DSAW reflects on the last month of 2021! Our chapters hosted holiday fun for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities and their loved ones. Central WI got their families moving with a physical activity scavenger hunt, Fox Cities celebrated their office remodel, La Crosse enjoyed a sensory-friendly light show, and there’s so much more! Read on for all the details!
Happy Holidays!
Holiday Fun Across The State
Kris Kringles with Kitty
DSAW- La Crosse hosted a virtual cookie baking party for DSAW families across the state! A La Crosse area chef, Kitty, hosted the class and taught everyone how to follow a cookie recipe. Everyone had a blast! Thank you DSAW- La Crosse for hosting this fun and free event!
Physical Activity Scavenger Hunt
DSAW- Central WI had a wonderful time teaming up with UW-Stevens Point to host a physical activity scavenger hunt! Children and adults with Down syndrome paired up with UWSP physical education students who guided them through the scavenger hunt. Participants were given a list of challenges like dancing, throwing a ball, completing an obstacle course, etc. and took a selfie when it was completed. Thank you to UWSP for hosting this event and partnering with us!
DSAW- Southeastern Holiday Party at Noel Christmas Expo
DSAW- Southeastern hosted a holiday party for families at Noel Christmas Expo! Families got to see their friends and enjoy the enormous indoor light displays. There were holiday treats and of course gift bags! While we missed our usual holiday party at the office, this experience was very cool and magical!
Neville Public Museum Christmas Exhibit
DSAW- Green Bay hosted families at the Neville Public Museum. There were many cool things to see, but the main attraction was the “Holiday Memories of Downtown Green Bay” exhibit. Families also had a chance to check out the Christmas Market too!
Fox Cities Holiday Open House
DSAW- Fox Cities had an “office warming” for their newly renovated headquarters! Families were invited to an open house that included holiday-themed games, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa!
Sheboygan Holiday Bowling Party
DSAW-Sheboygan families celebrated the holidays at Odyssey Fun Center! Families enjoyed bowling and catching up with each other.
All Abilities Night at the Rotary Lights
DSAW- La Crosse partnered with La Crosse Area Autism Foundation to host a night of sensory-friendly fun at the Rotary Lights for their families. It was all the magic and fun of the usual light display, but the music was a little softer and there were not any flashing lights. The night also included s’mores and a visit from Santa!
Program Updates
Skills Training Academy
DSAW Skills Training Academy participants had the opportunity to learn about giving back to others in our community. They made blankets with a purpose for a non-profit called Project Linus. Project Linus helps provide security through handmade blankets for children in need. The Project Linus mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
The participants made 6 tie blankets that will be donated to the Project Linus organization! We are so proud of them!!
Social Skills Group
This month, DSAW’s Social Skills Group continued building their Calming Tool Boxes. They spent time learning different strategies (or tools) to help keep their bodies and minds calm when they are stressed!
Virtual Christmas Karaoke
DSAW and MADSS friends logged onto Zoom to celebrate the holiday season! They swapped cookie recipes, played Christmas games, and then shared their talents with some festive karaoke. Thank you to all who attended!
Super Saturdays
Our Super Saturday group got together for a holiday party at the DSAW Office. The group enjoyed snacks and treats, crafts, and festive fun!
Webinar: Exploring Assistive Technology
Kellie Bews, a Southeastern Wisconsin Solutions Consultant for Tobii Dynavox, presented on new Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). She explained how ACC works, who might benefit from ACC, and then introduced the process of getting diagnosed and incorporating ACC into your loved one’s life.
