Hello MDSC teen and adults (and families)!

We are thinking of you all during this time of big change. Our days are a lot different than our normal routine, with most of us home from school and/or work. We aren't able to get together with friends or do many of the activities we usually do. It can be hard!

We look forward to when we can get together at AIM, SAAC and MDSC events once again, but for now we wanted to send along some fun ways we are staying in touch, staying active at home, and staying entertained. We also have some social stories that help explain what the coronavirus is.

We hope you will write us back and share videos, photos and notes of how you are staying in touch with friends, staying active and entertained, and more!

Parents - at the bottom of the newsletter are some upcoming webinars that might be of interest to you/your family.

Sending a virtual fist bump to you all!
Colleen, Kristen and Laura
Need some motivation?
Isaiah Lombardo has been crushing it with nightly karaoke performances! (Click on the image to the left to watch)

Send us your videos and photos , and we'll share them in an upcoming newsletter! It is a great way to stay connected and motivated! :)
Staying Active at Home
There are a lot of fun ways to stay active at home!
Two of our favorites are below, and we also just learned about a livestream dance party this Sunday at 10am that will include Broadway hits, pop favorites and more!
Yoga!
Fun yoga adventures ( Star Wars , Minecraft , Moana ), yoga games and guided meditation

Dance!
Awesome dance videos you can follow along with at home, including Señorita , Havana , and Girls Like You

What other ways are YOU staying active?
Share your ideas, and we will include them in our next newsletter!
Entertainment Ideas
Disney+

Frozen 2 is available to watch, and the new animated movie Onward will be up on April 3

Broadway

Catch a Broadway hit online!
Amusement Park Rides from your couch
Many Disney World rides have been captured on high-def video so you can virtually ride them from your own home!
Sproutflix Film Festival

Sproutflix has 10 popular short films, featuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, available to watch for free ( including Freefall, featuring a talented dance group )!

What other ways are YOU staying entertained?
  • favorite podcast
  • favorite movie
  • favorite book
  • favorite hobby
  • favorite song
  • favorite game
Share your ideas, and we will include them in our next newsletter!
Learn something new
Free Online Assertiveness and Boundary Setting Class for Teens
Monday, March 23, 4-5:30pm
Hosted by IMPACT
open to teens ages 14-18

* Learn how to speak up for yourself without disrespecting other people.
* Gain the skills to say what you want and need.
* Learn strategies to keep yourself calm when on conversations get stressful.
Coronavirus - Information & Social Stories
Have you heard about the coronavirus? It can be difficult to understand why our routines are so different right now - with many of us out of school or off from work. Below are some stories that help explain what is going on, why we are all at home, and the importance of washing our hands.
from Easter Seals Illinois
by self-advocates for self-advocates, from Green Mountain Self-Advocates
Words of Advice
SAAC member Chris May is keeping busy by doing chores - like doing the trash, helping his parents, cleaning up leaves outside, doing the dishes, and taking out the dogs.
Parent Corner
The MDSC team has put together a webpage of resources for families during the coronavirus pandemic and a document of educational tools and resources that we hope might help as your family navigates these uncertain times. If you've come across something that has helped you or your daughter/son with Down syndrome, please send it our way so we can share with our MDSC community.

Below are some upcoming webinars that may also be of interest:
‌