Down Syndrome Innovations

Public awareness - dsi welcomes 50-60 new babies and their families each year. Our parent-to-parent program provides a welcome basket, quarterly support breakfasts and parent-to-parent matches. Our bi-monthly connections newsletter is distributed to 3,500 households and contains upcoming events, community group activities, and up-to-date articles on medical or educational best practices for people with Down Syndrome. Dsi supports 14 community groups to host 8-10 activities in their immediate geographical region to connect members on a smaller scale. Throughout the year, dsi facilitates awareness initiatives in schools and in the community often showing just liike you-down Syndrome film, to foster positive attitudes and educate individuals about Down Syndrome. Should any of our members experience an overnight stay in the hospital, dsi provides a 50 meal voucher to support costs associated with the stay. Members can show support of the dsi brand by purchasing branded items to generate awareness within their community. All of these programs and others are shared in detail in the dsi annual report.

Social events - dsi supports members throughout their life span by hosting special events to help members and families engage and connect with one another. Social events offer unique opportunities for families to meet, form friendships, and share resources. We host 5 all guild activities throughout the year which welcome the member with Down Syndrome and immediate familty members to activities located around the metro. Elementary aged students meet quarterly at the dsi office for events and preparation for the s.t.a.r.s. Program which meets weekly once members turn 12 years old. Adults can enjoy monthly dsg activities in addition to regular community events available to them. Each member is recognized during his/her birthday month through the dsi birthday blub which sends a card to each member.

Public education - dsi hosts annual educational conferences to bring together experts in the field to discuss best practices in working with indiviudals with Down Syndrome. Scholarships are available for dsi sponsored or national sponsored conferences. Dsi also hosts seminars and workshops throughout the year as reqested by dsi members. Dsi partners with 45 local school districts who have named Down Syndrome specialists who act as liaisons between dsi, schools, and families impacted by Down Syndrome. We offer the specailists a resource manual, free registration to dsi conferences, bi-annual breakfasts to exchange ideas and make dsi aware of school district needs and ongoing updates regarding research and best practices for educating students with Down syndrom. Dsi also offers individualized training and private consultations for school districts who have Down Syndrome specialists. Information can be accessed by anyone in the community through dsi's 24-hour phone information line.