with DS, DS/ASD, and other developmental delays.
Giving tools that are immediately applicable by attendees, she leads the audience through an effective plan to teach reading to learners of any age; she believes that it’s never too late to
learn to read. Her common sense how-to tools and strategies are based on best practice, research, and experience.
Afternoon sessions are hands-on practice for creating personal pages, personal books, and modified trade (popular) books for your individual learner. Her goal is for participants to be able to
walk away and immediately put into practice what they have learned.
World Down Syndrome Day
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with DSACF as we partner with UCF’s Physical Therapy department for a fun outdoor activity day. Join us for sports, games, music, art, snacks, and more!
March 26th from 10:00am-12:30pm on Memory Mall at UCF.
Registration Coming Soon!
Music with Ms. Rachel
Music with Ms. Rachel provides music activities for children to participate in together that will aid in the child’s total development while bonding the child and adult and enhancing the adult’s understanding of the importance of their involvement in these classes.
UpBeat! and UpBeat! Jr.
We’re partnering with Central Florida Community Arts (CFCA) to provide UpBeat! and UpBeat Jr. for free to DSACF members.
This season, UpBeat! is proud to present, The Greatest Show! This musical theater style revue will feature performers of all ages and abilities presenting excerpts from some of the biggest movie musical hits of the past 15 years. From High School Musical to the Greatest Showman, this mixed media showcase will offer all students a chance to shine through singing, dancing, and acting in short films and live performances!
To register or find out more about meeting dates, times, and performances, click below.
Ready, Set, Sign!
Join us every other Friday at 10:30am on Zoom as Miss Tori teaches us basic sign language. All ages welcome! (Class is only on Friday, February 24th this month)
Social Club
Social Club is provided for our teen and adults to promote peer connection and facilitate a safe virtual space to hang out! We meet on Friday evenings for fun activities from hula hooping to freeze dance, scavenger hunts, and more – from the safety of your home.
Saturday, February 26, 2022: Down to Party Gala Learn More
Friday, April 29, 2022: Tee Up for 21 Golf Tournament Learn More
Saturday, October 22, 2022: Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk (More Information Coming Soon)
Dear Members,
As mentioned in our December newsletter, in the past few months, DSACF has experienced an unprecedented amount of families no-showing to pre-registered programs, trainings and special events. DSACF strives to provide the majority of our programming at no cost to our families. When families register and don’t attend scheduled services, this creates an unnecessary cost to both DSACF, our community partners who supplement or “sponsor” events and to the professional contractors we work in conjunction with. We want to be good stewards of the funds our community raises to support our programs.
Therefore, effective immediately, DSACF will require pre-registration for most of our programs, trainings, and educational seminars. At the time of registration, each family will be provided the estimated cost of the service and the last date to cancel with no penalty. Any cancellations received after the final cancellation date and no-shows on the day of the event will be invoiced for the cost of the service. Any family with more than two late cancellations or no-shows will not be eligible for a scholarship for the remainder of that calendar year. Additionally, any family with more than two late cancellations or no-shows, will be wait-listed and may not be guaranteed participation in Family Fun Day activities that take place in conjunction with our local theme parks and attractions. We know emergencies happen and will handle requests outside of this policy on a case by case basis.
We believe instituting this policy moving forward will allow DSACF to properly plan our events, with minimum excess, ensuring that the funds raised to support our mission are truly benefitting our families. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at (407) 478-5621 or hbarnes@dsacf.org
Heather Barnes
In December 2020, the CDC officially categorized people with Down syndrome as “high risk” for COVID-19, meaning that they have a higher likelihood of having more severe symptoms and sadly death. A few studies on COVID-19 underscore the risk to be especially acute in people with Down syndrome who are 40 years old or older, so we must remain vigilant and update our resources as available information and recommendations evolve.
Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida is proud to share the valuable, free COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource published by GLOBAL and the national consortium – DSMIG-USA, GLOBAL, LuMindIDSC, NDSC, NDSS, and NTG. The Resource focuses on new and updated information specific to the Delta variant, vaccines for kids aged 5-11, COVID-19 boosters, breakthroughs, mental health, ways to stay safe in schools, precautions for people with Down syndrome, and advocacy.
We strongly recommend you read through this important resource.
We applaud the national consortium of Down syndrome organizations for updating this important resource for community. Please remember we are here for you during this difficult time and do not hesitate to call or email. In the meantime, please stay healthy and be safe!
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Zion Sarmiento, an infant with Down syndrome who was denied the heart transplant he needed to survive.
We are committed to working with NDSS and other Down syndrome organizations to increase awareness about the current law in Florida, to empower our families to advocate for their loved ones and on potential federal legislation. NDSS is working to pass legislation at the federal level that will uphold the rights of qualified organ transplant candidates who have a disability. We’re making progress and need your help! Take action and learn more about Organ Transplant Discrimination by exploring the resources below.
October 2021
Join us NEXT WEEKEND for our Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! Jump into the fall season with our fall festival theme while celebrating and raising awareness about Down syndrome. Whether you live near or far, you can join us live in person or virtually. All you need to do is register below! Want more information? Check out our opportunities below to learn more and get registered.
Step Up Info Session
Join us at the DSACF Success Center on Monday, October 11th and we will answer your questions about the walk and help you register on site! Wine and snacks will be provided. Come by any time between 6:30-7:30pm.
Step Up Información
Únete a nosotros vía zoom para aprender un poco más sobre nuestra caminata anual “Step Up”. Estaremos contestando preguntas y te ayudaremos a registrar tu equipo. Te esperamos este Miércoles 6 de Octubre a las 6:30 pm.
Join us at the DSACF Success Center in your best costumes on 10/29 for Trunk or Treat! We’ll have candy, crafts, music, and more.
Join us every other Friday at 10:30am on Zoom as Miss Tori teaches us basic sign language. All ages welcome! Starting 10/8
A special series of workshops for teen siblings of individuals with DS, led by Hollywood actor/director and sib, Brian Donovan.
Who should join? Anyone who loves a person who is disabled and is seeking assistance in navigating the legal process in regards to guardian advocacy and related topics. Learn more
We’re partnering with Orlando Fringe to offer a drama class for teens with Down syndrome!
Classes will start this month and will last for 8 weeks. Dates and times will be announced shortly!
La educación especial y el plan educacional individual (I.E.P.) no tiene porque ser complicado ni intimidante. Soren Richardson, entrenadora de padres, y Oryza Quiles, van a analizar el proceso de la educación especial y el I.E.P. desde la perspectiva de los padres todos los martes a las 8.30pm, comenzando el 20 de Julio hasta el 19 de Octubre. Haga clic aquí para registrarse para este seminario web GRATUITO a través de Zoom.
XLent Soccer
We’re looking to start up another soccer league with XL Soccer World in Lake Mary. This group would be for ages 16-21. If you are interested, please fill out the form >>> INTEREST FORM
Calling all teens and adults! Take a look at these great opportunities to explore new paths for your future. Whether you’d like more information on how your graduate can go to UCF, or an opportunity to explore employment alternatives – nows your time to get involved!
DSACF Entrepreneur Academy gives individuals with Down syndrome a path towards productive adulthood and financial independence by empowering them with the education and skill training to start their own business. This life-changing program is the first of its kind in the nation for people with Down syndrome, and sets a new standard for how communities empower individuals with disabilities.
Inclusive Education Services (IES) at the University of Central Florida offers students with intellectual disabilities an inclusive, comprehensive non-degree seeking academic experience. Join us and UCF on Zoom to hear more about the program and get your questions answered! Information sessions will be held on:
Wednesday, September 29 (6:00-7:00pm)
