19th annual down syndrome walk takes place in La Crosse
Fox Cities Down Syndrome Awareness Walk raises over $100,000 to support local families
DSAW HOSTING ANNUAL WALK
No Limits: Ability Awareness Week events continue through Saturday
FINDING A JOB MADSS SEGMENT
MYTHS ABOUT HIRING PEOPLE WITH DS
WHAT IS MADSS?
Children with disabilities get helping hand at UW-La Crosse
DSAW- LA CROSSE SPONSORING BIKE CAMP
DSAW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
'Donut worry, be happy:' Wauwatosa teen has own Cranky Al's donut
How to help the Down Syndrome Awareness Walk as it goes virtual
Talking About Down Syndrome with Typical Siblings
by Kurt Reising
Explaining Down syndrome to young siblings is a difficult but necessary conversation to have. My daughter Audrey was born with Down syndrome when my son Clayton was two. He had no idea or reason to suspect that there was anything different about his little sister. This began to change as Clayton became older and more perceptive. He started to wonder things out loud, innocently asking things like when Audrey would talk.
My wife, a registered nurse, eventually had a conversation with Clayton and explained to him, in terms he could grasp, that Audrey has Down syndrome. She was sure to let him know that she was not in any pain, but just wasn’t going to be able to do things as soon as other children normally learn to do them. This conversation was only the beginning, but I believe it started Clayton on a path to being the best sibling he can be for Audrey.
Brian Skotko, Sue Levine, and Richard Goldstein performed a study that showed that nearly ninety percent of older siblings believe they grew up to be better people because their younger sibling has Down syndrome. Communicating with your child lets them understand their sibling, and also understand that they can ask about things. This can lead to them becoming a helper in raising their sibling. Clayton does not know it yet, but just being a good brother is an opportunity for him to learn about inclusion and empathy, and ultimately be a better person.
Being an older sibling already carries a burden of responsibility, and this can be magnified if your younger sibling has Down syndrome. This is something my son gets frustrated with, and is still learning to deal with. Sometimes Audrey is naughty or gets into his things. Clayton sometimes feels frustrated that she does not always understand that he is upset when she does things that are against the rules. Though I know that this scenario is not so different from scenarios had by any set of siblings, there is a difference when one of the children has Down syndrome. Clayton has to be reminded that Audrey loves him, and though it is unfair; he needs to be reminded that Audrey does follow his example, so he should try to set a good one.
We try not to put Clayton in a position where he feels obligated to act differently, but this is somewhat unavoidable as Audrey does feel that she can do anything she has seen her big brother do. I like to frame it positively, making sure to point out how Audrey thinks Clayton is pretty cool. There can also be feelings of jealousy, as Audrey gets a lot of attention from supportive family, friends and even the occasional stranger who wants to meet her. She gets a special day each year where we all go join team Audrey for the Down Syndrome Awareness Walk, and she gets praise for doing things that he has no problem doing. According to the same study cited above, siblings younger than eighth grade are more likely to feel a difference in attention given to their sibling with Down syndrome. Conversations reassuring his importance and specialness are important.
It goes without saying that you will have to have a conversation with typical siblings at some point. This varies with age; in our case we let it go for a while until Clayton was old enough to understand. Even after the initial conversation, I think it is a good idea to try anticipating further questions, so you are prepared to answer those questions in a positive, truthful and accurate way.
Sibling relationships are often contentious, whether or not Down syndrome is involved. Many of the arguments, disagreements, and other strife are common amongst all siblings. This is something that Clayton has to be reminded of as well. Audrey is not taking his toys because she is different; she is actually doing it because she is the same.
Having communication with siblings about these issues allows them to be better equipped to handle their feelings of frustration and jealousy. It helps them be involved, and ultimately creates an informed advocate and protector who will learn empathy, inclusion, and responsibility. Having a brother or sister with Down syndrome can be difficult for a child, but communication and inclusion of siblings will be beneficial to all.
Down Syndrome Walk Raises Thousands for Research and Programs
Looking Back on September 2017
Milwaukee
21st Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was a big month for DSAW!! We hosted our 21st Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Sunday, September 24! It was a beautiful, warm day at the zoo, and we had almost 2,500 people come out to support DSAW and to raise awareness of Down syndrome. Our amazing self-advocates walked the red carpet in our 21 Showcase, we had tons of raffle prizes, lunch, music, games, inflatables, and more! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we surpassed our fundraising goal! We are so humbled and are proud to work for an organization that changes lives every day. Thank you, thank you. Thank you to our volunteers, donors, sponsors, planning committee, families, self-advocates, walkers, and to everyone who made this spectacular day as amazing as it was!
Young Leaders Bootcamp
Throughout August, self-advocates in our Young Leaders Bootcamp rehearsed a musical! On September 6, they got to perform "The Princess and the Dance Crew" for family and friends at our state office. They did a fantastic job - see for yourself!
We also harvested tomatoes and basil from our garden to make homemade bruschetta!
October is Art Month for Young Leaders Bootcamp! We'll be exercising our artistic abilities to make individual and group creations, and we'll work out the right side of our brains learning about art! Bootcamp meets on Tuesday nights at 6pm. Sign up here!
Cooking with the Kiddos
This month at Cooking with the Kiddos we made a yummy meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup. We also baked cookies for the people who came to see our self-advocates perform the play! Cooking with the Kiddos is a fun evening of family bonding, plus a free meal... what could be better?! Cook with us next month and sign up here!
Self-advocate Michelle Levenhagen accepts a sponsorship from Erie Insurance for our Statewide Awareness Walk!
Motor Skills Playgroup
We again hosted our bi-weekly Motor Skills Playgroup at our State office! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other's company. Join us in October to hang out with other families and let your child play!
Young Leaders Academy
Self-Advocates joined us for our bi-weekly Young Leaders Academy twice in September. Every class involves a respite activity such as kickball or yoga, and then ends with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. This month we went hiking near our office! Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime. Come out to Young Leaders in October!
Tween Club
Tween Club in September was super fun! We made key chains and Shrinky Dinks, and we played an exciting game of dodgeball. Parents dropped off their tweens at the State office for the night, and then they got to enjoy a casual night at our Parent's Night Out! Sign up for October's Tween Club.
Parent's Night Out
We hosted our monthly Parent's Night Out at Club Paragon again in September. Join us for next month's Parent's Night Out on October 13th!
Grandparents Group
Grandparents of a loved one with Down syndrome meet at our state office on the first Tuesday of each month! We had a great group in September. Consider joining us on October 3rd!
Green Bay
Monthly Playgroup
For September's monthly playgroup, DSAW-Green Bay joined DSAW-Sheboygan at Henry Schuette Park in Manitowoc! Families came together to enjoy the early fall weather on a huge playground.
Mom's Night Out
DSAW-Green Bay held our monthly Mom's Night Out at Mr. Brew's Taphouse! We enjoyed free appetizers and a night of casual conversation. Couples will be invited to October's Night Out on Sunday, October 22! Sign up here.
La Crosse
Festival Foods Brat Barn Fundraiser
At the beginning of the month, we hosted a Brat Barn Fundraiser at Festival Foods for our Awareness Walk. Volunteers were able to earn money for their walk teams!! Self-advocate Rylee rocked it :)
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was our big month!! We hosted our Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Onalaska Omni Center on Saturday, September 16th. Despite a few drizzles in the morning, we had a beautiful day raising awareness and acceptance of our loved ones with Down syndrome! We had tons of raffle prizes, inflatables, lawn games, a delicious lunch from Big Boar, and 80s music all afternoon! We CRUSHED our fundraising goal and can continue to change lives through our programs and services. A huge THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, walk committee members, planners, families, self-advocates, Walk Royalty, and to everyone who made this day possible. We are so thankful!!
Sheboygan
Playgroup
DSAW-Sheboygan & Surrounding Counties joined DSAW-Green Bay in Manitowoc for a playdate at Henry Schuette Park in early September!
Family Zoo Day
We also had a Family Zoo Day at Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc on September 10th. Several families enjoyed gorgeous fall weather and exploring the zoo.
Chippewa Valley
St. Croix River Valley Parent's Night Out
Parents and caregivers of a loved one with Down syndrome enjoyed free appetizers and a casual night out at Pier 500 in Hudson for our first Parent's Night Out in the St. Croix River Valley area! If you're in Pepin, Pierce, Dunn, St. Croix, or Polk county, join our St. Croix River Valley Facebook page to stay connected and up to date on our upcoming events!
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was our big month!! We hosted our 11th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at Irvine Park on Sunday, September 24. We were Powerful in Pink as around 800 people walked to raise awareness and acceptance of our loved ones with Down syndrome! Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, committee members, planners, families, self-advocates, and to everyone who made our walk a success! We love you!
Central WI (Wausau)
DSAW-Central WI hosted an informational meeting about IEPs in September. Garrett Lancelle and Jessica Raschka let parents in on all there is to know about IEPs, while the kids did activities. We also served lunch!
Fox Cities
DSAW-Fox Cities launched its Teen FrienDS Club program in September! On the second Friday of each month September-May, teens with Down syndrome ages 13-19 are invited to join us at our office in Appleton for movies, snacks, music, games, and more!! While the teens are at Teen FrienDS Club, parents are invited to join us for a Parent's Night Out for free appetizers and an evening of casual conversation.
Kenosha/Racine/Walworth
DSAW-KRW hosted a playdate at Petzke Park in Kenosha! We had a beautiful fall day, and the park is accessible for all children and is huge!!
