DSAOC Staff Member, Kristin Abbas, and her husband Jon welcomed their beautiful baby son, Micah, to the world on December 20, 2011.
Congratulations to you both!
One Year Down This Path – A Fathers Perspective On Down Syndrome
You will definitely want to take a few minutes from your day to watch this incredible video – from a Dad’s perspective.
Enjoy!
Target and Nordstrom speak volumes…by saying nothing…
For parents of children with Down syndrome, a new model by the name of Ryan may have already caught your eye.
Target and Nordstrom have placed Ryan in some of their ads, but haven’t made a big deal out of it. They show him alongside his typical peers, all looking absolutely adorable!
Check out the story on this blog, and you can also see comments on other blogs by following links in this story.
A sibling remains motivated through tough times by his younger brother
A nice story from a siblings perspective. Happy New Year!
Vanderbilt running back stays motivated
Stacy’s little brother helps him keep focused on positive aspects of life
Baseball fan or not, you’ll enjoy this touching family story…
The Orange County Down syndrome community is buzzing with the news that Albert Pujols has signed a 10-year deal with the Angels.
We at DSAOC want to be among the first to welcome Albert and his family, wife Deidre and daughter Isabella, to Orange County. Our admiration grew for Albert when 60 Minutes did this story earlier this year, highlighting not only Albert’s baseball career, but his incredible humanitarian spirit.
Albert’s step-daughter, Isabella, is the reason the talented athlete got involved with Down syndrome. He met her mom, Deidre, when Isabella was an infant. Just 18 at the time and newly emigrated to the U.S. from his native Dominican Republic, Albert is quoted as saying he never hesitated to love both Deidre and Isabella.
Since making the big leagues, Albert has been an involved and committed philanthropist, both at home in the Dominican Republic, and in St. Louis, where he, Deidre and Isabella have lived for the past 10 years.
Please join DSAOC in welcoming Isabella, Deidre and Albert to Orange County!
Woodbine House Holiday Sale!
Save 20% on over eighty-five books and DVDs on developmental disabilities from now through the end of December 2011 at
DSAOC’s “Breakfast with Santa”
Don’t miss this annual holiday family favorite!
Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at CHOC Children’s Wade Education Center in Orange.
Enjoy festive decor, holiday music, food, friends and of course SANTA! Guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
This event is especially for families who have children with Down syndrome up to age 12. All are welcome!
Recommended donation per adult: $5
Need a map? Visit the DSAOC Website calendar
Pre-natal Testing…
An author asks, “What is the value of a life? What can a person with a disability contribute to humanity? Which disabilities are tolerable and which are not?
There are lots and lots of articles being published these days surrounding pre-natal testing, now that Sequenom released their test that specifically checks for Down syndrome in an unborn child.
Here is an article recommended by some constituents:
The ABLE Act of 2011 has been introduced – Opportunities to learn about it and take action
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2011 was introduced on Tuesday as S. 1872 in the Senate and H.R. 3423 in the House.
The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child’s future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.
Below is information on how you can TAKE ACTION to help ensure your senator/representative is on board.
Additionally, be sure to register for the NDSS Webinar that will discuss everything you need to know about the ABLE Act.
Presenters include:
Lasty, watch the video from Lauren Potter (Glee star with Down syndrome) to hear what the ABLE Act means to her.
DSAOC’s Orange County Buddy Walk is IN THE NEWS!
All families and supporters who attended this year’s Buddy Walk know first hand how wet and cold it was.
We once again extend our sincere appreciation to all of you who rode out the weather with us and enjoyed an exciting and somewhat sunny afternoon.
DSAOC is thrilled to have our Orange County Buddy Walk story on the National Down Syndrome Society’s National Buddy Walk Blog.
Irvine Unified School District also placed a story on their website, thanks to one of our parents who promoted their involvement in our event.
We also can’t forget the story and photo gallery from the Orange County Register!
I’m pleased to share with you the links below:
2011 Orange County Buddy Walk – an AMAZING day!
DSAOC Thanks YOU!
Rain didn’t dampen our spirits, or make us forget why we were together on Sunday.
On Sunday, November 6, DSAOC had 45 exhibitors and more than 2,300 people in attendance at the 11th Annual Orange County Buddy Walk.
Rain drops began falling just after 7 a.m. and soon came the wind and chill. At 9 a.m. when the gates opened and we expected to see much fewer numbers, families and supporters arrived with their arsenal of rain gear.
Families added extra tarps to the sides of their tents to protect their team members from the weather, exhibitors served coffee and hot chocolate, and people huddled together to stay warm.
Around 10 a.m., when the rain and wind seemed at its worse, people showed their best. Strangers, linked together by the commonality of having a loved one with Down syndrome, pulled their team tents together for extra warmth, and also invited those without tents to join with them.
As if Mother Nature had our schedule, just before our Walk was due to start around 11 a.m., the rain stopped and the clouds parted! More than 2,000 people that hung in there with us when the weather got rough, got to enjoy our live entertainment, including a beautiful stage performance by the Buena Park Hi-Tops, animal and reptile presentations by the Southern California Herpetology Association and The Wildlife Company, and our fabulous live band, The Vince, Bob & Buddy Band.
DJ Willpower kept the tunes going throughout the day, no matter what the weather was like. He had a constant dancing audience of our teens and adults with Down syndrome, as well as others who wouldn’t let the rain stop their desire to move to great tunes.
Grand Marshall, Rex Hudler, thanked our families and supporters for hanging in there with us, and then got to work recognizing our Top teams and fundraisers. Almost on schedule, our 11th Annual Buddy Walk commenced with happy faces and warmth that glowed from the inside out.
Thank you to all who participated and supported this event, and the mission’s of the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County and the National Down Syndrome Society.
Check out the photos and story from the Orange County Register!
DSAOC’s photo gallery is LIVE! Our two fabulous volunteer photographers, Alan Madden and Terrie Tavis, have once again captured great memories from our Buddy Walk.
Dr. De Bord’s “Oral Health and Down Syndrome” Webinar Hosted by NDSS
Monday, November 14 at 9 a.m. PST
This is an encore presentation from August of this year that describes oral characteristics that are common in people with Down syndrome, ways to prevent dental disease, and tips for finding a dentist and having a successful dental visit. There will be a short Q&A opportunity at the end of the presentation.
Jessica De Bord is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Dr. De Bord is the oral health faculty for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at the USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She earned her BA from San Diego State University and her DDS from the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. De Bord completed her residency training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington (UW) and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. During her residency she completed a Certificate in Maternal and Child Health through the UW School of Public Health, an MS in Dentistry, and an MA in Bioethics and Humanities.
Dr. De Bord’s primary clinical and research interests are the oral health of children with developmental disabilities and ethics. She serves on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Committee on Special Needs, is a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of the National Down Syndrome Society, serves on the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Ethics Resource Committee, and is a board member of the Academy of Dentistry for People with Disabilities. She is a member of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities, and the American Society of Dental Ethics.
Slides from the presentation will be posted to www.ndss.org. During the webinar there will be time for Q and A.
Please feel free to share this webinar and the login information with anyone you feel may be interested in the presentation.
Important Call to Action from NDSS and our Down Syndrome Community
Dear Friends,
Please urge Sequenom to meet all NDSS criteria for prenatal test companies. To see the NDSS Criteria to Evaluate Companies with Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Tests for Down Syndrome click here.
Click here to download the customizable letter and email it to info@scmmlab.com.
Best, NDSS
Teams Score a Touchdown in Sportsmanship
Patrick Myshrall scored more than a touchdown for his team on game night.
Watch the video about his story, and the wonderful team mates on both teams.
Enjoy!
Student With Down Syndrome Scores Crucial Touchdown In His First Football Game
The Science of Respect: A Sibling’s Perspective by Amanda Modery
Presented by the Sibling Support Project, Sibling Stories features compelling essays about the sibling relationship written by those who know it best.
Please note, after clicking on the link below, you need to scroll down a bit, and you will see the essay. Enjoy!
Email your Representative from the following states now! Urge him/her to attend an important briefing on Down syndrome research.
| Email your Representative from the following states now! Urge him/her to attend an important briefing on Down syndrome research. |
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Email your Representative from the list provided on the NDSS website (link below) and urge him/her to attend a briefing of the US Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus on Down Syndrome research which is being held tomorrow, Tuesday, October 25th at 4:30 pm in room 121 of the US House of Representatives Cannon Office Building. This briefing is being organized by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) who is a co-chair of the Down Syndrome Caucus and herself a parent of a child with Down syndrome. Take Action TODAY! Read more… |
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A Football Player with Down Syndrome Inspires his Community
Wearing Jersey #30, Jake Martin is thrilled at a chance to play.
This is a great story, so we wanted to share. There is also a cool video and some pictures. Enjoy!
DSAOC Presentation – Partners in Education Program
DSAOC’s Partners in Education Program (PIE) builds partnerships to shape meaningful education for students with Down syndrome.
DSAOC was thrilled to have so many parents and educators in attendance at our Partners in Education presentation today. This special presentation, designed for parents, teachers, aides and others who serve students with Down syndrome, discussed key topics on educating students with special needs, and raising the bar on expectations.
Sandi Ames, DSAOC’s Education Consultant, described the benefits of PIE and educator collaboration, and she launched the new education section of DSAOC’s website.
Our featured speaker, Richard Peterson, LL.M., Director of the Special Education Clinic and Assistant Professor of Law at Pepperdine University, and DSAOC Board Member, shared his insights into the world of special education.
If you are an educator or parent interested in more information about this program, please contact the DSAOC Center at (714) 540-5794.
How did DSAOC kick-off Down Syndrome Awareness month?
DSAOC works hard on initiatives promoting Down syndrome awareness, throughout Orange County and beyond. We ask our community to support our families and our loved ones with Down syndrome, and many of our families benefit from community programs and services.
To give back to our community, and to show people that individuals with Down syndrome care about the environment and nature, DSAOC coordinated a Beach Clean-Up activity for our teens and adults with Down syndrome.
On Saturday, October 1, some DSAOC families met up with the Surfrider Foundation at Newport Beach to learn about the importance of keeping our communities litter free, and how so much trash ends up on the beach after storms. Besides being very educational, it felt good to be out in nature on such a beautiful day, doing something good.
You can check out more photos from this activity by visiting the photo album on DSAOC’s Facebook page.
A BIG THANKS to all families who participated, and to our wonderful volunteers, Laurie and Abraham.
Life with Penny…
A nice story that gives us one mom’s perspective on raising a child with Down syndrome.
Amy Julia Becker is an author and a mom who has written often for the NY Times’ Motherlode section.
Has Down Syndrome Hurt Us? A question she answers in her story recently published on Motherlode, shared with us by a family who wanted us to share with all of you.
A Teen with Down Syndrome Crowned Homecoming Queen
What a great story to share with you, especially during Down syndrome awareness month!
If you have stories that you would like to share that highlights people with Down syndrome, please send them to me at kperez@dsaoc.org.
Enjoy this touching and exciting story and video.
Families report happy lives in first survey of impact of genetic condition
As parents of children with Down syndrome, I’m sure we can all agree that there are happy times and sad times, and times when having a child with a disability can pose some frustrations and inconveniences.
For me personally, I’ve definitely experienced all of the above, but I also know that my daughter has caused me to pause at times in my life so I can appreciate something really beautiful that I might have missed had she not been there to direct me. I’ve learned a new kind of patience and love, and I’ve met wonderful people I never would have known had she not been born with that extra chromosome.
The link below will take you to a story about a young lady named, Melissa, who has already accomplished so much in her young 25 years. She is loved by her family and friends, and she has that ‘extra’ something special.
NDSS Action Alert: submit by this Friday, September 30
TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE PREGNANT WOMEN AND FAMILIES GET ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME
ADVOCACY ACTION REQUESTED: Submit your comment on HHS Regulation by this FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011.
We urge you to visit the NDSS Advocacy Action Center at the link below. There you will find all the details on this call to action, as well as detailed instructions of what is needed from you.
Thank you!
There’s still time! But you must order today, 9/13/11.
Today, September 13, is NATIONAL CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS DAY!
Many individuals with Down syndrome are diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Woodbine House is offering a special deal on books to help you and your child enjoy planning and preparing meals that are appropriate for those with this condition.
Today only, Woodbine House is offering the 3 books listed below for 20% off:
Gluten-Free Kids
Raising Happy, Healthy Children with Celiac Disease, Autism, and Other Conditions
The Kitchen Classroom
32 Visual GFCF Recipes to Boost Developmental Skills
INCREDIBLE EDIBLE GLUTEN-FREE FOOD FOR KIDS (includes 150 Family-Tested Recipes)
Sister with Down syndrome inspires family
Everyone needs to take a moment out of their day to watch this video! I had to grab some tissue, so you have been so advised.
This is a great segment that aired on The TODAY Show’s ‘Everyone Has a Story‘. Leah Stodden, the middle sister of three, is a talented pianist, she’s engaged to a handsome young man, and she’s an inspiration to her family. She also has Down syndrome.
DSAOC is honored to be among charities receiving luncheon opportunity at the Anaheim White House Restaurant
The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County was among the 200+ Orange County Charities in attendance at last evenings event at the Anaheim White House Restaurant.
Owner, Bruno Serato, hosted the event to recognize Orange County charities, and to donate luncheons to organizations for their own fundraising events.
Mr. Serato ended the evening donating almost $800,000 in value toward these luncheons to be held at the Anaheim Whitehouse Restaurant.
Special girl takes on traditional school in Fort Collins, CO
Not a local story, but I’m sure many of you can relate this time of year.
Share your story with DSAOC on your child with Down syndrome’s first day in Kindergarten and it could be highlighted here, too! Email Kellie Perez at kperez@dsaoc.org.
This is the first story in an occasional series as a Colorado newspaper follows Gretchen Coon, a six-year old with Down syndrome, through her first year of school.
The 2011 Orange County Buddy Walk – Winner of the Brochure’s Front Cover Contest, and the Teams that made it into the Drawing…
The Buddy Walk contests are well under way, and we are thrilled to announce the winning team of our first contest: Precious Peyton’s Posse!!
Jennifer Gonzalez, Team Captain of Precious Peyton’s Posse, and mother of Peyton (pictured to the left), was thrilled to hear the news that they will be featured on the front cover of the 2011 Orange County Buddy Walk brochure. Congratulations!
The next Buddy Walk contest is on! Raise $500 between now and September 28, or recruit 20 team members, and you will be entered to win 4 Disney Tickets! We will have multiple winners.
If you have questions about the Buddy Walk or contests, please call the DSAOC Center at (714) 540-5794. To register, visit www.dsaoc.org.
A total of 10 teams made it into our first drawing, and their efforts cannot go unrecognized. 
A heart-warming story to kick off our week
High school players work together for teammate with Down Syndrome
Although this story isn’t local, it’s a great one to share! Brett Bowden’s love for the game and his teammates makes headlines in North Carolina. Read the story and watch the video about how his community rallies behind him and how his former teammates celebrate after every game – win or lose.
NDSS and Lettercase Celebrate the Largest Prenatal Medical Outreach Campaign about Down Syndrome in US History
10,000 “Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis” Booklets Successfully Distributed Nationwide to Medical Professionals and Disability Leaders.
This is exciting news from NDSS and Lettercase! Outreach to medical professionals is extremely important because it provides OB/GYN’s and genetic counselors with resources when delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis, and it ensures our new and expectant parents are receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
If you are interested in helping out with local medical outreach, please contact Kellie Perez at kperez@dsaoc.org and ask for information about DSAOC’s Hospital Outreach Volunteer Committee.
DSAOC’s Educator of the Year Award 2010-2011
The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2010-2011 Educator of the Year Award.
Our South County winner is an instructional aide at Lake Forest Elementary nominated by the Lilienthal family; Congratulations to Amy Madigan!
Our North County winner was nominated by the Pringle family. She is an adaptive physical education teacher at the Buena Park Speech & Language Development Center and she also runs the Hi-Tops dance team; Congratulations to Sandy Garcia!
Both nominations cited a number of glowing examples of how these educators have had a positive impact on their students, and how the students are achieving their goals because they have the support of people who believe in them.
A huge thanks to all families who turned in exceptional nominations this year. Each nominee receives a certificate of recognition and a letter of appreciation.
For the past 14 years, the DSAOC Educator of the Year Award has brought dedicated educators into the spotlight whose outstanding efforts and innovations have helped a student to grow and learn.
Interested in nominating your child’s educator for this award? Watch for the ‘Call for Nominations’ announcement that will go out in early Spring of 2012 for the 2011-2012 school year.
Wheels are Spinning at Bike Camp 2011!
The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, in collaboration with United Cerebral Palsy - OC, is thrilled to announce that Bike Camp 2011 has officially started in the gym at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.
There’s no delay on the first day! The helmets (generously donated by Bell) are on and the wheels are spinning as 40 campers are beginning their exciting week at Bike Camp 2011. Although the smiles are big, you can see the concentration in the eyes of the participants as they are learning to pedal, balance, turn and gain overall confidence so they can graduate to a conventional 2-wheel bike without training wheels by or before the end of the week.
With support from Nikki Haukap and Cory Bunner from Lose the Training Wheels, this group is well under way to an exciting new independence on 2 wheels.
This is the fourth year that DSAOC and UCP-OC have collaborated to bring this anticipated program to Orange County. With the help of more than 60 volunteers, and the expertise and special bike equipment from the Lose the Training Wheels staff, this will be another successful and memorable year for this program.
If you are interested in more information, please visit www.losethetrainingwheels.org or contact the DSAOC Center at (714) 540-5794.
DSAOC’s Ballet Class – Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows!
For several months now, Paige Peplow, DSAOC’s Ballet Class instructor, has been working with a great group of young girls on their dance routine to prepare them for their big day: The Ballet Recital.
It was all about “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” in late June when the girls got dressed up in their colorful costumes, did their stretches and prepared to WOW the audience with their talents.
With oversized lollipops in their hands and the colors of the rainbow displayed all around them, they won over the hearts of the audience with their performance.
Congratulations Paige, and all the girls in the Ballet program, for another wonderful recital!
“A New Era for Down Syndrome”
This wonderful website has been created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Down Syndrome Program at the University of Washington College of Education.
Explore and contribute to the site and see where programs we are very familiar with have come from, and the pioneering work of Dmitriev and Oelwein. People with Down syndrome being avid readers was no accident!
Check it out at: http://www.anewera4ds.org/
8th Annual Disability Rights Workshop
Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Anaheim.
DSAOC is providing this information as a resource to our families. This is a non-DSAOC sponsored event.
Lifechangers: Sharon Stone raises $100K for NDSS
“Extra” Lifechanger and Hollywood A-lister Sharon Stone, raised $100K for the National Down Syndrome Society at the organization’s 2011 Spring Luncheon in NYC.
Read more
IDEA National Survey Project – Deadline is July 12, 2011
PLEASE COMPLETE IDEA SURVEY BY JULY 12, 2011
The deadline for the IDEA National Survey project, a survey of whether the rights of students with disabilities and their parents are protected, has been extended to July 12, 2011. One of the main reasons for the extension is to get more parents of students with intellectual disabilities to respond. It is especially important for parents to answer the questions about assessments, so it can be determined whether the type assessment seems to be affecting placement and access to the curriculum. If you haven’t already completed the survey, NDSS urges you to do so. The survey and more information about it can be found at http://www.ideasurvey.org
The survey is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism National Committee, and The Advocacy Institute. It seeks input from parents, self-advocates, and attorneys and advocates who work with parents regarding the major issues in special education advocacy, including IEPs, Child Find/Evaluations, and Due Process/Litigation. The survey also examines whether parents are treated as equals in the process and whether their rights are protected.
There are surveys for all community members: Parents of children with disabilities, Attorneys, Advocates, Educational Consultants, other Professionals and Self-advocates (people with disabilities).
The results will be used to write a report describing the special-education advocacy experiences that parents, self-advocates, and professionals have, and describing their views of the degree to which parents are involved in the process as equal partners.
Names will not be used in the report (if stories are used, general descriptions like “a Midwestern advocate” or “an Ohio family” will be used.) There are instructions for taking the survey anonymously. There are simple multiple choice questions and questions where one can write narratives and share more information and thoughts if one wishes.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this valuable survey.
Saturday’s ‘Teen & Adult’ event at Bella’s Kitchen was a BLAST!
For the fifth year in a row, the owner of Bella’s Kitchen in Orange, Joe D’Angelo, opened up his restaurant on a Saturday just for DSAOC families.
Teens & Adults, along with their younger siblings, topped their own personal sized pizzas and then went back to the kitchen to see how they are cooked to perfection! The rest of the family members in attendance got to enjoy delicious pizzas prepared by the chef.
If you couldn’t join us this year, watch your DSAOC Fridge Post and e-mails for next year’s Bella’s Kitchen event.
Brotherly Love
Brothers, Robert and Cody, show support for their little brother Ayden.
On a beautiful Saturday this past May, brothers Robert and Cody, along with their little brother Ayden who has Down syndrome, sat outside their home from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. selling adorable dancing solar flowers to their neighbors and passers by.
The sign read, “Support for Down Syndrome”, with all the proceeds benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC).
DSAOC was thrilled to receive $136 from their efforts, but moreover, we were thrilled to see the love and brotherly bond that exists between them.
Thank you, Robert, Cody and Ayden!
DSAOC’s Seventh Annual Golf Tournament, Banquet & Auction
Monday, June 13, 2011
We look forward to seeing all of you that have registered for golf and/or the “After Golf” party on Monday, June 13! Be sure to pull out your luau attire (optional) and we will see you at Los Coyotes Country Club, 8888 Los Coyotes Drive, Buena Park 90621.
Banquet festivities on the terrace begin at 4:30 p.m. The Banquet doors open at 6 p.m. Your dinner ticket includes light hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and live entertainment on the terrace provided by the Vince, Bob & Buddy Band. You will have access to the exciting auctions led by comedian, Robert G. Lee, and enjoy a delicious Hawaiian themed dinner – all while supporting the mission of DSAOC.
The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County would like to extend a special THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors this year:
Jane Lynch and Lauren Potter take part in a PSA to “Spread the Word to End the Word”
Jane Lynch and Lauren Potter participated in a PSA to help “Spread the Word to End the Word (R-word).”
The 30 second PSA shows an African-American man, a Latina woman, a Chinese-American woman, a homosexual man, and a Jewish-American man saying, “It’s not acceptable to call me [insert derogatory slang].”
At the end of the PSA, Becky (Lauren Potter) says, “It’s not acceptable to call me or call yourself or your friends retarded” and Sue (Jane Lynch) says, “The R-word is the same as every minority slur. Treat it that way and don’t use it.”
The article/PSA link is below. This PSA contains mature language. As pointed out by the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign, this is the same language that kids use everyday in school, so why shouldn’t it be used to address the problem – by specifically pointing it out.
Volunteers help to promote DSAOC’s mission
The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC) would like to thank Sandra and Sean McElwee for thier valuable volunteer time and professional representation of DSAOC at Saddleback Church’s Community Forum, held on Saturday, May 14.
With such a small staff, DSAOC relies heavily upon families and supporters to help promote the organization’s mission at community events like this one, that we were thrilled to be invited to participate in at Saddleback.
If you know of a community event in your area that you feel DSAOC needs to be represented, and you are willing to host our table (we provide all materials) or if you would like to volunteer for community events like this and host our table, please contact Kristin Abbas at kabbas@dsaoc.org.
Join DSAOC at Chapman University’s “Community Voices” Screenings on May 12
Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Folio Theatre, 283 N. Cypress St. Orange CA 92866
DSAOC is excited to partner with Chapman University and their “Community Voices” program to bring the documentary, “Hold My Hand” to our community.
“Hold My Hand” is a film about a 20 year old woman named Eliza who has Down syndrome. Eliza has been raised under the principle of inclusion during her life; in school and in the community. Naturally, she wanted to follow what her peers and brothers were doing, which included college.
In this short documentary you will hear Eliza in her own words as she tries to comprehend all that is going on around her, including rejection.
Join other families for a viewing of six films being shown in partnership with local organizations, one of which is DSAOC for “Hold My Hand”. The screening starts at 7pm, doors open at 6:45 p.m. This is a FREE community event.
In Honor of Mother’s Day…
My Great Story: Mother’s Day Section
Throughout the month of April, everyone was invited to share stories with NDSS about the moms in their lives. The “My Great Story – Mother’s Day” section has been devoted to telling stories about mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, aunts, cousins or friends who have sons or daughters with Down syndrome.
Congratulations to self-advocate Jennifer Hinds from Orange County, whose story received the most votes in the Mother’s Day section!
View Jennifer’s Mother’s Day story in NDSS’ Newsletter – story in section 11
‘We Can Contribute to Society Like Everyone Else’
A wonderful story in honor of our approaching Educator of the Year nomination deadline (April 28) in which you can recognize an individual educator or a team of educators who have made a positive impact on your child’s life.
This story is about Allison who has Mosaic Down syndrome and is making her way through life, undaunted by challenges, and changing perceptions.
A local self-advocate is highlighted for her entry into NDSS’ My Great Story
My Great Story: Stories of the Month
Each month NDSS highlights the two stories with the most votes on the My Great Story site and they are featured as the Stories of the Month. The votes are reset at the end of each month.
The top voted story this month is, I Know I Can, by Jennifer Hinds from
Laguna Hills, California. Her story was already featured in NDSS’ e-newsletter in September, 2010. Click here to view Jennifer’s story, which can be found on page seven.
To add your own story, or to vote or comment on others, visit the NDSS My Great Story website.
Surf Day at Doheny State Beach with Best Day Foundation
This past weekend, several families from the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County and United Cerebral Palsy – Orange County enjoyed another Surf Day hosted by our friends with Best Day Foundation.
Best Day Foundation helps children with special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow sports, and more.
Pictures from this past weekend will be posted on their website soon at www.bestdayfoundation.org.
Check out the article and photos from Surf Day last November with Best Day Foundation. Future Surf Day’s will be announced soon.
Thank you Best Day!
Pictured to the left is Josh Brocard, enjoying his BEST DAY at the beach!
DSAOC’s Hospital Outreach Committee – Volunteers Making a Difference
Research has shown that little progress has been made in the quality of a physicians’ delivery of a diagnoses of Down syndrome. All too often, inaccurate information is being provided to expectant or new parents. Typically, only the challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome are presented, and the positive aspects of how people with Down syndrome can live full lives and moreover enrich our lives and communities are not given.
Left to Right (Back Row) Sandra McElwee (Committee Chairperson), Steven Hill, Danielle Trombino, Amy Braun (Front Row) Judi Gollette, Mercedes Wagner, Lisa Zemenak, Carol Magarino (Not pictured areLori Cassady, Lisa Lilienthal, Nicole Hwozdek, Cathy Tiquia and Jesse Powell)
Our Hospital Outreach Volunteer Committee visits hospitals throughout greater Orange County, providing materials and support to hospital staff and social workers, to the offices of genetic counselors, and OB/GYNs, educating them on the potential of people with Down syndrome and assisting them with resources so that they can more comfortably and accurately deliver a diagnosis. This information also provides a line to help and information after the news is given.
The volunteer work performed by this important committee positively impacts so very many people; from the social workers and families to the professionals who are delivering the diagnosis.
To our volunteers: Your efforts are recognized, and DSAOC appreciates you!
If you are interested in being part of this volunteer committee, please contact Kellie Perez at kperez@dsaoc.org.
DSAOC Volunteers are IN THE NEWS!
Sisters, Paige and Emma Peplow, give their valuable time and talents to DSAOC and the families we serve. We are so happy the Daily Pilot put their story in the news.
