Your Monthly Update from NCDSA

Volume 1 Issue 10 | October 2020

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What has NCDSA been up to?

5 Welcome Baby Bags delivered in 3 NC counties
1 Prenatal Packet
1 New to the Community Packets
2 New families connected to trained Parent Mentors
10 Moms participated in Moms' Night In
5 Moms participated in Noche de Mamas
43 BINGO participants
14 Movie goers for Outdoor Family Movie Night
5 Parents participated in the Teen and Young Adult Parent Support Group
147 Volunteer hours

A few last Triangle Buddy Walk notes:

Everyone registered for the Triangle Buddy Walk by October 23rd

will receive a special email with all the details for Sunday

"Today, Henry is a six-month-old kid trying his very best to army crawl. But when we got the prenatal diagnosis, that future was very hard to see. We had zero experience with Down syndrome and were petrified at what it would mean for our baby’s future. We were told he might be tiny. We were told he might have trouble meeting milestones. And we were told he might have some serious medical issues. So far, we’ve been extremely fortunate. When we were grappling with pages and pages of information, the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance was there to contextualize the data with personal experiences. And when we had Henry, they were here to celebrate with us. Even in Covid-related isolation, the group’s virtual moms’ nights in have meant that we were never alone. We’re walking for Henry, but we’re also walking for families like us – facing a diagnosis they don’t yet understand and in need of the support we continue to receive from NCDSA." Henry's mom, Lauren

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and NCDSA has been featuring individuals with Down syndrome as part of NCDSA's Just Like You Campaign. Down syndrome myths and truths and frequently asked questions share factual information. However, NCDSA has been highlighting what those facts look like in real life. Individuals with Down syndrome reach milestones everyday and are accomplishing more now than ever before as new opportunities present themselves.

If you have not been following along, you can see all the posts on NCDSA's social media platforms.

I just wanted to say that I really enjoy these emails. Having a newborn with down syndrome, it is really encouraging to see all of their accomplishments. Thank you so much for sharing these. - L. A.

I just wanted to let you know how much M. and I have appreciated your newsletters, stories and games! In this strange time and with M. having lost her job to COVID, it has really lifted her spirits to connect again. - V. Y.

Calendar Information and Registration

Volunteer Spotlight

Patti Clapper may have been born in upstate New York, but she is proud to say she was raised in North Carolina. Having a neighbor with Down syndrome, Patti became interested in volunteering at the Annual Triangle Buddy Walk. Last year she had the pleasure of watching her neighbor learn to ride a bicycle at the NCDSA iCan Bike Camp. When not helping out or crafting, she is either working as a para legal or teaching young professionals how to become a para legal.

Thank you Patti

Click here to learn more about accessing Lyft for voting

Click here for Disability Rights NC Access the Vote website

Rent and Utility Assistance

The Housing Opportunity and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program is a new statewide initiative that provides rent and utility assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to the economic effects of COVID-19. The new program will help prevent evictions and utility disconnections in order to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic. HOPE is an initiative of the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Hope Program Information: English and Español

General Fact Sheet and FAQs: English and Español

Monthly Research Focus

When LuMind IDSC Foundation surveyed 400 parents of children and adults with Down syndrome about independence, nearly 90% responded that they wanted their loved one to have as much independence with daily living activities as possible. A new app called MapHabit aims to provide cutting-edge technology that will help those with Down syndrome and their caregivers manage their daily activities with visual maps.

MapHabit is currently seeking individuals who are between the ages of 7 and 17 and are diagnosed with Down syndrome for a research study.

By using the MapHabit app for a period between 3 - 6 months, individuals and their caregivers will be able to work on important skills while providing data that will help improve the app.

The MapHabit software allows either the person with Down syndrome or their caregiver to develop and utilize visual maps that show schedules and daily living activities. By consistently using visual mapping techniques, individuals with Down syndrome may enhance learning and memory, which will lead to less stress and a higher quality of life.

Click here if you are interested in the MapHabit survey

Conference Sponsorship

Sponsorship Opportunities

You can help transform lives of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that supports them. The 2020 NC Down Syndrome Conference brings together professionals who share their expertise with people from across North Carolina.

When a person touched by an individual with Down syndrome, whether a family member, educator, or healthcare provider, receives valuable resources and knowledge, everyone benefits.