SCHOOL AGE MATTERS E-NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2019

Joanie Elfers, School Age Matters Coordinator | Joanie@dsagc.com | 513.761.5400

 

COTI Tips for Teachers: Disorganized Child Edition
By Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute 

Do you know children that: 

  • Get lost while transitioning between activities?                                                            
  • Are last to get started on a new task?
  • Lose track of papers/materials?

Sensational Ideas to Help:

  • Visual schedule (written or pictures) to note each step in the activity.  Keep it SIMPLE and CLEAR
  • Pre-warning when time is almost up for a transition. Visual timers may be helpful!
  • Expandable folders to keep all paper in one place by color
  • Use of electronic calendars that can help send reminders for assignments

Click here to read more.

 

Empowerment Classes
ESPAÑOL

Cheerleading

Ages: 6 - 22 years
Dates: Dates TBD; there will be three practices in November and performances throughout the season. Once we can gauge the interest, we will know which day/time to hold practice.
Time:  TBD
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212)
Class Instructors: Coach Debbie, Coach Joanie, Coach Lucy
Description: Join Coach Debbie Schroeder (former Ben-Gal), Coach Joanie Elfers, and Coach Lucy to learn the basics of cheerleading as well as a dance routine which will be performed all over the Greater Cincinnati area! After practice sessions conclude, we perform at several high school basketball half-time shows with high school cheerleaders. These performances are optional and Coach Schroeder will announce them at a later date. Each cheerleader will receive a uniform and pom-poms for practices and performances. They get to keep the poms, but we request for the uniforms to be returned at the end of the season in order to keep costs down. We encourage both boys and girls to participate!

Register

Healthy Relationships

Ages: 13 - 17 & 18 - 30
Dates: Mondays • October 28 - November 11
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM (ages 13 - 17) | 6:45 - 8:15 PM (ages 18 - 30)
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212) 
Class Instructor: Barbara Thomas, M.ED., CSE, JSOC, CSES
Description: Ages 13 - 17: These three classes will give teenagers and adults with Down syndrome an opportunity to gain information about their bodies, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Parents are welcome to stay on-site, but we ask that they wait in the front lobby.

Ages 18 - 30: These three classes will give teenagers and adults with Down syndrome an opportunity to gain information about their bodies, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Topics of sexuality and abuse prevention will also be discussed. Parents are welcome to stay on-site, but we ask that they wait in the front lobby. On the last night, parents of adults 18 - 30 are encouraged to stay a half hour after class for parent Q & A.

Barb Thomas is an Education Consultant who offers consultative services in human sexuality.  She has forty-five years of experience in Special Education coupled with forty-one years in the field of Human Sexuality.  Currently, Barb is the director of Thomas Educational Consulting Services.  They offer expert training, education, and consultation services in the field of Human Sexuality Education.  She is also the Executive Director of the TALL Institute (Thomas Adventures in Lifelong Learning).  The TALL institute offers adult education classes to adults with intellectual and developmental challenges with a focus on socialization and employment opportunities.

Register

Social Opportunities
ESPAÑOL

School Age Matters Sky Zone

Ages: 6 - 17 years
Dates: Monday, November 25
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Sky Zone, 11745 Commons Drive Springdale, OH 45246
Description:  Come jump with friends on Sky Zone’s wall-to-wall trampoline courts! Sky Zone the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action. The only way to understand it is to experience it. To learn more about Sky Zone, visit their website: https://www.skyzone.com/springdale

Please note, the DSAGC will cover the cost of each child/teen with Down syndrome. If siblings attend, you’ll need to pay at the door for their admission. $8.00 for 30 minutes; $10.00 for 60 minutes; $13.00 for 90 minutes. If you don’t own Sky Zone socks, you’ll need to purchase them for $3. We request that a parent/caregiver stay on-site during the event.

Register

WDSD T-shirt Design Night

Ages: 16 & up
Dates: Wednesday, October 30
Time: 6:30-8 PM
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212)
Description: Teens and adults with Down syndrome are invited to create designs for the Cincinnati Fire Department's annual World Down Syndrome Day t-shirt. The firefighters are permitted to wear them as part of their uniform during times in March. They also sell the shirts in the community. After the designs are complete, we will open voting to the public through social media. The winning design will be printed on the shirts for 2020. 

Register

Teen & Adult Holiday Crafting

Ages: 13 & up
Dates: Sunday, November 17
Time: 1 - 2:30 PM
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212)
Description: At our annual Holiday Party (held on December 1), we give DSAGC families that attend a homemade gift. We invite teens and adults with Down syndrome to help us make these gifts on Sunday, November 17. This is a great opportunity for adults with Down syndrome to give back and have fun at the same time.

Register

DSAGC Holiday Party

Ages: all ages
Dates: Sunday, December 8
Time: 1 - 3 PM
Location: Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland Miamiville Rd, Loveland, OH 45140
Description: The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati celebrates the holiday season every December by bringing together our families for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, holiday decorating, gifts and more. This is a free event, but families that wish to attend must register. 

Register

21 Series

Employment and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Services

Ages: Parents, Professionals, and Advocates (ages 15 & up)
Dates: Saturday, September 21
Time: 10 – 11:30 AM
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212) 
Presenter: Cynthia Crews
Program Coordinator: Maggie Ranz, Outreach Coordinator
Description:  The discussion will focus on how Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ (OOD’s)  Business Relations team works throughout the state to raise awareness of OOD and our mission with employer partners to promote and support the hiring of individuals with disabilities. Through OOD's network of employer partners, OOD Business Relations Specialists (BRS) identify job opportunities that match our job seekers' skill sets and experience, and also provide services and resources that promote an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Register

Strategies to Support a Grieving Loved One

Ages: Parents, Professionals, and Advocates (ages 15 & up)
Dates: Monday, October 21
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212) 
Presentes: Liz Spanel, Outreach Coordinator, Fernside: Supporting Children and Families Through Grief
Program Coordinator: Jena Wells, Early Matters Coordinator
Description: This presentation is geared toward parents and caretakers of individuals with Down syndrome. How do you explain that a family member has passed away? What resources can you use to aid the discussion? How does the development of a person affect their grief emotions? Can grief be masked as other things?

During this presentation you will be given tips about how to understand grief and best support our grieving individuals with Down syndrome. You may not need this information now, but this is information that can be helpful for years to come. We are thankful that Fernside is working with us to understand the grieving process for our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Register

Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

Ages: Parents, Professionals, and Advocates (ages 15 & up)
Dates: Thursday, November 21
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Office (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212) 
Program Coordinator: Joanie Elfers, School Age Matters Coordinator
Description:  The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program provides scholarships to Ohio students who are eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their school district. A representative from the Ohio Department of Education will be discussing specifics in relation to the scholarship. Join us for a very informative evening!

Register

Family Resources

Community Participation Fund

We have a limited amount of scholarships available for individuals with Down syndrome to participate in community activities (such as camps, soccer, swim lessons) and therapies. 

Learn more and Register

Hospital Care Packages

Is your child (18 years and younger), with Down syndrome, spending three or more days in the hospital? The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati would love to support you during this difficult time.

Learn more and Register

Community Groups

A Community Group is designed to create opportunities for families that have children with Down syndrome to network and share common interests, concerns, challenges, and information.

Learn more and Register

Community Opportunities

The DSAGC does not endorse, recommend or support any particular regime, therapy, activity, camp or treatment.  We welcome articles and information from parents, professionals and other interested parties.If you are interested in a community opportunity, please contact the presenting organization directly for additional details.

Special Olympics - Young Athletes Program
presented by Special Olympics Hamilton County

When: Year-round
Where: Wednesday (JF Dulles Elementary) | Thursday (The Rockwern Academy)

Our young athletes program is for children 2 to 7 years old who have intellectual disabilities. It’s a program designed to get young people moving and interacting with each other. Along with a partner, such as a parent or guardian, children participate in activities that are designed to foster physical, cognitive and social development. Sessions occur throughout the year and are ten weeks long.

Learn more

Encore Performing Arts
presented by Encore Performing Arts

When: Begins October 2 (held on Wednesdays)
Where: 3320 Tylersville Rd, Suite R, 45011
Time: 6:00-6:30 PM
Come join the most amazing journey in the world of dance! Now forming at Encore Performing Arts is a competition class for children with special needs, or as we say special gifts!  Classes will be for students ages 7-12. We can't wait for these children to shine their light on stage and show the world how truly precious they are. These children will have the opportunity to shine on stage five times throughout the dance season. The cost is $20 monthly. If you are interested or have questions, call 513-892-2609 or email Encore@zoomtown.com

S.A.L.T. Series
presented by County Developmental Disabilities Services

When: Various dates (see link)
Where: Various locations across Southwest Ohio
Butler County's School to Adult Life Transition Series (S.A.L.T.) is a FREE monthly series developed to provide a learning opportunity along with the resources and guidance, to families of children with disabilities TO HELP navigate the transition through school to adult life and beyond.

Learn more (Butler County)
Learn more (Darke County)
Learn more (Montgomery, Greene, Warren Counties)

Trusts and Stable Accounts
presented by Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services

When: Monday, October 28
Where: Hamilton County DD Services Kingsley Center 
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
What is a STABLE account and how does it work? What is a Special Needs Trust and is it right for your situation? What are Pooled Trusts and what benefits do they offer? How can a STABLE account be used in combination with a trust to plan a secure future?

Learn more

Common Threads Network
presented by Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

When: Monday, November 4
Where: Centre Park of West Chester (5800 Muhlhauser Rd, 45069)
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Hear the new Director’s vision for the future of DD services, and budget updates. Learn about Individual Service Plan changes, waiting-list and waiver updates, and how technology is becoming central to a life of independence.  Families will hear the ways they can “contribute to the work” and “stay in the loop” to ensure their decisions are fully informed and, based on current information as they plan across the lifespan. We will ensure even you’re deepest concerns are responded to by the right person! 

Learn more

Emergency Preparedness Training
presented by The Academy

When: Thursday, November 14
Where: LADD - Center for Community Engagement 
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Whether it's a fire, weather or violent intruder hazard, the Department of Developmental Disabilities expects agencies to have appropriate response plans and procedures in place. Are you prepared? Training participants will receive a flash drive containing over 60 ‘take and use’ resources. 

Learn more

The Children's Theatre Sensory-Friendly Performances
presented by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati

When: Casper, October 16 | Annie Jr., March 8 | Matilda, April 29
Where: Taft Theatre
At The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, we believe theatre is for everyone.  That’s why we are so excited to present the third season of MainStage Sensory-Friendly performances at the Taft Theatre.  

Learn more

Prism Marching Arts
presented by Prism Marching Arts

When: Saturdays (Nov 2 - March)
Where: First Baptist Church, Glen Este
A marching band for aspiring musicians with special needs. Performers must be 13+ and have a buddy (18+) to participate. There is is no experience necessary as you will learn instruments during practice. Cost is $25, which covers shirt & food.

Learn more

Norwood Library Family Night
presented by Norwood Library

When: Last Friday of the Month
Where: Norwood Library
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Enjoy an after-hours event to explore the collection and participate in fun activities in a low-stress environment. All ages welcome. No registration required. 

Learn more

Research Study - HELP-DS
sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institute of Health

Your family may benefit by learning about the importance of SDB in children with DS. Children with Down syndrome ages 3 - 12.9 years who have not had their tonsils and adenoid removed can participate. 

Learn more

Focus Groups-Cincinnati Children's Hospital
sponsored by The Thomas Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Where: Locations include Thomas Center or Liberty campus

The Thomas Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is looking for individuals willing to participate in focus groups as part of a research study.

• Family members of children with Down syndrome (2 – 18 years old)
• Adults with Down syndrome (18+ years old) who are willing to be a self-advocate
• Professionals involved with individuals with Down syndrome (6+ months of experience)

Our goal during the focus groups is to discuss behaviors seen in individuals with Down syndrome and to identify which areas are more problematic than others.Each focus group will be no longer than 2 hours.

Benefits include: Compensation of $30 and helping improve measurements for DS. Also: Snacks and child care provided on site of the focus group!

Interested? Contact our study team for potential dates and times:

Emily K. Hoffman, MEd – Emily.Hoffman1@cchmc.org or 513.803.3641

Spread the word! Dr. Anna Esbensen, PhD and her team appreciate your help!

Webinar Series 
sponsored by Seneca Institute 

Learn more

Webinar Series-Future Planning
sponsored by The Arc

Learn more

WCESC Wellness Center
sponsored by Warren County ESC

The WCESC Wellness Center is a school-based day treatment program that will provide the most intensive non-residential program that can be provided over an extended period of time. Students will engage in mental health services that are provided in conjunction with and are integrated with the students social, emotional & educational programming. The Wellness Center will bring together at one location, and in a coordinated manner, a broad range of services designed to strengthen student functioning and prevent students from requiring more restrictive services such as home instruction or residential placement

Learn more

PALS
PALS is looking to expand to the Greater Cincinnati Area during the summer of 2020.  First, they need to evaluate the level of interest to determine if this is feasible. You can help them by filling out the interest survey below. Take the survey

DD Services Levy - Issue 21
Issue 21, the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Levy, funds efficient, high quality services that allow people with DD to live, work, learn, and fully participate in their communities. It will be on the ballot for voters this fall. As a renewal levy, Issue 21 won’t increase the amount homeowners currently pay, but it will ensure that these services continue.

If you'd like to display a sign in your yard, the DSAGC has 25 signs available for pick-up at our office. Stop by anytime between 10 - 3 PM.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
4623 Wesley Avenue Suite A | Cincinnati,  45212
5137615400 | dsagc@dsagc.com

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