Would you take a break for a few minutes to read about DSAW's important aging initiatives and our partnership with the Arc Wisconsin? We want to support individuals with Down syndrome who are aging, and we want to educate ALL families about aging. These programs are incredibly important, and we need your help to sustain them!
Focus group hosted by DSAW, the Arc, and Wisconsin Upside Down
In 2019, DSAW partnered with the Arc Wisconsin and Wisconsin Upside Down to create new resources and expand our aging program initiatives. Lisa Pugh, Executive Director of the Arc Wisconsin, highlights that "this past year we didn't just work together to create resources in a vacuum, we met directly with families and self-advocates to hear from them about what would help. Out of those meetings and surveys came key information that is helping our organizations to answer questions and increase awareness. We are working to alleviate people's fears and help them plan for the future."
Together, DSAW, the Arc Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Upside Down have created invaluable resources based on the wants and needs of our families. We developed fact sheets for family members, disability professionals, and self advocates. We collaborated to roll out a revamped, online resources library. In October we hosted a popular webinar with Lisa and Leone Murphy, parent/APN/member of the National Task Group on IDD and dementia, about Preparing for Aging & Dementia: Supporting Your Loved One with Down Syndrome.
Lisa recognizes the power of partnering to serve our families the best that we can: "As we learn more about the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia for people with Down syndrome, we are recognizing how families are truly desperate for good information and support. It has been great for The Arc Wisconsin to partner with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin to meet this need."
DSAW is committed to the continued growth of our aging and Alzheimer's programming. The launch of this important program was supported by the generosity of Bader Philanthropies and is sustained by YOU!
When you support DSAW, you support families who face new challenges as their loved ones age. You support self advocates who are living longer lives than ever before!! Will you consider making a gift to DSAW? Let's celebrate Giving Tuesday together.
