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Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month.
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iCan! Bike Camp 2022 proved to be a successful and exciting experience once again, as over 100 volunteers worked together to change the lives of our 40 determined riders and their families.
As we look back to last week, it's hard to put into words what bike camp is really all about. We watched our riders show up on Monday feeling scared and unsure of themselves, our parents wondering why they ever thought their son/daughter could actually ride a 2-wheel bike, and our volunteers excited and ready to serve.
When our riders are successful, we never know if we should be watching the rider who is smiling from ear to ear or the parent that is sobbing in the corner. Our riders left with a new confidence about themselves and the knowledge that with hard work they CAN achieve their dreams. It was amazing to see the transformation!
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The other thing we LOVE about bike camp is our volunteers. Our volunteers commit to coming out for at least one session every day all week. We do this so our riders can have the same volunteer each day and it also allows for a better experience for the volunteerβthey see their rider go from being scared to ride to a successful bike rider. It becomes a team effort. Over and over again, we watched our volunteers treat our riders with respect and compassion doing whatever they could to help our riders continue to work hard to achieve their goal of being an independent bike rider. The reason we have such a successful bike camp is because we have a large group of committed and caring volunteers--many whom come back year after year.
THANK YOU to the amazing staff from iCan Shine.
THANK YOU to the families and riders for letting us be a part of your journey.
THANK YOU to our volunteers -- without you bike camp wouldn't be possible!
A huge thanks to Camille Gardiner and her entire family for making this event possible.
Thank you for believing in our riders and for being a part of our effort to change lives and change expectations!
RIDE ON!
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Orange County Convention Center
for providing an AMAZING space for our riders
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Centerplate
for keeping our riders stocked with an assortment of yummy snacks!
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Florida Freewheelers cycling club for once again providing the beautiful, brand new bike helmets to our riders!
They personally and professionally fit everyone again this year. You can find out more about the Florida Freewheelers club at their website: floridafreewheelers.com
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ο»ΏAnd the generous support of:
Orlando Health, Quality One Wireless, Gries Investment Funds, The Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation, Florida Paints, Disney, Once Upon a Coconut, B.C. Rich Guitars, Tampa Bay Rays, Orange Cycle, Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Jersey Mikes, Carrabbas Italian Grill, and Chuys.
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Follow us and stay tuned for our 2022 iCan! Bike Camp photo album and video recap! |
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Welcome Baby! Welcome Family!
New Family Breakfast
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Saturday, August 13
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, 32801
Come learn more about the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and how we can support you and your family. Meeting other families on the same journey will be life-changing at our "Welcome Baby! Welcome Family!" Breakfast! This program is open to all families with a member from birth to age two.
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Time is running out!
ο»ΏApply NOW for our Fall Scholarships
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The Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida believes that the more opportunities any individual is given the greater the likelihood of their success!
Every successful athlete, academic achiever, or musical prodigy has many dedicated hours of practice, study, and effort. It is our goal to provide more and more opportunities throughout the community for individuals with Down syndrome to be involved and included - not just because it is the right thing to do, but because we know EVERYONE will benefit from it!
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The deadline to apply for Fall Scholarships is August 19, 2022. |
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Driving School Scholarship |
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We are EXCITED to announce our first
DRIVING SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP!
The FOUNDATION is committed to helping individuals with Down syndrome and their families through every step of their journey in life; from playgroups to independent living skills! Now, we are opening the lanes for a new and exciting scholarship for your inspiring driver.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Scholarship applications will be accepted until August 19, 2022 |
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iCan! Programs
Registration is now open!
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This program is designed for children ages 4-9. We partner with UCF's College of Community Innovation and Education and work with students who help our families with tools and resources focused on research-based methods proven to help our children through Reading, Math, Speech, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy (sensory/motor).
Click here for more information.
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iCan Excel offers youth ages 10-15 the opportunity to get moving and have fun. Our participants learn mindfulness and yoga 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.
Click here for more information.
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This program is beneficial for those 16 and older who want 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.
College & Career Prep isnβt only for our members who are looking at extending their education beyond high school. This program explores many facets of life after high school and the skills needed to succeed as our members move from students to young adults finding their place in the community.
Click here for more information.
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iCan! Program dates:
September 10
October 8
November 5
December 10
January 28
February 11
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When: Tuesday, August 16th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: City PUB in Downtown Orlando - 861 North Orange Avenue
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Calling all Dads! We will be meeting up and enjoying dinner with FOUNDATION dads at City PUB in Downtown Orlando. The FOUNDATION will cover $15 towards your meal - so come out and enjoy a night on us!
We look forward to seeing you at our August meet-up - so don't forget to sign up today!
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Parent Informational Meeting - What is TNI?
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Calling all parents and caregivers! |
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When: Thursday, August 18th
Time: 7 pm - 9 pm
Location: Summit Church, 735 Herndon Avenue, Orlando, 32803
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Have you ever wondered: βWhat is TNI? How can it help by child?" Targeted Nutritional Intervention (TNI) is a protocol of supplements based solely on peer reviewed, published research. At this monthβs parent meeting we will be hearing from one of the leading medical researchers about TNI, Dr. Leichtman, and then talk with families using the protocol. This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Nutrivene-D. Participants attending will receive free samples and a discount code to purchase products.
Our speaker, Dr. Lawrence Leichtman is a clinical geneticist, pediatrician, and serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee for Trisomy21Research Foundation. He has observed improved growth, immune function, and developmental parameters (speech, gross motor, fine motor, cognitive) in his patients with Down syndrome that have used Nutrivene.
After our presentation with Dr. Leichtman, we will be hearing from two of our local moms, who also serve on the Trisomy21Research Scientific Advisory Committee - Paige McMillan and Sarah Land. Come join us and learn if TNI is right for your family!
The FOUNDATION will provide dinner and childcare to all members that RSVP. We look forward to seeing you in-person. RSVP today!
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Club 321
Middle and high school-aged members
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When: Friday, August 19th
Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Location: Miles To Go 6651 Vineland Rd, Suite 170, Orlando, 32819
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Attention middle and high school-aged members! Join Club 321 for an evening of giving back! We will be working with our friends at Miles To Go to pack bags for the homeless. After we finish packing the bags we will enjoy dinner together. REGISTER now!
Click HERE to learn more about Miles To Go. Feeling inspired and ready to join us?
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Our Club 321 is for middle school and high school students. This program helps our tweens and teens make new friends and memories while practicing the skills needed to navigate life and the community successfully. The events are regularly out in the community doing things teens love to do. This group also meets virtually each Wednesday afternoon - check out our online programming at the end of this newsletter!
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When: Saturday, August 20th
Time: 9 am-11 am
Location: New Smyrna Beach
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iCan! Surf is designed to teach surfing skills to members of any age. Each session includes instruction on the beach and in the water so participants know how to get up on a surfboard and experience riding in the surf.
The cost is $20 per participant. Each registered participant will learn the basics of surfing and will be awarded a certificate at the end of the day!
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Bowl-A-Thon Committee members needed! |
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Do you want to help make a difference? Do you want to see The FOUNDATION grow and be able to continue to BREAK DOWN BARRIERS to inclusion? Do you want to be part of this AMAZING team?
We'd love for YOU to be part of our planning committee and join us for a kick-off meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7 pm at Summit Church. Dinner will be provided.
Our 2023 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon will be Sunday, February 19th, at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando. Help us kick off our event planning and bring your ideas for 2023! If you know a parent or volunteer interested in being a part of the planning committee - let us know and help us spread the word!
WHERE: Summit Church is located at 735 Herndon Avenue, Orlando, 32803
WHEN: Tuesday, August 23rd at 7 pm
We look forward to seeing you and having you be part of our TEAM!
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When: August 27th
Time: 9 am -11:30 am
Location: UCF Lake Claire Recreation Area
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Calling all members 18 and older! Join T21 on August 27th at UCF Lake Claire Recreation Center and Come hang out with some awesome KNIGHTS!
This month T21 Social Network is having breakfast at Lake Claire - the UCF student recreational facility on the UCF campus. We will be joining students from UCF for a morning of fun and giving back for UCFβs campus wide Pegasus Palooza Day of Service. In addition to having breakfast and enjoying outdoor fun, we will be planning how the members of T21 can give back to the community this fall. Come ready to play like a KNIGHT and kick off your weekend like a college student! GO KNIGHTS!
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When: Saturday, August 27
Time: 7 pm dinner, comedy show starts at 8:30 pm
Location: Bonkerz Comedy Club - Inside Twisted Root Burger, 4270 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, 32792
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We would love for you to give yourself a break and join us for a fun outing! |
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Join us for dinner at Twisted Root Burger Company in Winter Park. After dinner, enjoy a night of laughs with FOUNDATION moms at Bonkerz Comedy Club. The FOUNDATION will cover your ticket for Bonkerz and $15 towards your meal. Winter Park Twisted Root Burger Company menu can be viewed here: https://www.twistedrootburgerco.com/locations/winter-park
Put down that school supply list and sign up today - we will see you on August 27!
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Young Explorers
1st through 6th grade
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When: Sunday, August 28
Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Location: Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, 32817
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The Young Explorers (members in 1st through 6th grade) will be meeting to enjoy a game or two of bowling with friends! Come out and meet new friends at this fun, family-inclusive meet-up! Boardwalk Bowl is also having a party on the boardwalk with an indoor carnival, live music all day, face painting, balloon artists, and a magician! They will have a live mermaid meet & greet at 1 pm as well! So come out and have fun with FOUNDATION friends!
Cost: The FOUNDATION will cover your cost of bowling and shoe rental!
A BIG Thank you to Young Explorer's Coordinators - Claudia Chiorando and Viki Kelchner on helping us plan and host our August event!
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Do you have a minute?
Featuring APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) Questions and Answers
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When: Tuesday, August 30
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Location: a Zoom link will be sent after registration.
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Come join the newest FOUNDATION program!
Have you ever had a question and you didnβt want to schedule another appointment or start another therapy - but you really wanted to ask someone about a topic or issue? We are excited to offer families a new way to connect, ask questions and get help from one another and from professionals. This new series is a virtual program which gives you access to professionals and each other for those questions youβd love to ask.
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APD works with local organizations and private providers to support people who have unique abilities and their families in living, learning, and working in their communities. The session will not have a specific presentation - itβs more like open mic night. You can ask questions or type them into the chat anonymously. Do You Have a Minute? is a bridge to information, ideas, resources, and friends who are here to help you on your journey.
We encourage YOU - our members - to get on the calls even if you donβt have a burning question because you just might have SUCCESS in areas where someone else needs help. What we have found is that we ALL learn from each other and we are better when we are together.
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Our annual back-to-school skate night is always a GREAT time!
What a FUN way to socialize with friends! We want to give our members the opportunity to come learn to skate or practice skating so your loved one feels confident to say, "YES! I CAN SKATE!" when they are invited to an event.
- Open an ABLE Account - ALL ages
- Register for APD - Age 3 and up
- Register with VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) - Age 14 and up
Volunteers will be present to help members roller skate while mom and/or dad visit with ABLE, APD, and VR.
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Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year!
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Where: Jetty Park Campground - 9035 Campground Cir.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
When: November 11-13
This weekend is one of the most anticipated events of the year! The FOUNDATION started camping with our members 10 years ago, not only because we enjoy camping and spending time with our members, but also because it is a GREAT way to spend time with friends and family. We go to Jetty Park (where the cruise ships go out to sea), provide tents (or you can bring your own), breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday night. We rent beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and kayaks and have a BLAST. This is a great way for us to spend the day together at the beach while teaching your loved one (or maybe YOU) to enjoy the outdoors. To learn more about what this event entails and to register, visit our website!
Registration Deadline:
October 14, 2022, to receive a t-shirt
October 28, 2022, last day to register
We have a limited number of RV spots. RV reservations must be done by October 3.
ο»ΏCost: $25 per family to camp or $10 per family for Saturday cookout. Payment due at the time of registration.
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For more information about our online programming:
follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4 pm
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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!
Upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, August 9
- Tuesday, August 16
- Tuesday, August 23
- Tuesday, August 30
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Virtual Club 321
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
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Club for middle and high-schoolers. This is a great opportunity to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, August 10 - Fitness Fun
- Wednesday, August 17 - Pictionary
- Wednesday, August 24 - Educational Bingo
- Wednesday, August 31 - Drawing 101
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T21 Social Network (18+)
When: Every Thursday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
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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!
Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, August 11 - Easy budgeting/savings class
- Thursday, August 18 - Harry Potter virtual escape room, part 2
- Thursday, August 25- Sign language alphabet
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Looking forward to seeing YOU! |
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Welcome to the Education Corner!
In each monthly newsletter, we will be focusing on an area in Education and providing resources for our families. For the month of August, we will be focused on Back to School. We hope that you find these resources helpful as you guide your students' paths for the upcoming school year.
Here are a couple of links to help you through the start of the new school year:
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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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