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Upcoming Events

November










  • Tuesday, November 28 - Giving Tuesday




December







January





February




March





Weekly Virtual Programs




November 11

We are thankful for the courage, dedication, and hard work our veterans put into protecting our country.

November brings cool air, warm sweaters, and family time - the perfect season to reflect on our blessings. It's been quite a year and there is so much to be thankful for!


Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The FOUNDATION!

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In this issue:


  • Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction Incentive!
  • iCan! Surf
  • Club 321 (middle and high schoolers)
  • Mom's Night Out
  • Lucky Littles (birth to age eight)
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Holiday Assistance (deadline is approaching)
  • T21 Social Network (18+)
  • Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction Committee
  • Holiday Party
  • Spring Scholarships - APPLY NOW!
  • Young Explorers
  • Oral Motor Placement Evaluations
  • Down Syndrome Clinic for Adults
  • Orlando Magic - APPLY NOW!
  • Volunteers Needed
  • Education Corner
  • Breakfast of Champions Recap
  • Post Secondary Education Scholarship Winner
  • New Success Coach
  • Virtual Social Groups

Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon Incentive

Who would like to win a photo shoot - just in time for the holidays?!?


Every $25 donation to a TOUR of CHAMPIONS team between Monday 10/30 and Wednesday 11/8 will receive one entry to the drawing for this amazing photo package from Michelle T Photography.


Click here to sign up your team or donate to your team of choice.


The winner will receive:


  • Select 1 session of family/graduation/couples
  • 60 mins session
  • 30 edited digital images
  • Photo print release
  • Online gallery
  • 1 outfit change
  • Immediate family only
  • Orlando area ( Some locations are not available due to a permit fee.)
  • No props included
  • Valid for 3 months
  • Additional purchase available


$290 value!!!!

Check out Michelle’s work here.


(Team Captains will receive one entry for every $100 raised during the same period.)

iCan! Surf

Are you ready for some fun in the sun? Look no further than our upcoming Camping Jamboree, where we'll be hitting the waves for the last surf of the season! Join our surfing crew for a day of excitement and adventure on the beach. Whether you're an experienced surfer or just looking to try it out for the first time, we welcome all skill levels to come hang out with us.


Moms, dads, and siblings are all encouraged to register and join in on the fun. Surfing is a great way to bond with your family and create lasting memories together. So what are you waiting for? Register today and get ready for an unforgettable surfing experience with your family!


Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to soak up the sun, catch some waves, and make memories that will last a lifetime!


Click on the image below to register.

Club 321 (middle and high schoolers)

Club 321 members, get ready to show your support for those who have served our country by joining us for a day of giving back at U.S. Hunger this Veterans Day! We are excited to roll up our sleeves and pack meals for those who have bravely served this great nation. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and make a positive impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.


Let's come together as a community and show our appreciation for our veterans by dedicating our time and energy to supporting them. We are looking forward to a meaningful and impactful day of service at U.S. Hunger, and we hope to see you all there!


Click on the image below to register.

Mom's Night Out

Moms are superheroes! Whether you're a first-time mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we welcome you to join our community and take a night off for YOU. Taking time for self-care is essential for both physical and mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. Take some time out for yourself and treat yourself to a spa night out. You deserve it!


If you're ready to connect with other amazing moms and build a support network that will help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, we invite you to join our community today. We can't wait to welcome you!


Click on the image below for more information and to register.

Lucky Littles (birth to age eight)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year when friends and family gather to celebrate the season. And what better way to do so than by joining our Lucky Littles for an afternoon of fall fun! We will be hosting a picnic lunch where you can enjoy a delicious meal with your friends.


Don't forget to bring your own lunch, chairs, and blankets to ensure you are comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experience. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by spending time with friends and family, and we can't wait to see you there!


Click on the image below to register.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday falls on November 28th this year, so be sure to mark your calendars! This global movement encourages individuals and organizations to give back to their communities through charitable donations and volunteer work. It is a perfect opportunity to support causes you care about and make a positive impact in the world. 

When choosing a non-profit...


Think about what you believe in



Think about the causes that matter the most to you. You don’t need to give to everyone who asks, so it’s useful to have a list of questions to ask yourself before giving. Is this cause important to you?


Where does the money go?


  • You work hard to earn your money; nonprofits should work effectively to spend theirs. Their programs, grants, research, and expenses should be clearly defined and efficient.


  • A good nonprofit should have a positive rating on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Some of the things that you may want to look at include their audited financials, how much they spend on salaries and overhead compared to programming directly related to their mission, how efficiently they raise money - do they spend a lot to raise a little or do they spend a little to raise a lot? 


  • Ultimately, would you rather give $100 and know that $90 goes to the cause and $10 goes to salary and overhead or the opposite? Many people fail to understand how important it is to see where the money they are giving goes. 


At The FOUNDATION if you donate $100, $90 will go directly to families, scholarships, and programs.  

Holiday Assistance

It's the most wonderful time of the year as we snuggle up with our loved ones to share stories, meals, and memories. We are so thankful for our FOUNDATION family and would like to make sure every member has a magical holiday season.


The FOUNDATION continues our tradition, providing food and gift items for our families who need assistance.


If your family would like to receive assistance with purchasing holiday gifts, please click on the request button below, fill out the form and we will be in touch with you. 



Please submit requests for holiday assistance by

Friday, November 10

Click here to apply

T21 Social Network (18+)

Calling all T21 Social Network members (18+)!


You are invited to join us for a fun-filled evening of food and giving back! We are hosting a potluck dinner with friends and while we are together, we will be packing "Snack Packs" for the Ronald McDonald House. These snack packs will be a small but meaningful way to show support and care for these families during a difficult time.

As we assemble these packs together, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these families and show them that they are not alone.


We look forward to spending this meaningful time with you as we come together to support a worthy cause. Let's make a difference, one snack at a time!


Click on the image below to register.

Let's talk about

WORK BENEFITS

The FOUNDATION would like to welcome back Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Greg Stuff! He will be discussing the following topics for members whose loved ones are 16 and older: 


  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Work incentives and the impact of work on your SSI benefits.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction Committee

The FOUNDATION has awarded more than $1.4 MILLION in scholarships to give our members the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in life. We need YOUR HELP to continue to run these EXTRAordinary opportunities.


Join us on Wednesday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Orlando. Help make our 2024 event the best year yet!


Click on the link below to get started.

Holiday Party

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendars and register TODAY for our It's a Wonderful Life - Winter Wonderland Party.


Click on the image below for more information and to register!

Spring Scholarships are now OPEN!

The FOUNDATION has awarded almost

$1.4 million since we began our scholarship program!


For our scholarships, we ask YOU to find something that your son or daughter would like to do, sign up (with that organization), and then apply for our scholarship. 


Scholarship applications will be accepted for Educational, Community, Swimming, Speech, and Behavioral (ABA). The spring scholarship covers January 2024 - April 2024.


Click here for more information and to apply.

Young Explorers

Young Explorers is an exciting program designed for kids in 1st through 6th grade. This December, we invite you to join us on Sunday, December 10th, from 2 pm to 4 pm, for our meet-up event where we'll be cooking up some fun!


The FOUNDATION will cover $15 of the admission cost, which is normally $25 per member. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity for your child to learn and have fun at the same time!


*** Scholarships are available***


Click on the image below for more information and to register!

Oral Motor Placement Evaluations

Renee, Whitney, and Jill will be back in Orlando in January!

Please register now if you'd like your son/daughter to have an evaluation.

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. Our techniques, applied in combination with the tools, make a difference in client’s lives.


Click here for more information.


To learn more about Oral Placement Therapy please visit: https://talktools.com/pages/parent-video-library


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.

Click here to apply for the Oral Placement Therapy Scholarship

Down Syndrome Clinic for Adults

The Down Syndrome Clinic for Adults is jointly hosted by the Down Syndrome Foundation and Orlando Health. The clinic is designed for adults ages 17 +. Providers available for consultation include an endocrinologist, dietician, dentist, gynecologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and neuropsychologist. More providers will be added - stay tuned!


Information on community resources will also be available. All participants will have a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. Also, as part of your resource packet, all families will receive a list of local providers.


Clinic is FREE. Space is limited.


Click on the image below for more information and to register!

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic has started their 35th season. Come be part of the excitement!


Are you 18 years or older with Down syndrome?

Did you know that you can work at the Orlando Magic games and get paid?!

When: October 2023-April 2024

Time: Various times

Location: Amway Center

(Click on the link below to see the Orlando Magic's upcoming dates and times)


You must attend a minimum of 16 games to be paid $12/hr. You will be helping prep snacks and deliver food to the Club and VIP level. If you are interested in working at the Amway Center and earning a paycheck please reach out to Caroline today at caroline.sanchez@dsfflorida.org.

Click here for more information and to register

Voluteers Needed

Thank you for considering becoming a volunteer for the iCan! Work program with The FOUNDATION. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference and have a great time doing it!


By joining our amazing group of volunteers, you will be contributing to the success of this program and making a positive impact. We look forward to having you join us and becoming a part of something truly magical!


Anyone 18 years old or older can volunteer and help our iCan! Work program at the Amway Center (this includes members with T21 who are 18+ and cannot commit to 16 games - you can volunteer with a family member).


This is a great way to keep your membership with The FOUNDATION active.


Click here to get started.

Education Corner

Are you looking for a wonderful teacher gift this Holiday season? Check out this amazing book written by one of our members!

"Fully Included - Stories To Inspire Inclusion" is a gathering of inspired stories from families, teachers, educators, and even principals who believe in our children. In the stories, they understand that all children have strengths and talents and that everyone is capable of learning. The book highlights the importance of Inclusion in all areas of life.

Oftentimes the more you know, the better you do! This book could open the mind of a teacher in more ways than one!


Click here for more information and to purchase.

Breakfast of Champions Recap

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION program hosted teachers from eight public school districts, the Diocese of Orlando, and UCP of Central Florida. We provided a half-day workshop that provided research-based best practices on teaching students with Down syndrome and INCLUSION.


In addition to the instruction, teachers had a “make & take” session so they would have new tools to use in the classroom immediately.

We’d like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to the Rotary Club of Orlando for being a sponsor of our annual BREAKFAST of CHAMPIONS!


Here are just a few of the comments from the teachers who participated:


  • "I enjoyed how knowledgeable the speakers were, and our opportunity to make and take materials to use for our students with Down syndrome. "


  • “This was my first ever teacher workshop and as a student who is going to school to become a teacher I found it VERY beneficial. I am so excited to come to more (workshops) in my teaching future!!"


  • "Everyone was amazing! Thank you for your support! "


  • "I really appreciate all of you and your hard work and dedication."


  • "The workshops were great, thumbs up!"


Check out our video recap by clicking on the image below.

Post Secondary Education Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Grace Long for being awarded the post-secondary scholarship!



As Grace begins her academic journey at Florida Atlantic University, she can expect to be challenged and inspired by the exciting coursework and supportive community. We wish her all the best as she pursues her dreams and goals at this outstanding university.


Grace, go show the world that when POTENTIAL is given OPPORTUNITY the outcome is SUCCESS! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Say "Hello" to Emily! The FOUNDATION's new Success Coach

"Hi all! My name is Emily Starlin and I am the new Success Coach; I'm beyond excited to be joining The FOUNDATION. I completed my undergrad in behavioral science and I am currently working toward my master's degree in both clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling. I've worked with individuals with unique abilities for over 7 years now in many different roles, and I could not imagine doing anything else. I'm hoping to bring some new programs to The FOUNDATION to help meet your needs!"

Join Our Virtual Social Groups!

Join our virtual group series!
ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

Virtual Zumba with Elyse

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4 pm-5pm
Zoom Information Will Be Posted to Our Private Facebook Page

Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!


Upcoming dates:



  • Tuesday, November 7
  • Tuesday, November 14
  • Tuesday, November 21
  • Tuesday, November 28
Club for middle and high-schoolers.

Virtual Club 321

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
Zoom Information Will Be Posted to Our Private Facebook Page

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, November 8- Let's Talk About Our Future - Careers!
  • Wednesday, November 15- Let's Make Cards for First Responders!
  • Wednesday, November 22- No Club 321 - Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Wednesday, November 29- Let's Play Career BINGO!
Young adults 18+

T21 Social Network (18+)

When: Every Thursday
Time: 4 pm-5 pm
Zoom Information Will Be Posted to Our Private Facebook Page

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, November 9 - Let's Learn About Appropriate Workplace Behavior.
  • Thursday, November 16 - How to Write a Professional Email.
  • Thursday, November 23 - No T21 Social Network - Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Thursday, November 30 - What are Employment Accommodations? How can they help individuals with DS?
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Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida www.dsfflorida.org
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