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Due to the ever-changing updates regarding COVID-19, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati has decided to suspend our in-person programs and events until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated through email, social media, and our website.
Please know that while we are unable to have in-person programs and events, we are here to support you during the changes and challenges ahead. Our staff team is still working and dedicated to providing ongoing support, resources, outreach, and programs. We truly appreciate your continuous support and encourage you to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
We encourage you to check out our VIRTUAL PROGRAMS starting April 6.
If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Empowerment classes are offered to individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and abilities. These classes are offered on a quarterly basis and may include sign language, kitchen skills, physical therapy, art skills, music therapy, and much more. The purpose of our Empowerment Classes is to truly empower participants to learn a new skill or partake in a new activity. All of our classes have defined learning objectives and are led by certified professionals and/or experts in their field. In addition, we provide volunteers for natural support and encouragement. We want everyone to feel welcome at our programs. We will gladly work with you and/or your loved one to provide the most successful environment for learning or socializing.
Classes typically meet weekly over a 4-6 week period. In general, there is a $20 fee for an entire series of classes and registration is required. We offer financial assistance through our Community Participation Fund (click here). If you have additional questions about payment, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. We would be more than happy to assist you.
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 0 – 5 years
Dates: Mondays, April 27 – June 8 (no class on Memorial Day)
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Class Instructors: Tara Koker-Noia, MS, CCC-SLP, CPI/Alison Yeggy, OTR/L, Beverly Price, OT. S.M.I.L.E.S. Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a highly specialized pediatric therapy practice that offers cutting edge and unique speech, feeding, and occupational therapies within a highly collaborative team environment. S.M.I.L.E.S. focuses on getting to the root of issues, ensuring a stable foundation is present for guiding appropriate skill development, instead of teaching compensations and working too high above what a child's system can process.
Description: Learn how to ensure the foundational motor skills/primitive & motor reflexes/ocular-motor coordination can become fully integrated into your child's system providing a solid base for growth and development positively supporting feeding and speech progression.
Learning Objectives:
*If more than 12 participants register by April 13, we will have a lottery draw. We will keep you informed as the date draws closer.
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 0 – 2 years; 3 – 5 years
Dates: Thursdays, May 21 - June 25
Time: 5:30 – 6:15 PM (0 – 2 years); 6:30 – 7:15 PM (3 – 5 years)
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Class Instructor: Kendall Williams, MT-BC, Keys For Success, LLC. Kendall Williams was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. She completed her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy at Belmont University and finished her 9-month music therapy internship in pediatrics at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She has always had a heart to work with children of varying abilities and believes in the strong power of music to improve quality of life.
Description: It's time for “Fun in the Sun” music making! Through instrument exploration, familiar and original songs, movement, and sensory exploration, we will discover the power of music to help children meet developmental milestones in communication, social skills, motor skills, and bonding.
Learning Objectives:
*If more than 12 participants register by May 7, we will have a lottery draw. We will keep you informed as the date draws closer.
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 6 – 12 years; 13 – 17 years
Dates: everyday (June 9 – 12)
Time: 6 – 6:50 PM (6 - 12 years); 7 – 7:50 PM (13 – 17 years)
Location: St. Margaret of York (9495 Columbia Rd, Loveland, OH 45140)
Class Instructor: Madison Rohlfs, Madison is a Mount Notre Dame grad. She is currently a grad student at Maryville University in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program. This is her second year running the DSAGC volleyball camp.
Description: Together, we will learn the basics of volleyball in a fun and friendly environment. Learning to serve, bump, and set will not only provide exercise but also strengthen core muscles and motor skills.
Learning Objectives:
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 13 – 17 years; 18 & up
Dates: Tuesdays, May 26 – June 16 (ages 13 – 17) | Thursdays, May 28 – June 18 (ages 18 & up)
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM (13 – 17 years); 5 - 6 PM (18 & up)
Location: Winton Woods (10999 Mill Road Cincinnati, OH 45240)
Class Instructors: Hamilton County District Golf Professionals
Description: This is an opportunity to take introductory golf lessons from Hamilton County District’s Golf Professionals. Alongside peers and under the guidance of professionals, teens and adults will learn the basics of golf while staying active out on the green!
Learning Objectives:
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Thursdays, April 2 - 16
Time: 6 – 7:30 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Class Instructor: Bri Combs, Community Connections Coordinator, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Bri Combs has been serving as a Community Connections Coordinator for the past three and a half years. She lives in Monroe with her two dogs, has six siblings, and she has a very good friend named Brian (who has Downs syndrome). She is really excited to teach adults how to protect themselves as they become more independent, empowered and connected within their communities!
Description: The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities believes that along with helping individuals with developmental disabilities become more connected and involved in their communities, we also have the responsibility to teach them how to protect themselves and how to get help if and when they need it. Therefore, we have developed an interactive safety training series through which we teach self-awareness, self-care, safety in the home, safety in the community, internet safety, healthy relationships, and abuse prevention and response. In 2020, we are also going to be co-facilitating a sexuality training, as research has shown that individuals with developmental disabilities are the most vulnerable population when it comes to sexual abuse, and that sexual education is the most effective defense. Our goal is to have open, honest conversations about real-life scenarios to help prepare, educate, and empower those we serve to be competent, confident adults.
Learning Objectives:
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 18 and up
Dates: Tuesdays, February 18 - March 24 *register by class*
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructors: Calista Hargrove, MSOL, VP of Programs, Cincinnati Works. Calista is an experienced, results-oriented organizational development professional, with a record of achievement in strategic thinking and problem solving in developing and managing workforce development and post-secondary educational support services for individuals with economic disadvantages and/or disabilities.
Individual classes are $5 (note, the Employment Networking Night is free).
Thursday, March 3 | 6:30 – 8 PM | DSAGC Office: What does it mean to have a Job?
This class is for the adult with Down syndrome. They’ll work with professionals to discuss the importance of a job, what a job means to them, their goals, and how to tell their story!
Thursday, March 10 | 6:30 – 8 PM | DSAGC Office: Professionalism & Preparation
This class is for the adult with Down syndrome. They’ll learn skills in preparation for the workforce including professionalism, interview techniques, resume building, etc.
Thursday, March 17 | 6:30 – 8 PM | DSAGC Office: Mock Interviews
This class is for the adult with Down syndrome. We will host mock interviews and provide valuable feedback. -- CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS.
Thursday, March 24 | 6 – 7:45 PM | DSAGC Office: Employment Networking Night
This class is for the parent/caregiver, adults with Down syndrome, community professionals, and more. We will learn more about the benefits of an inclusive workforce, hear from employees with Down syndrome and their employers, and connect with fellow professionals interested in hiring! -- CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS.
These classes are just one day and designed specifically for adults with Down syndrome to learn and/or practice a specific skill to foster personal growth. These topics may include Voting, Internet Safety, Introducing Yourself, Laundry, Using a Smart Phone, and more! This is a new initiative, so currently, we offer one Personal Development class each quarter. If well received, we hope to offer a different class each month for all ages.
To keep the price reasonable for our adults with Down syndrome, our Personal Development Classes cost $5 to attend. We offer financial assistance through our Community Participation Fund (click here). If you have additional questions about payment, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. We would be more than happy to assist you.
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 6:30 – 8 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Class Instructor: Essie Pederson, M.Ed, SABE goVoter Project and Diana Mairose, Advocacy Advisor, Hamilton County DD Services. Essie has 45 years of experience in the field. She’s been a special education teacher, directed a residential educational facility, served as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing training and technical assistance about disabilities to college students, professionals, family members, etc. Since 2003 she's worked with the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) as a national advisor and staff to the GoVoter Project. Diana graduated from Maplebrook School with a post-secondary degree in 2000.She has worked in the field of DD for 14 years. She began her career working at UCP of Greater Cincinnati and then she joined HCDDS as their Advocacy Advisor. She does public speaking locally, statewide and nationally.
Description: Are you ready to vote? We will talk about the importance of voting, being prepared to cast your ballot and practice using actual voting machines. Note, the DSAGC is a nonpartisan organization. We do not recommend, endorse or affiliate with any political party. This class will NOT discuss political topics or opinions. We will only discuss the importance of voting in general and how to properly cast a ballot.
Learning Objectives:
On or around the 21st of each month, we host an educational workshop for parents, community professionals, relatives, and advocates (ages 15 & up). Workshop topics change each month and local experts present in their area of expertise. Some 21 Series topics include Sensory Processing, Puberty, Healthcare Transitions, and much more!
All of our 21 Series are FREE to attend, but registration is required.
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: parents, community professionals, relatives, and advocates
Dates: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 6:30 – 8 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Presenter: James C. Finley, Executive Director, Total Homecare Solutions
Description: Advancements in technology are paving the way for individuals with disabilities to live more independently. Remote support makes it possible for parents/caregivers to support their loved one at home or in a separate home - helping to ease everyone’s anxieties. Remote Monitoring Technology or Remote Support Services (RSS) can include but is not limited to: sensors, intercoms, alarms, call pendants, cameras, audio monitors, cell phones, security systems, remote monitors, wander guards/alerts, and oven and stove top safety features. These devices can assist in maintaining your privacy and independence, enhance your quality of care when support is already in place, and give peace of mind that you will be assisted or others will be notified in a time frame you have determined.
Learning Objectives:
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: parents, community professionals, relatives, and advocates
Dates: Domingo Mayo 3
Time: 1 – 3:30 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Presentadoras: Dra. Kelly Kamimura-Nishimura, MS, MD y Gabriela Suarez-Cano, MA. La Dra. Kelly Kamimura-Nishimura es pediatra del desarrollo y su objetivo es ayudar a niños con discapacidad del desarrollo a alcanzar su potencial como miembros activos de su comunidad. Gabriela Suarez-Cano es estudiante de doctorado de sicología clínica, con interés en trabajar y apoyar las familias y jóvenes con discapacidad del desarrollo.
Descripción: Se van a discutir estrategias para promover buenos comportamientos y manejar aquellos que presentan desafíos e impiden la socialización e inclusión de niños con síndrome de Down; se va a explicar cómo los padres de familia pueden colaborar con el equipo IEP de las escuelas para apoyar de la mejor manera posible, las necesidades académicas de sus hijos
Objetivos:
This in-person class has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: parents, community professionals, relatives, and advocates
Dates: Monday, June 15 *note, date not on 21st due to speaker arrangements.
Time: 6:30 – 8 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Presenter: Joan V. Dostal OTR/L. Joan brings 40 years of clinical experience in a wide range of settings, including an outpatient SI clinic, early intervention, schools, newborn intensive care and follow up, and a mental health clinic. She has, for the past 33 years, been at Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute with responsibilities as clinician, co-owner and now clinical specialist. Her specialty area is sensory integration as she maintains a small caseload of children and adults, mentors COTI staff and provides trainings for families and professionals.
Description: Sensory differences can impact the lives of children including those with Down syndrome. Sensory seekers and sensory avoiders engage with their world in ways that can limit participation in daily routines. Challenges with praxis and postural control complicate how children learn and develop new motor skills. Understanding some of the behaviors of children with sensory processing disorders allows the parent to start problem solving around common sensory based concerns and possible tools to explore.
Learning Objectives:
We offer a wide variety of social opportunities throughout the year. We believe good friendships contribute to increased feelings of belonging, purpose, happiness, reduced stress and improved self-worth and confidence. Ongoing social opportunities include Community Groups and Social Clubs. We also offer unique get togethers each quarter to foster friendships and encourage networking. These socials include dance parties, picnics, and recreational fun!
Many of our social opportunities are FREE to attend, but registration is required.
This in-person social has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 18 and up
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Choose a location (Matthew 25 Ministries, Sweet Cheeks Diaper, or Action Ministries)
Description: World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 (3/21) to symbolize the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome present in people with Down syndrome. To celebrate, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's adult program is giving back to the community! Grab a friend or family member to volunteer alongside you, and sign-up for one of the three volunteer projects.
This in-person social has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 6:30 – 8 PM
Location: Down Syndrome Association (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio)
Description: Join us for an evening of art and appetizers! Each participant will get to distress, hammer, stain, and paint a custom wood art piece for you to take home! Light appetizers, desserts and refreshments will be provided!
Learning Objectives:
This in-person social has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Ages: 0 – 5 (and their families)
Dates: Saturday, April 25
Time: 4 – 6 PM
Location: Big Blue Canopy (11230 Cornell Park Drive Blue Ash, OH 45242)
Description: Join us in welcoming the newest families to our organization and amazing community! This event is for ALL Early Matters families (ages 0 -5) – siblings of all ages are encouraged to attend! Together, we will enjoy dancing, entertainment, dinner, and networking. This event will keep the kids entertained…plus, there is also a sensory room!
Learning Objectives:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays in June & first week of July
9:30 AM - 12 PM • Grades K - 4
1 - 3:30 PM • Grades 5 - 8
**Now offering TWO locations!**
This in-person program has been cancelled /postponed due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
Empower House, 7536 US Highway 42, Suite 2 Florence, KY 41042
As the school year comes to a close, many students look forward to a break from the structure, expectations and demands of school. However, students with special needs, are at higher risk of experiencing difficulty in retaining skills learned through the academic school year after extended time off from school, such as summer months or spring break.
This is commonly referred to as “the summer slide.” These extended interruptions break the rhythm of instruction, lead to forgetting, and require a significant amount of review of material when students return. Ultimately, the student's skills regress. Likewise, recoupment (i.e. regaining skills lost over such periods of time) may take longer. This cycle of regression/recoupment poses a hindrance to our children's academic success.
Our summer tutoring program is offered to expand learning time for children with Down syndrome. It is led by high-quality certified special education instructors. The tutoring program will be individualized and customized via parent/caregiver desires. There will be a certified special education teacher and three educational aides (students who are in college for special education) per session.
Prior to the beginning of tutoring, parents will have an opportunity to interact 1:1 with the lead teacher to discuss the parent's goals for the summer tutoring session. Our team of teachers will meet on a separate day prior to tutoring to create each child's individualized plan. IEP's and any other information that parents wish to share will be reviewed as well.
July 20 - 24, 2020
Saint Xavier High School
8:30 - 9:45 AM • Session 1 | 10:05 – 11:20 AM • Session 2
11:40 – 12:55 PM • Session 3 | 2:00 – 3:15 PM • Session 4
3:35 – 4:50 PM • Session 5
iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Riders attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters”. Over the course of the week, we continually adjust the bikes in an effort to challenge riders balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.
Parents, teachers and therapists describe our results as 'miraculous'. Many of our riders have tried for years to learn to ride a bike without success. In one week, approximately 80% of riders will learn to independently ride a two-wheel bicycle. The remaining 20% make tremendous progress towards that goal.
Success in learning to ride a bicycle is a major milestone in anyone's life. When learning has been a struggle, the accomplishment and its impact is much greater. We observe that learning to ride a bicycle infuses the rider with confidence and an improved self-image that has a positive ripple effect into many other aspects of their lives. Their families benefit in many ways and volunteers are positively impacted by the experience as well.
June 26 - 28, 2020
2 PM Friday - 11:30 AM Sunday
Xavier University
This in-person social has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to check out our virtual programs starting April 6. If you have already registered for a program or event, we will send specific correspondence to you via email in the coming weeks.
The Independent Living Retreat (ILR) is a weekend-long experience for adults with Down syndrome looking to gain their own version of independence. The retreat provides opportunities for community service, learning new skills, making friendships and overall growth. There is a strong emphasis on developing and working through individual goals.
Retreat attendees will spend the weekend in an apartment-style dorm located on Xavier University's campus. Attendees will share a living space with 4-6 roommates, including volunteers. The ILR team carefully reviews the history of each attendee and makes accommodations to provide a safe and comfortable setting for everyone.
Spring Program Registration
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Spring Program Registration
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