The Foundation is fortunate to be part of  a wonderful community full of opportunities as well as connected to many sources of information and support for individuals with Down syndrome.

Events

On-going Family Events
Information about various events in the Orlando/Central Florida area can be found on the Central Florida Down Syndrome Meetup site.  If you are a family that has a loved one with Down syndrome and are not currently a member of Meetup.com you can join for FREE and get connected with over 100 families in the Central Florida area at:  http://downsyndrome.meetup.com/51/

ON-GOING!  IEP Support Conference Calls with the IEP Advocate : Monday nights @ 9pm 
This is a new and reoccurring event that is hosted by the IEP Advocate, Pam Lindeman.  If you have questions about your child's IEP, the IEP process or anything pertaining to the design and implementation of your child's educational plan, Pam has started hosting weekly question and answer conference calls.  Even if you don't have anything specific to ask but would like to listen in, you are welcome to join the call. The call in number is 1-218-862-6400 (access code: 303-2901)  Note: This is not a toll free number and you will be charged regular long distance charges unless you have free, unlimited minutes on your phone service.  *If no one calls in by 9:10 the session ends.

 Winter Wonderland - It's a Wonderful Life 2011 on Friday, December 2, 2011 @ 7pm The Foundation will host our second annual holiday party the first Friday night in December.  Pencil the date in your calendar so you can join us for an evening of fun, food and dancing!  REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  The event is for immediate family members only and RSVP (and a confirmation letter from The Foundation) is required.  Click here to register.

Packing a Learning Lunchbox POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO BE POSTED SOON!  Nutrition is critical to learning, growth and healthy development for EVERYONE.  Did you know that the oxidation level for kids with Down syndrome is triplicated and because of this it is extremely important for them to eat a diet high in antioxidants?  Do you know what some of the top food choices are to help with hypothyroidism and cognition?   It doesn't matter if you are packing a lunch for school, the office or a Saturday picnic - what we feed our loved ones with Down syndrome has a dramatic impact on their ability to learn and perform to the best of their abilities.  One of the most daunting tasks for most families is coming up with healthy meals and snacks - especially when trying to come up with a lunch to pack every day.  This seminar will discuss why what you put in the body of loved ones with Down syndrome is so important and give you some healthy recipes, tips and tools on how to best equip your loved one for maximum performance throughout their day and lifetime.   

IT'S BACK!!!  2012 Tournament of Champions Valentine's Bowl-a-Thon!  Sunday, February 12 from 2-5pm @ Colonial Lanes  It's time for our Second Annual Valentine's Bowl-a-Thon!  Mark your calendars and find those bowling shoes!  Last year the Foundation raised over $50,000 to support scholarship programs for our members!  This year promises to be bigger and better than before!  There are many surprises in store for the teams that sign up and come out to bowl down barriers to inclusion!  Team sign ups will start this Fall - don't miss the announcements and your opportunity to support The Foundation.  Register your team here!

World Down Syndrome Day - Wednesday, March 21, 2012  Mark your calendars!!  The Foundation is excited to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome on 3.21.12!   If you have an idea of how your family, business or school can participate in celebrating this day please let us know - we want everyone to have the opportunity to share The Foundation's message of  inclusion and opportunity with our community!