Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas

Dsact's parents empowering articulation in kids (peak) speech therapy program is one of the only speech therapy programs in the united states developed by licensed speech therapists to address the uinique and challenging characteristics of communication in individuals with Down Syndrome. Individuals with Down Syndrome who are verbal and have good articulation can expect greater prospects for a self-directed and independent life. The ability to communicate with non-familial persons, participate in a job interview, and speak with colleagues and supervisors are invaluable aspects of social interation. Dsact's 18-month peak program offers individuals with Down Syndrome from ages four to twenty-five years and their family members individual and group speech therapy. Sessions are held up to two times per month, with periodic evaluations to assess progress, determine areas of continuing need, and provide gudiance for future goals. In-person sessions are followed up with homework assignments and individual tele-practice sessions with speech therapists. The program follows a train-the-family model to equip families with the tools they need to ensure partice and progress continue at home and beyond the duration of the program. Dsact members participating in the program pay less than 20% of the market value of the program, with dsact covering balance.

Dsact's social programs encourage and enable families with children and adults with Down Syndrome to connect, learn, and play. From the time of diagnosis to the day a family loses a loved one with Down Syndrome, dsact fosters social networking through in vivo and online communities. Dsact's new parent program matches parents who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrom with a trained parent liaison who has a young child with Down Syndrome. These parents offer valuable practical and emotional support from the time of diagnosis,whether prenatal or postnatal, along with a welcome package full of local and national resources and fun baby items to celebrate and welcome the new family member. In addition to member-wide events, including annual gatherings like the dsact buddy walk and world Down Syndrome day (3/21), dsact has age-specific groups for babies, toddlers,youth, teens, and adults. These groups meet once per month in the community for an age-appropriate activity to promote social inclusion, new friendships, and the opportunity for parents and family members to give and get support when needed. Dsact's social programs are offered at no cost to dsact member families. Online facebook groups allow families a safe space to connect and share resources and support.

Dsact's recreational programs encompass health-promoting activities for individuals with Down Syndrome of all ages and their siblings, at minimal or no cost to participants. These structured classes include martial arts, tumbling/gymnastics, soccer, performing arts, book clubs, and bike-riding instruction. Individuals with Down Syndrome are at increased risk for multiple health issues and poorer health outcomes due to inactivity than their peers without Down Syndrome. Such conditions include cardiac and respiratory complications, due to both congenital and lifestyle circumstances. Additionally, individuals with Down Syndrome are at increased risk for mental health conditions including anxiety and depression, often due to social isolation. Dsact's recreational programs promote physical fitness while also ensuring participants have the opportunity to meet and socialize with similar-age peers. To address the varying needs and abilities of participants, all recreational programs are taught by instructors with a background in working with individuals with disabilities, such as teachers and fitness instructors. Participants work with instructors and volunteers to adapt programs to their unique strenghts and abilities.