During February, DSAW hosted virtual events, webinars, and the usual DSAW Connects classes. We also prepped for next month’s World Down Syndrome Day events!
Notable Woman in Human Resources
Our Director of Operations & HR Abbey Nicholas was named a Notable Woman in Human Resources by BizTimes Media! She has worked for DSAW for 6 years, and in that time, she has helped transform our organization.
Read more about the incredible work she has done with DSAW in the article below!
World Down Syndrome Day T-Shirt Fundraiser
T-Shirt Design (front)
The 2021 World Down Syndrome Day T-Shirt Fundraiser was one of the many ways DSAW plans to celebrate WDSD this year. Adorable t-shirts featuring our “putting the EXTRA in EXTRAordinary” design went up for sale on the DSAW website in preparation for 3/21. Anyone could purchase the t-shirts and a portion of the proceeds from their order benefitted the DSAW Chapter of their choice! At the end of the fundraiser, DSAW sold well over 400 t-shirts!
DSAW Pop-Up Classes
DSAW Pop-Ups are fun classes and events that “pop up” during January- June. You can pick and choose which ones you’d like to attend!
Questions about Pop Up Classes? Contact Mary, Adult Services Manager.
Boundaries: Internet & Social Safety
This pop-up class discussed the definition of social boundaries, including when and how we use boundaries in our everyday lives. The session covered healthy relationships and keeping ourselves safe and unsafe in public and private places including the internet.
Game Night
Participants played fun ice-breaker games, answered jeopardy questions, and ended the night with a guessing game. A great opportunity to strengthen friendships among group participants!
Karaoke and Dance Party
This pop-up was a fun-filled hour with song and dance! The class sang along to karaoke-style songs including, Jonas Brothers, Disney favorites, and Justin Timberlake. There were dance breaks in between the songs that featured the classes’ favorite artists, Pharell Williams, Lady Gaga, and Luke Bryan.
DSAW Webinar: Estate Planning For Families With Individuals Who Have Special Needs
DSAW- La Crosse and Thrivent Financial hosted a statewide webinar on February 4th. Brian Prinsen and Katelyn Doyle, attorneys at Johns, Flaherty and Collins, SC, presented an overview of need-based benefits and covered the use of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session during which attendees had their individual questions addressed by the presenters. The webinar was very well-attended by parents and caregivers around the state.
A Virtual Valentine’s Day!!
On February 12th, the statewide DSAW community celebrated Valentine’s Day with a virtual party! During the evening program, the group got in the holiday spirit by playing Valentine’s Trivia via Kahoot. Participants then followed along and created a “love bird” craft that they could give to loved ones as a valentine.
DSAW- Central WI Active Moms
DSAW- Central WI is committed to producing new programming for caregivers this year! The newest addition is DSAW Active Moms! This is a free program for moms and caregivers that focuses on fitness and fun. The first outing took place at Underdown Recreation Area. The group made the best of the winter weather and went snowshoeing.
The next outing on March 12 will also involve snowshoeing. The group has equipment for you to borrow if needed. Sign up here!
DSAW Webinar: Introduction To Disability Benefits
On February 25th, DSAW hosted a webinar for participants to learn about the resources, services, and programs available to families through Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
Staff from the Disability Services Division of Milwaukee County shared information about benefits and the services they provide for children and adults.
Virtual Support Parent Training
On February 25th, DSAW hosted another session of Support Parent Training with Parent to Parent Wisconsin. The training was conducted virtually and included both Parent’s First Call Training and Prenatal Training. We are so grateful to all who attended! They will go on to make an important difference in expectant and new parents’ lives!
DSAW Connects During February
Read on to see what our virtual classes have been up to in February!
Creative Corner
DSAW Creative Corner has been making the coolest creations this month! Participants made some peacocks out of upcycled materials like household cardboard! Other projects this month included origami dogs, a Valentine’s Day craft, and baby Yodas!
LifeSkills & Laughter
This class discussed Valentine's Day and answered questions like “what doe love mean,” “what do we love,” and “how do we show love.” The class also made cards for the special people in their lives.
Travel the Globe
This class spent February traveling through part of the US! So far the class has virtually visited Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine, Washington DC, Boston, Orlando, and now Texas! After a handful more US states the class will leave the country for some exploration abroad!
Exploring Food
This class is learning how to be prepared when going grocery shopping! The class brainstormed all the different ways to make a grocery list before creating one that included everyone's favorite things to eat. They figured out where the items would be in the store and discussed important things to think about before going grocery shopping.
Here is what they came up with: 1. Check your fridge and pantry to see what you have first. 2. Use what you have to make meals before buying more. 3. Only buy what's on your list. 4. Try to stick with healthy foods. 5. Find the cheaper option as much as you can.
DSAW Free Programs
Tiny Tots
DSAW Tiny Tots meets once a week on Tuesday mornings for songs and signs! This semester, each class focuses on a different color and utilizes videos, songs, and stories. At the end of the class, participants learn a new sign related to their lesson.
Stream Team
This group has been really interested in playing Kahoots this month! The class has used the online trivia game to play “World You Rather,” answer poll questions, and play classic trivia. The group enjoys learning more about each other and strengthening their friendships.
