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www.DSFFlorida.org
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Click here if you want to be featured in our monthly newsletter
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Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month.
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There's still time to register! |
July 24-29
Orange County Convention Center
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Want to be part of this life-changing journey? |
We need lots of helping hands to make this camp a success. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to walk/jog alongside our riders for 75 minutes per day (July 24-29) at the Orange County Convention Center. |
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iCan! Bike Camp provides individuals with Down syndrome and ANYONE over the age of eight (8) who has not yet learned to ride a two-wheel bicycle the opportunity to gain this vital skill. Incredibly, 80% of the participants finish the 5-day camp able to ride a two-wheel bike. |
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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, FL 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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Do you have a Minute?
Featuring ABA Therapy Questions and Answers
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When: Tuesday, July 26
Time: 7pm to 9pm
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 didn’t 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 you’d love to ask.
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Our guest specialist in July will be fellow mom and FOUNDATION member, Dr. Stacy Taylor, BCBA-D, President/Clinical Director, Advance Behavior & Learning. http://advancebehavior.com/about
If you are not familiar with ABA, ABA therapy might include potty training, elopement, sleep schedules, temper tantrums, eating, speech, or just general behavior questions.
The session will not have a specific presentation - it’s more like open mic night. You can ask questions or type them into the chat anonymously. Obviously, there are things that require your loved one to be seen by a professional, so this is not a replacement for regular therapy or appointments, but it’s a bridge to information, ideas, resources and friends who are here to help you on your journey. We also believe this will be a great way for parents to share their knowledge with the professionals in our community. It’s a win-win-win hour in the week.
We encourage YOU - our members - to get on the calls even if you don’t 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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iCan! Work employee applications are OPEN!
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Are you 18 years old or older and
would like to apply to gain meaningful job experience?
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We are currently accepting applications from our members who are interested in being a part of our iCan! Work program. |
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As an iCan! Work member,
you'll be involved in:
- On the Job Training with our local community partners
- Weekly Lunch & Learn skills training
- Paired with Success Coaches
* Candidate must be a minimum of 18 years old, done with high school and completed their transition program, available days and evenings, and registered through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). If you are not registered with VR and are interested in being part of our iCan! Work Program, please let us know and we can help you navigate the process.
Click here for more information.
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We are currently hiring for the following locations:
- Orlando Health
- Levy Restaurant/Orlando Magic
- White Castle
Click here to learn more about our iCan! Work program.
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iCan! Learn
Registration is now open!
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This program is designed for children ages 4-9 who are just entering or about to enter the school system. 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 5 centers - STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Reading, Math, Speech and Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy.
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.
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: Saturday, July 16
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 receive a t-shirt and certificate at the end of the day!
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Young Explorers
1st through 6th grade
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When: Sunday, July 17
Time: 9 am-11 am
Location: Oviedo Gymnasium and Aquatic Facility, 148 Oviedo Boulevard, Oviedo 32765.
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The Young Explorers (members in 1st through 6th grade) will be meeting up on Sunday, July 17 from 9 am to 11 am to spend some quality time with friends from The FOUNDATION! Enjoy a water-filled day having fun and getting to know other families with members in 1st through 6th grade! Don't forget your sunscreen for this perfect July meet-up! |
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Club 321
Middle and high school-aged members
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When: Monday, July 18
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Location: Regal Cinemas Waterford Lakes & Moe's Southwest Grill
541 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
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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 is also meeting virtually - check out our online programming at the end of this newsletter!
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Parent Informational Meeting -
Exploring the Possibilities of Driving!
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Calling all parents and caregivers! |
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When: Thursday, July 21
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Location: Summit Church, 735 Herndon Avenue, Orlando, 32803
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You baby-proofed your house, helped with homework, attended graduations, and all of the sudden you are the parent of a young adult.
Until this point, you have seen your child grow and thrive! Now, let's take it to the next step - driving.
Doesn't matter what lane you are in, our panel of experts will be there to help you navigate through this very important stage of life.
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Join us and get a chance to chat with other parents that are going through the same situation as you or chat with the ones that have arrived at their destination.
Take a drive with us through this magnificent world of endless possibilities. Sit back and enjoy the scenery - it's breathtaking!
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Lucky Littles
Birth to eight years old
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When: Saturday, July 30
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: 2009 Lake Margaret Drive, Orlando, 32806
Cost: $2 per person, cash only, scholarships available upon request from The FOUNDATION.
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Looking for fun activities for the kiddos? Want to meet other local mommas? Here's your chance! |
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Get to know other members and their little ones while enjoying Fort Gatlin's pool and little's wading area with a mushroom waterfall for splashing fun. We look forward to seeing you and your family!After the park, we can meet-up on the Fort Gatlin Playground before heading home! We look forward to seeing you soon! |
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When: Saturday, July 30
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Painting with a twist - 6700 Conroy Rd Ste 125 Orlando, FL 32835
Cost: $35; The FOUNDATION will cover $15 and members pay $20. Scholarships are available upon request. To request a scholarship please email Caroline at caroline.sanchez@dsfflorida.org.
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What do you call something painted by a tiger? A paw-trait!
Are you creative? Do you like to hang out with awesome friends? Then join our T21 Social Network (18+) for a FUNtastic outing filled with paint, food, and great friends! - jokes are not included.
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When: Monday, July 25
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: All Fired Up, 229 West Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, 32789
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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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Get your creative groove on and join this amazing group of mommas for a fun night out!
We will be picking out and painting a pottery piece with over 250 items to choose from for your home, The FOUNDATION will cover $15 of your project and the facility fee.
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Bring a potluck dish to share - an appetizer or dessert and bring your own bottle, cocktail, soda, water, or whatever you prefer! |
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Fall Scholarships are open! |
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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 |
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For more information about our online programming:
follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email
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When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4 pm
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, July 12
- Tuesday, July 19
- Tuesday, July 26
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Virtual Club 321 - middle and high-schoolers!
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When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
This is a great opportunity to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
Upcoming dates:
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Wednesday, July 13 - Exercise Wheel
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Wednesday, July 20 - Jeopardy
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Wednesday, July 27 - Drawing
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When: Every Thursday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
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:
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Thursday, July 7 - Hip-hop for beginners
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Thursday, July 14 - Vision board (need paper and magazine cutouts of things they love/goals)
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Thursday, July 20 - Exercise Wheel
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Thursday, July 27- Family Feud
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Say "HEY!"
to our new Social Media and Marketing Campaign Interns!
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Our interns will be helping with our marketing efforts from July all the way until our annual Bowl-a-Thon in February! They are a talented group of marketing enthusiasts ready to help The FOUNDATION with their amazing skills. You'll be seeing their efforts via our social media platforms: |
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Kamla "Kami" Balkaran
I am Kamla Balkaran born and raised in Guyana South America. At 15 years old, I came to the USA. My family is my motivator and my purpose is to help. I am excited to be a part of the marketing team at The FOUNDATION. I went to Valencia College to obtain my Associate's Degree and recently graduated from Full Sail University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing. In my free time, I volunteer in my community. I also enjoy living in Florida because we have amazing nature trails and natural springs to visit. Most recently I went to Rock Springs at Kelly Park and enjoyed the day out tubing in the Spring. I am very adventurous and love traveling the world. In 2020 I was lucky to see the Aurora (northern lights) in Finland.
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Thomas Banks
Hey! I am super excited to join the team. My name is Thomas Banks and I am a senior at Stetson University. I am majoring in Marketing with a minor in Digital Arts. I have over 3 years of experience in social media management working with local churches and groups working towards social change. My hobbies include writing, acting, music production, and improv/comedy. I can’t wait to share these skills with you all!
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Athena Brimer
I am a military brat growing up mainly in Okinawa and Guam sprinkled in with a couple of US locations along the way. I currently reside in St Cloud, FL. I originally worked in marketing in a variety of roles after acquiring my Bachelor's Degree from UWF but stepped away to begin working and helping animals. Now, I have decided to transition back into the marketing field after receiving a digital marketing certification from UCF.
I do have my own menagerie of animals including a blue crown conure named Cody, an African grey named Cinder, a Mainecoon cat named Rowan, a domestic shorthair cat named Rogue, and the newest addition, a Savannah kitten named Duma. I enjoy going to Walt Disney World and all it has to offer. I also enjoy exploring the local food scene in Central Florida. I look forward to working with all of you and am excited to be joining The FOUNDATION family. I appreciate this opportunity to learn and grow from such a dynamic team.
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SAVE THE DATE!
November 11-13
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“Hello! Please don’t hang up… did you know that you could save a bundle on…?
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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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