Just like building a great work of architecture, we are building The FOUNDATION one amazing member, volunteer, and supporter at a time. It takes thousands of bricks to turn a dream into an actual structure that endures the test of time, but with each one of our added members we see the dream taking shape and changing the landscape of our community.
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When four highly motivated and committed parents decided to lay the cornerstone of this endeavor designed to build inclusion, opportunity and change just ten years ago, the idea was a small summer scholarship program. Today, we have grown to thousands of individuals who contribute their unique gifts and abilities to continue to build upon the vision of
POTENTIAL
,
OPPORTUNITY
and
SUCCESS
. We now have a comprehensive portfolio of scholarships, programs, and partnerships that allow our members the tools and resources to construct their own dreams upon The FOUNDATION we are solidifying together.
Each new member, volunteer, donor and community partner adds value, strength, and beauty to The FOUNDATION. Each member is a critical component of The FOUNDATION. We recognize this and hope that you do too.
As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we are asking all of our members, partners, volunteers, and donors to identify and adopt the
#IamTheFoundation
hashtag when you share success stories as they relate to your involvement with us.
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We'd love to hear your story!
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We have incorporated the HEART into our anniversary logo because your heart
of giving
of never giving up
of joining us
of telling your success stories
of continuing to create an inclusive community
is what is BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION upon which we hope to see many dreams come true!
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We encourage you to use the heart symbol (two hands making a heart) in your photos when you celebrate - and tag us!
We will be on the lookout for your photos and FB frames!
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Thank you for helping us reach this awesome anniversary and THANK YOU for celebrating this milestone with us!
#IamTheFOUNDATION
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June
- June 7-9 - Family Cafe
- June 14 - Moms Night Out
- June 17 - Application deadline for Oral Motor Evaluations
- June 17- Play Date
- June 20 - Achieving a Better Life Experience: How You Can enABLE a Future of Greater Security and Freedom for Your Loved One Today
- June 22- Club 321 (middle and high school)
- June 25 - T21 Social Network (18+)
July
- July 15 - Classroom Behavior and Innovative Teaching
- July 18 - Parent Meeting (Topic: Oral Placement Therapy)
- July 20 - New Parent Mentor Training
- July 28 - August 2 - iCan! Bike Camp
November
- November 1-3 - Camping Jamboree
February 2020
- February 16 - 10th Annual Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon
Don't want to miss out on our events?
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It's time to register for The FOUNDATION's
8th Annual iCan! Bike Camp
The FOUNDATION is partnering with iCan Shine to teach individuals with unique abilities how to "lose the training wheels" in just 5 days.
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Sunday, July 28 - Friday, August 2, 2019
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Orange County Convention Center
9400 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32719
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Still thinking about joining iCan! Bike Camp? Check out what one of our volunteers shared about her experience:
"I have had the opportunity to help people develop the skill of riding a bike while also forming a personal connection through bike riding.
The metaphor of riding a bike has become a principal fundamental in my life. Sometimes you just need a push to start doing something. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant the task may seem, you just need to accept that push and begin. Eventually, the one small task will gain momentum and become something bigger.
When you fall down it's okay to take a water break, but it is the strength and courage of getting back on the bike to persevere that is most important. Just because you can't see the finish line doesn't mean the journey is impossible. There may be twists and turns along the way, but it's about finding joy throughout the journey and not just reaching the destination... all of the amazing kids at the iCan! Bike Camps over the years are people I will carry with me forever on my own journey in this world. The real gift of learning was given to me."
-Annabelle Lawton
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If your son/daughter is over 8, you don't want to miss this life changing opportunity!
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This year’s 21st
Annual Family Cafe will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, located at 9801 International Drive in Orlando.
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The Annual Family Café offers families exposure to a wide range of public and private resources, opportunities to find support by networking with other families, and unprecedented access to policy-making officials.
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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.
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The FOUNDATION offers traveling clinics to provide oral placement evaluations and program development. This program is highly beneficial, however, the evaluation is a one time visit that provides an outline for an on-going program that must be implemented by a parent or speech therapist on a daily or weekly basis.
Click on the video below to learn more about Oral Placement Therapy.
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Deadline to apply for an Oral Placement evaluation is
June 17
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Date
: June 17th
Time
: 10am - 12pm - Birth to 5 years old
12pm-2pm all ages are welcome to join!
Location
: Camille's House (Downtown Orlando)
This play date will be potluck style -
bring a dish to share!
Bring a swim suit and towel if your kiddos would like to swim!
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We had such a good time at
Publix Aprons Cooking School
with our Club 321 group, that we are offering this experience for our T21 Social Network! Participants will learn to cook a variety of 4-5 dishes and get to enjoy the meal together
afterwards. Come hungry!
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Date
: Tuesday, June 25th
Time
: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Location
: Publix Aprons Winter Park
440 Orlando Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
Cost:
$20. (Total cost is $45 per person, but The FOUNDATION will cover $25).
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The Mascot Games!
The Mascot Games feature approximately 30 mascots from sports teams across the country competing in a variety of games. More than 18,000 fans enjoy thrilling and pulse-pounding competition, as mascots from MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and the Arena Football League battle through gladiator-themed games, to see who are the true champions of the mascot world.
Date
: Saturday, June 22nd
Time
: 1:00pm-4:45pm
Location:
Amway Center
400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost
: FREE!
There are a limited number of tickets available. You will receive a confirmation email from The FOUNDATION to confirm your son or daughter's place.
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Achieving a Better Life Experience: How You Can enABLE a Future of Greater Security and Freedom For Your Loved One Today
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Date
: Thursday, June 20th
Time
: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location
: Summit Church
735 Herndon Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
Topic:
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allows individuals with unique abilities to save money tax-free for a wide variety of future expenses – including transportation, housing, and education — while maintaining benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. ABLE United, Florida’s qualified ABLE program, provides opportunities and can change the way you plan for short-term expenditures and establish long-term savings. In this session, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the ABLE Act and how you can start achieving a better life experience through ABLE United.
About the Speaker:
Jenn Sikora is a parent advocate. She served on Congressman Bill McCollum’s legislative staff for over five years, handling a variety of issue areas. After the birth of her son, Sean, she became involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. She co-chaired their inaugural Buddy Walk, was a member of its Board of Directors, and co-chaired the Advocacy & Government Affairs committee. It was this group of parents that began work on what later became the ABLE Act. In 2007, her family moved to Orlando to be closer to family and Jenn became an active volunteer with local parent support groups, Girl Scouts, and her children’s schools. She currently works in her family’s printing business and is a Brand Ambassador for ABLE United.
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We would love for you to give yourself a break
and join us for a girl's night!
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Date:
Friday, June 14
Time:
5:00pm - 8:30pm
Location:
5:00pm - 6:30pm (come when you can!)
la Madeleine French Bakery & Café Florida Mall
8001 S Orange Blossom Trail #20
Orlando, FL 32809
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Jade Spa at the Florida Mall
1389 Florida Mall Ave
Orlando, FL 32809
On June 14th, we'll be getting together for
dinner at la Madeleine French Bakery & Café and for some self care at Jade Spa. As moms, we are often so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves! Join this group of hard working women for a much deserved night out!
A very big thank you to
Ana Piedrahita
who planned this wonderful evening!
Cost: The FOUNDATION will put $15 towards your mani, pedi, or combo! You pay the difference and for your meal.
This event is sponsored by:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa.
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Calling all volunteers!!!!
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After an extremely successful Magic season, we are excited to kick off the next phase of our iCan! Work program. The FOUNDATION has received approval from the State of Florida to be an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) vendor for On the Job Training (OJT).
We have a few work sites ready to go but we need YOU to help. If you are interested in being a volunteer job coach please fill out the application below or email
Jennifer.sears@dsfflorida.org
for any questions.
OJT Job Coaches will do the following:
- Volunteer 3-6 hours per week.
- Work directly 1:1 or 1:2 with adults with Down syndrome in the workplace.
- Supervise OJT workers.
- Report daily to the Project Manager on work habits.
- Receive training on OJT responsibilities and social skills training for adults with Down syndrome.
We look forward to this next phase in our iCan! Work program and are excited to be able to offer our adults more direct workplace experiences.
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iCan Programs - Fall registration
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Registration is now open!
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iCan Learn!
This program is designed for children who are just entering or about to enter the school system. We partner with UCF and work with students entering the teaching profession who help our families with tools and resources focused on research based methods proven to help our children learn to read and do math. iCan Learn! is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) component to provide more hands on learning and skills geared for the 21st Century and beyond.
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iCan Exel!
iCan Excel offers youth the opportunity to get moving and have fun. Our participants learn mindfulness and judo (a form of martial arts) in a supportive and creative environment. The goal of the program is to teach exercise as an effective way to manage and reduce stress levels and develop effective coping strategies.
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College & Career Prep
This program is beneficial for anyone who wants to continue to learn and develop skills that will help them be successful in the community. Participants and UCF students explore various parts of community life from navigating campus to building a budget to exploring healthy eating and exercise options. There is a presentation for the young adults as well as speakers who come to educate the parents about how to facilitate independence after high school.
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iCan! Program dates
September 7
October 12
October 26
November 16
January 18
February 22
February 29
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New Parent Mentor Program
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We all remember the day we found out our child would be born with Down syndrome. It may have been overwhelming. Will my child be able to make friends, play sports, get a job, or support themselves? Then there was that person who reached out to offer support, provide guidance and an ear to listen. Everyone's story is different but we all want our children to succeed! We are building a team of mentors to share their experiences and provide support to new parents joining our community. Come be a part of something special!
These mentors will provide new parents with:
- Emotional support and understanding.
- Up-to-date information on Down syndrome.
- Information on local services.
- Hope for what the future can hold.
The FOUNDATION will provide a
training on July 20th
to all those interested in serving as a mentor.
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We would like to take a moment to say thank you and good luck to Hope Doherty! Hope served as The FOUNDATION's event intern for the last 6 months and we couldn't be more grateful for her contributions. From leading our volunteers at events to securing auction items for the Bowl-A-Thon, from hanging out with our members at our monthly programs to late night meetings, Hope brought enthusiasm, positivity, and excellence to everything she worked on. We wish Hope nothing but the best as she takes on her new role planning events with Hello! Florida. Thank you, Hope!
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All work and no play?
Check our these parent approved apps for kids!
Just in time for summer!
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information
and to stay updated on our upcoming events!
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