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Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month.
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10th Annual iCan! Bike Camp - open for registrations! |
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When: June 27- July 2
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Where: Orange County Convention Center
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Cost: The camp cost is $50 for members/$150 for non-members per rider which include 5 days of camp (75 minutes a day), a t-shirt, and a helmet.
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We are once again partnering with iCan Shine and the Orange County Convention Center to bring iCan! Bike Camp to Central Florida! Since 2011, The FOUNDATION has been creating gateways of endless opportunities for our riders - even producing an IRONMAN!
The Down Syndrome FOUNDATION of Florida has invited iCan Shine (a
a nonprofit organization that teaches individuals with unique abilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle) to Orlando for our 10th annual bike camp. The camp is open to individuals who are over 8 years old and who are unable to ride a two-wheel bike.
Learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle has many benefits such as:
•Exercises cardiovascular muscles
•Builds muscle mass
•Relieves stress
•Strengthens emotional wellness
•Positive change in family dynamics
•Independent transportation
And many more!
Join us as we continue to create an avenue to independence for the participants by helping riders gain assurance, self-confidence and giving them a gateway to become active members in their community.
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Share the news with your friends, family, colleagues or community! |
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When: June 27- July 2
Where: Orange County Convention Center
Sessions (for each day):
- 8:30 am - 9:45 am
- 10:05 am - 11:20 am
- 11:40 am - 12:55 pm
- 2:00pm - 3:15pm
- 3:35pm - 4:50pm
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When: Saturday, May 15
Time: 1:45pm-3:00pm
Location: MyGym at Lake Mary 3581 Lake Emma Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
This event is open to members 6 weeks old - 10 years old and siblings too! This a great opportunity to get to meet other families and form connections in the community!
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Parent Informational Meeting |
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When: Thursday, May 20
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Virtual Zoom meeting.
Who should attend?: Anyone who wants to learn more about the process of transitioning from Part C to Part B.
For families who receive services through the state’s early-learning program, Part C-to-B transition planning starts at least half a year before the child’s third birthday. Providers, teachers, school administrators, and the family start thinking and collaborating about what the child might need to do well.
Join us as we discuss:
- Overview of the planning process and the roles of the family and service coordinator,
- Options and choices for families,
- Activities and timelines of the transition process,
- The Transition Conference and what it involves,
- Activities following the Transition Conference,
- And other helpful resources.
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When: Saturday, May 22
Time: 1:45pm
Location: Regal Cinema at Winter Park Village 510 Orlando Avenue North, Winter Park
Who's ready for PIZZA and a MOVIE with great friends?
Join us for a movie at Regal Cinema in Winter Park Village! We will announce the movie at the beginning of May. The FOUNDATION will cover YOUR cost of admission to the movie.
*Keep an eye out! The movie will be picked the week of the event by a poll sent to those who have registered in advance.
**Please bring money if you wish to purchase snacks at the movie or if you want to join us for pizza after the movie at Pizza Valdiano right next door!
This program is for members 18+ and will allow them to gain independence, make their own transactions and decisions, socialize, and make new friends and memories! This program will host monthly drop-off events where participants will have the chance to experience fun outings in an independent but safe environment (fully staffed). Social gatherings will include trips to restaurants, movies, bowling alleys, and a variety of other fun places.
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When: Sunday, May 23
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, 32817
Ready...set...BOWL!
Calling all Club 321 members! Get ready for some bowling and pizza at Boardwalk Bowl! We will play a game or two and then enjoy pizza at Boardwalk Bowl on Colonial Drive in Orlando!
Our Club 321 is designed for middle school and high school students to allow them to gain independence, socialize and make new friends and memories. This club will host monthly drop-off events where participants will have the chance to experience fun outings in an independent but safe environment (fully staffed events). Outings will include trips to the movies, bowling alleys, and a variety of other fun places. So what are you waiting for? register now!
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When: Thursday, May 13
Time: 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Location: Teak Neighborhood Grill, 901 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, 32751
Cost: The FOUNDATION will cover $15 towards your dinner.

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!
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Looking for creative solutions for a successful READER?
This program is for YOU!
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Reading: The Key To Success At Every Age
When: Saturday, June 12
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Location: Orlando Health - North Tower 52 W. Underwood Street, 1st Floor Orlando, FL 32806
Cost: $10 registration fee (includes morning refreshments & lunch).
Rather than presenting abstract theories, Natalie gives attendees real tools with the goal of enabling them to walk out of the workshop and immediately put those tools to work.
This reading program is designed for educators, school systems, parents, and homeschoolers who teach learners of all ages with Down syndrome, autism, or other delays.
It has been successfully implemented across the United States and around the world (27 countries at last count).
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Topics covered include:
- Current best practice
- Optimal order of learning to read
- Sight word learning
- Fast Flash method
- Phonemic awareness
- Teaching nonverbal children
- Teaching learners with the dual diagnosis of DS/ASD
- Teaching older non-readers
- Using errorless testing techniques
- Comprehension tips, and hands-on
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This workshop is for ALL ages. If you have a son/daughter that does not read you don't want to miss this opportunity! |
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Congratulations Michael Lindsay, Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship recipient and 2021 UCF Graduate.
We are excited to once again offer this great opportunity to our members:
Our post-secondary scholarship
for individuals with Down syndrome is NOW OPEN!
Already thinking about college? According to FORBES, more and more colleges are opening their doors to welcome individuals with unique abilities!

Complete the application by June 30th to be considered. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 15th.
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Social Media Internship Opportunity |
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Unpaid internship opportunity.
Hours: 10 hours per week (as determined by management)
Competencies: Time management skills, ability to multitask, problem-solve, self-manage, and follow through with tasks. Excellent attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work as a team is required.
Must be proficient in Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Microsoft Office, and Google suite. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite preferred. The Social Media Marketing Intern will provide support essential to the daily functioning and success of the Marketing team including (but not limited to):
- Follow our annual marketing calendar,
- Post daily FOUNDATION updates and related stories to various social media channels,
- Follow current marketing strategies,
- Create content for programming, special events, and classes,
- Maintain and update communication channels (i.e. websites, mass mailings),
- Create slideshow recap videos after our events,
- Perform related Marketing activities/efforts at the request of management.
This is a great way to build your Marketing portfolio!
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Oral Motor Evaluations -
Open for registration!
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Evaluations will be the week of August 4-August 8 |
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What is Oral Placement Therapy?
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. These techniques, applied in combination with the tools, make the difference in client’s lives.
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 ongoing program that must be implemented by a parent or speech therapist on a daily or weekly basis.
Click here to learn more about Oral Placement Therapy
Parents are required to view the second video on the page - "Parents' Guide to Talk Tools" to be eligible for an Oral Motor Therapy Scholarship.
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This year's application is open until June 30, for the 2021/22 Partners in Policymaking program. This is an advocacy and leadership training program FULLY FUNDED by the Florida Developmental Disability Council.
What are Partners in Policymaking?
Partner's in Policymaking is a leadership and advocacy training program that teaches individuals with unique abilities and parents to become community leaders and catalysts for systems change. While walking along this path, participants learn how to obtain the best available services for themselves and others.
Based on a national model, the overall goal of Partners is to develop productive partnerships between people who need and use services and those in a position to create policies and laws. Partners participants become influencers of change by experiencing opportunities to meet and speak with national leaders in the field of developmental disabilities.
During class sessions, the participants hear presentations about current issues and state-of-the-art practices, as well as policymaking and legislative processes at local, state, and national levels.
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse! |
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When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing:
Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! We will post the Zoom information of the event below or on our private Facebook page. No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!
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Upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, May 11
- Tuesday, May 18
- Tuesday, May 25
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Join our Club 321 virtual meet-up for middle and high-schoolers!
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our middle and high school group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, May 12 - Graduation Dance Party - Celebrating all Grads!
- Wednesday, May 19 - Trivia and Scavenger Hunt
- Wednesday, May 26 - Drawing 101
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Virtual T21 Social Network (18+) |
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When: Every Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our adult group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, May 13 - Trivia and Scattergories
- Thursday, May 20 - Dance Party and Karaoke Sing-A-Long
- Thursday, May 27 - Yoga and Relaxation
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F^3 : Fantastic Foundation Friends |
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When: Select Fridays
Time: 4:00pm-4:30pm and 4:30pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
POWER UP!
This program will provide opportunities for small groups to form relationships and friendships in a virtual environment. Sessions are capped at 5 participants to allow for deeper engagement and a more personal experience. We'll build conversational skills and independence with the goal of forming true friendships over time. Each session will be offered to different age groups. Ex: Girls aged 11-14 for one session and boys aged 15-18 for a different session, women 25-30, etc.
Schedule:
May 7
4:00 pm- Girls ages 11-14
4:30 pm - Boys ages 11-14
May 14
4:00 pm - Girls ages 15-18
4:30 pm - Boys ages 15-18
May 21
4:00 pm - Woman ages 19-25
4:30 pm - Men ages 19-25
May 28
4:00 pm - Woman & Men ages 25-30
4:30 pm - Woman & Men ages 31+
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Looking for recipes? A good tracker? Forgetting to write down what you need at the grocery store? Having problems with your math homework? We've got you covered! |
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.
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