programs

Looking Back on September 2022

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! For now, we are looking back at a busy September! We hosted four of our eight Down Syndrome Awareness Walks last month and had a great time celebrating our Down syndrome community. Our fall programs began, and participants were busy with Skills Training Academy, Rad Rec Events, and more! Read on to learn all about it!

Down Syndrome Awareness Walks

This September, we had four of our Down Syndrome Awareness Walks in Central Wisconsin, Green Bay, Chippewa Valley, and the Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Each year, DSAW hosts eight Down Syndrome Awareness Walks across the state of Wisconsin, drawing more than 8,000 walkers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners across the State under one collective mission – to raise awareness and promote inclusion, diversity, and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in our communities and in our lives. We are immensely proud of the success of our Walks this year — check out photos from the four September Walks below!

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Summit

Our President and CEO Dawn Nuoffer appeared at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Wisconsin Economic Summit to speak about Building a Robust Workforce. Dawn emphasized that many statistics demonstrate how incorporating more people with disabilities into the workforce benefits everyone!

Skills Training Academy

Our fall programs began at the start of September, and Skills Training Academy in Southeastern WI is happy to be back! Skills Training Academy participants are using the My Full Life curriculum platform to track and log their progress on skill-building in the following areas: Connections, Fun & Talents, Wellness, Getting Around, My Place, Community Engagement, Earning My Way, and Lifelong Learning.

Wellness 360

Wellness 360 also returned in Southeastern Wisconsin this September! This course works on Daily Living Skills while bringing a wide range of recreational activities to people of all abilities ages 18+. So far, Wellness 360 has visited a honey farm, play pickleball, made fresh apple pies, gone hiking, and more!

Small Groups

Our Respite Small Groups are having a great time this fall! In September, we went mini golfing and played billiards! One of our Friday groups also joined the Rad Rec Events group for a dance party!

Rad Rec Events

Participants in our Rad Rec Events series have been very busy — going bowling, watching DC League of Super-Pets at the theater, painting Kindness Rocks, attending Glow Night and competing in a rowing contest to raise money for adults with disabilities, apple picking at Apple Holler and dancing at Lifetime Fitness followed by lunch at the Olive Garden. Everyone is making friends and having fun in the community!

Looking Back on July 2022

We’re looking back at July! It’s been a busy month! We’ve hosted meet-up events, social events, and fundraising events across the state! Our EXTRAordinary Camps have been taking full advantage of the summer and celebrating Carnival Week and Shark Week, among other themes. We now have 10 small groups running every week in Southeastern WI! Read on for all the details!

Fox Cities Park Meet-Up

DSAW-Fox Cities had our 2nd summer park meet-up at the Sherwood Splash Pad this month! It was a bit cool for the kids at the splash pad, but everyone still had a great time. Our next meet-up is on August 20th at Erb Park!

South Central Small Group!

DSAW-South Central has started our first-ever in-person small group, and they are quite the musical talents! We are excited to continue the growth of our services in the greater Madison area. Email katieg@dsawfamilyservices.org if you are interested in more information on what’s coming to South Central WI!

South Central Golf Outing

DSAW-South Central also held an extremely successful Golf Outing this July at The Oaks Golf Course. Golfers had the chance to beat WKOW's senior chief meteorologist Bob Lindmeier on a hole to be entered into a prize drawing. You can read more about it at WKOW 27! It was a wonderful day of golfing in support of DSAW -- special thanks to all of our staff and volunteers that made it possible and to our attendees and sponsors for their support!

Southeastern WI Down Home BBQ

This July, we hosted our annual Down Home BBQ at DSAW HQ in West Allis. It was a great summer day filled with food, music, games, water fun, crafts, and more! We are so grateful to our volunteers that made the day run smoothly!

Southeastern WI Milwaukee Milkmen Game

This month, DSAW had a perfect day to be featured as the Milwaukee Milkmen non-profit of the game! We gathered at Franklin Field to watch the Milkmen take on the Sioux City Explorers, and our friend Nate threw out the first pitch and got it right over home plate!

EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp!

Our North Camp has been filled with lots of fun and learning! We’ve had field trips to the science museum, the beach, wetland reserve, and bowling! Participants have been making paper, lemon volcanoes, painting, swimming, and much more.

We had so much fun at MKE camp this month! Week one in July was Carnival Week where all participants got to play different carnival games, make their own snow cones, and got to be apart of an Improv performance with Bob Orvis. Week two for this month was Shark Week where they learned about all different kinds of sharks and summer safety, learned about big emotions, played pin the fin on the shark, and played shark volleyball. Week three was Games Galore where they learned about respect, decision-making skills, and got to play a lot of different games. The last week for this month is Water Week where they got to have a water day at DSAW, water gun painting, water balloon fight, sponge relay races, played duck duck splash, and so much more!

East Camp is having SO much fun playing games, celebrating Carnival Week & Shark Week, and our second field trip to the waterpark! We invited in some new friends this month to our camp and taught them all about teamwork and being a good sport!

Rad Rec Events

We have been having a blast in our Rad Rec events which included Improv with Bob Orvitz, a Chinooks baseball game, swimming at Muskego Park and at Ingleside indoor waterpark, hiking at Lapham peak, bowling and a dance party at Lifetime Fitness. Thank you to all who participated and to the staff who have helped with the fun!

Social Skills Group

Social Skills groups this month learned how friendships are like flowers and then visited the Milwaukee Domes, learned about respect and then played outdoor games at the office, learned about lifting up their friends while knocking down pins at the bowling alley, and learned about the importance of quality time while hanging out with their friends at the local park!

Small Groups

We now have 10 small groups up and running each week! Our small groups have been busy with art projects, playing pool, picnics in the park, bowling, mini golfing and more! Want to get involved with a small group? Contact info@dsaw.org for more info!

Looking Back on June 2022

We’re looking back at June! It was a busy month all across the state with the kick-off of our summer programming, several fundraiser events, and more fun! DSAW-South Central started their first-ever in-person program, while Fox Cities hosted their 2nd Annual Down for Golf Outing! EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp learned about space, music, and more this month and went out for a bowling trip. And so much more! Read on to learn more.

Green Bay Friendship Group

In Green Bay, the adult friendship group enjoyed a day in the sun and went Frisbee Disc Golfing! We will be hosting more of these friendship group events in Green Bay in the future! Please email abigail@dsaw.org for info or to sign up!

Sheboygan Music & Movement Spring Sessions

DSAW-Sheboygan is teaming up with Take Note Studio to provide free music and movement lessons for children with DS under 7! This program had its first few sessions this month and everyone is enjoying moving and grooving. The chapter will host an adult version of this program SOON! Please email abigail@dsaw.org with any interest.

DSAW-Fox Cities News

June was an exciting month for the Fox Cities! We kicked the month off by taking part in the Little Chute Cheesefest Parade! myTeam Triumph, an incredible nonprofit out of Howard, WI joined us with their race chairs to give participants a break from walking in the heat. We had such a blast!

The Fox Cities chapter closed out June with our 2nd Annual Down for Golf Outing! What an amazing turnout we had! Special thanks to the Vosters & Knackers families for hosting this wonderful event - we had an entire afternoon and evening of golf and fundraising. We haven’t finalized fundraising numbers yet, but we are hoping to beat last year's total by at least $5!

DSAW-Fox Cities Meet-Ups

Our first summer park meet-up was held on Saturday, June 18th at the Washington Park Splash Pad in Neenah! Families joined for a casual morning of fun and friendship. We hope to continue growing this event, with our next park meet-up scheduled on Saturday, July 16th at the Sherwood Park Splash Pad. Join us!

Our first Parent’s Night Out of summer (right) was held on Sunday, June 26th at Wilder's Bistro. Several parents celebrated an evening out while enjoying good conversation and food. Our next night out is scheduled for Sunday, July 31st at Cannova's Pizzeria in Neenah. Please RSVP to attend!

South Central Begins In-Person Programming!

No pictures yet, but we're off to a great start with our first ever in person class in South Central Wisconsin! Our Social Skills class is gathering every Thursday, and Katie, our Program Coordinator, says the class is “teaching me as much as I'm teaching them :)”. Are you in the greater Madison area? Join our new in-person programs!

Summer Rad Rec Events have been going well! We have done events such as mini golfing, yoga, visiting Mayfair Mall, and bowling. We have more awesome Rad Rec Events planned for July — find more info here!

MKE Social Skills groups participated in yoga and have went on two outings this month including Mini Golf! Social Skills and Rad Rec Events also collaborated on a trip to Retzer Nature Center!

Romine's and Shepherd's hosted a pool tournament in the Milwaukee area in memory of Dan Hau and to raise money for DSAW!! Thank you to the Powers family, Kevin Stanelle, and Dave Dahle for organizing this wonderful event that raised $5,000 for DSAW!

EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp

MKE EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp, DSAW’s 2022 summer camp, is still having lots of fun and making new friends!! Participants learned about all things space, music & movement, and sports this month! Each group went on their first outing which was bowling and had an awesome time.

EXTRAordinary Adventures Camp East is making new friends and learning about space and music! The first field trip to the JCC waterpark was very successful for a 90-degree day! SO many smiles (& hugs)

Dinner and a Movie

At Dinner and a Movie, participants enjoyed a delicious meal together and watched Hook. This is a FREE event offered in Southeastern WI the last Wednesday of every month! Find out more about July’s Dinner and a Movie here!

Looking Back on May 2022

We’re looking back at May! We have so many fun programs and events planned for the summer, but here’s a recap of what was going on this month. Wellness 360 and Skills Training Academy wrapped up their spring sessions in Southeastern WI, small groups celebrated the beginning of summer, and our clients accomplished more wonderful milestones! Read on to learn more!

DSAW Enrichment Grant

Our Enrichment Grant Program provided a grant for this DSAW family to build a fence to safely play outside this summer! The Enrichment Grant Program provides financial support to help offset the cost of items or services that can benefit the quality of life and development of a person with Down syndrome. Grants should be specific to individuals with Down syndrome -- examples include therapies, educational events, adaptive technology, and educational programs. Find more information and apply for an Enrichment Grant here.

Client Spotlight

We want to celebrate some awesome accomplishments from two of our DSAW clients during the month of May. Brittany invites us to celebrate with her client Griffin, as he graduated high school this month! Also, Becki brought a group to see Katya star in East Side Story at Waukesha Civic Theatre with the ACAP PlayMakers.

Skills Training Academy

STA participants have been having fun all month long learning about each other’s Fun & Talents! Some activities have been making a tornado in a jar, making moon sand, glue art, music bingo, sports day, making frozen blueberry yogurt bark, fashion design, games, making bracelets, drawing, and dancing! Skills Training Academy is a hands-on program occurring 2 days per week at DSAW HQ with small group daily living skills, computer/media development, fun activities, games, and so much more!

Wellness 360

May was our last month of this session of Wellness 360, and we learned about how to continue healthy lifestyles after Wellness 360 ends! We also partnered up with Nicolet High School for a big game day of kickball, red light green light, and showed great teamwork to get the tire up the hill to watch it roll down! Wellness 360 is our new unique mind and body group fitness class in Southeastern WI. It offers participants the opportunity to participate in workouts and learn all about whole person wellness and how to incorporate it into their lives!

Saturday Fun Days!

In May, our Saturday Fun Days brought us together in Southeastern WI and Fox Cities to celebrate the arrival of summer! In Southeastern WI, we held our Saturday Fun Day at The Springs Waterpark at The Ingleside Hotel for a day of swimming and slides. In Fox Cities, we had a summer celebration with crafts and treats!

Small Groups

DSAW Small Groups across the state had a busy May! One of our small groups went mini golfing and painted gifts for their moms at Vibez Art Studio in Greendale. Another group in Fox Cities celebrated “April Showers Bringing May Flowers” with spring-themed crafts. Another one of our groups volunteered three times at an elementary school in Wauwatosa!

Summer Programs Registration

Summer programs registration is now open! This year, we are offering DSAW Connects virtual classes for the entire state of Wisconsin and in-person programming in Southeastern WI, Fox Cities, and South Central WI. Summer programming at DSAW runs June 13th through August 26th unless otherwise noted.

Looking Back on April 2022

We’re looking back on April! As the weather warms up, we are preparing for summer programs — registration is open now! This month, we hosted a great Down Syndrome Summit with National Down Syndrome Congress and UW-Stevens Point, learned about teamwork in Social Skills Group, and practiced our Culver’s orders in the Fox Cities. Read on to learn all about it!

NDSC Down Syndrome Summit

We had a fantastic Down Syndrome Summit with National Down Syndrome Congress and UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, April 23rd! We are so grateful to all of the AMAZING members of the DSAW community and the broader disability community in Wisconsin who attended and made this program a big success.

Thank you to all of our wonderful speakers for sharing their resources and knowledge with us: Susanna Miller-Raines from Think College, Paige Parr from Project SEARCH, and Chris Newlon and Tamara Pursley from National Down Syndrome Congress.
Thank you to the parents and community members who make up the DSAW-Central WI Advisory Board for their influence and effort in planning this event and for their commitment to community education.
Thank you to National Down Syndrome Congress and their Rural Outreach Program for making this day happen and providing resources for all attendees.
Thank you to UW-Stevens Point for collaborating with DSAW and NDSC and donating space for our event.

Culver’s Outing

In the Fox Cities, our staff organized a group outing in which participants enjoyed a meal at Culver's! Participants pre-planned their meals and practiced ordering and paying.

Participants proudly followed the steps, and after they ate, self advocate JP typed on his talker without anyone noticing and walked up to a Culver's employee. JP was trying to show him his iPad screen. The DSAW group asked him to come sit back down and, when returning to the table, asked what he was trying to show the employee. JP showed the screen of his talker, and he had typed, “John Paul Job.” He was pointing at the table, as to say, “here”. “I want a job here” 💙💛

Social Skills Group

DSAW’s Social Skills Group is a hands-on program occurring 1 day per week at DSAW HQ in Southeastern WI with small group daily living skills, fun activities, games, and so much more! In April, Social Skills Group learned about teamwork and wrote some positive words to spread kindness around DSAW!

Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy is a hands-on program occurring 2 days per week at DSAW HQ with small group daily living skills, computer/media development, fun activities, games, and so much more! This month, STA participants have been learning about how to make conversations with peers, understanding body language and facial expressions by playing a telephone game, having 1:1 conversations, and participating in a Lego communication challenge activity. STA participants also made some spring flowers to help brighten up the office!

Wellness 360

Wellness 360 is our new unique mind and body group fitness class in Southeastern WI. It offers participants the opportunity to participate in workouts and learn all about whole person wellness and how to incorporate it into their lives!

Saturday Fun Days!

Children's Saturday Fun Day had fun enjoying the outside weather playing kickball, basketball tic-tac-toe, and drawing with chalk. They also played group games, did a spring craft, and sang some karaoke! Adult’s Saturday Fun Day got to visit the Milwaukee County Zoo!

Creative Corner

Creative Corner is a FREE virtual art class that will use everyday objects around the house in different craft projects. This month, Creative Corner made some crafty Easter bunnies!

Summer Programs Registration

Summer programs registration is now open! This year, we are offering DSAW Connects virtual classes for the entire state of Wisconsin and in-person programming in Southeastern WI, Fox Cities, and South Central WI. Summer programming at DSAW runs June 13th through August 26th unless otherwise noted.

Looking Back on March 2022

We’re looking back on March! Can you believe it’s already April?! We started spring with even more fun classes, events, and gatherings all over Wisconsin! DSAW chapters around the state celebrated the Best Day Ever — World Down Syndrome Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and a lot of other awesome outings and classes!

World Down Syndrome Day

This month, we got to unite with the Down syndrome community around the world for World Down Syndrome Day! Since people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, 3/21 is set aside as a global day to raise awareness, acceptance, and access. DSAW’s WDSD theme celebrated the Best Day Ever and all of the things that make our community the Best Ever — from meaningful jobs to fun-loving friendships to amazing dreams.

DSAW-Chippewa Valley celebrated with a full day of fun at Action City Trampoline Park and Chaos Water Park! Over 200 people celebrated with us!

DSAW-La Crosse threw an awesome WDSD party at Myrick Park!

DSAW-Central WI teamed up with our local GiGi’s Playhouse for a WDSD celebration at Rainbow Play Systems!

In Northeast WI, we planted flowers to see how they will grow for 21 days!

Super Saturday

Our Super Saturdays continued with a bowling party in March! Super Saturday is a monthly outing for self-advocates 18+ in Southeastern Wisconsin. This month, we put on our bowling shoes and visited Alpine Lanes in Muskego. Look out for more info on April’s Super Saturday coming soon!

Skills Training Academy

DSAW’s Skills Training Academy is a hands-on program occurring two days a week at DSAW HQ! This program focuses on daily living skills, computer/media skills, activities, games, and much more! One of our recent Skills Training Academy topics was connections and friendships. Participants learned and demonstrated how to be a good friend, and everyone took the 5-Finger Friendship Challenge!

St. Patrick’s Day

We had the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day this year! One of our online courses completed a shamrock craft for the holiday, one of our small groups celebrated with lunch and dancing, and Fox Cities Saturday Fun Day had a scavenger hunt for treasure and played bingo!

Wellness 360

Wellness 360 is our new unique mind and body group fitness class in Southeastern WI. It offers participants the opportunity to participate in workouts and learn all about whole person wellness and how to incorporate it into their lives! This month, Nicolet joined Wellness 360 for some cardio drumming!

Cookies & Canvases

DSAW-Fox Cities hosted a Cookies and Canvases activity in March! Everyone created a beautiful piece of art on their canvas and enjoyed some cookies while they did it!

Dinner & a Movie

DSAW-Southeastern WI now hosts a monthly Dinner & a Movie at DSAW HQ! Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month for this fun night out for adults 18+ with Down syndrome. April’s event is on the 27th!

Looking Back on February 2022

We’re looking back on February! It may be the shortest month, but we packed it full of fun, learning, and friends. DSAW celebrated Valentine’s Day, we were represented at a national conference, and more! Read on for all the details!

Happy Valentine’s Day

In February, we celebrated Valentine’s Day! We had our Virtual Valentine’s Day Party, where attendees created V-Day wreaths and played bingo. Small groups and one-on-one’s celebrated with heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, heart-shaped pizzas, love monsters, and other festivities!

DSAW at DSAIA’s Leadership Conference

Mary West, DSAW's Senior Program Manager, SE WI, attended Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action’s 2022 Annual Leadership Conference in Las Vegas! Mary connected with other Down syndrome organizations across the country and presented on DSAW's aging services in a session titled "Supporting Aging Adults with Down Syndrome and their Families in Your Community." She says, "It was incredible to learn what all the other states are doing & to bring ideas back to Wisconsin :)" Congratulations Mary and thank you for representing DSAW!

Never Stop Learning!

We learned a lot this month! Our Social Skills Group learned about physical wellness with friends, and we had some American Sign Language lessons at the DSAW office! Brittany celebrated President’s Day with her client by learning about presidential history.

DSAW Futures Planning

Our My Full Life™ pilot program continues as a part of DSAW’s new Futures Planning program! As part of the My Full Life™ curriculum this month, self-advocates learned about and built their own first aid kits. Read more about DSAW’s Futures Planning work here!

Awesome Outings

Across the state, February was a month for bowling, sledding, and more fun! Our small groups visited the bowling alley and Monkey Joe’s play center (and celebrated with donuts afterward). DSAW-South Central got in on the bowling fun with a family outing in Janesville. In La Crosse and Central WI, we hosted family sledding parties! Southeastern WI rented out a theatre to watch the 2018 animated movie Smallfoot for this month’s Super Saturday.

Hairspray the Musical!

Our newest chapter is DSAW-South Central WI! Formerly the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, this new chapter covers Sauk, Columbia, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, and Rock Counties! In Feburary, DSAW-SC offered free tickets to self-advocates to see the musical Hairspray at the Overture Center for the Arts!

DSAW-Central WI’s Sledding Party

DSAW-Central WI had a great time at our sledding party at Iverson Park! We enjoyed the beautiful winter day and celebrated Emma's 9th birthday! A special thank you to the UWSP students who volunteered!

Mental & Behavioral Health in Children with Developmental Differences

Dr. Angela Marx, of Peace of Mind, LLC, presented on April 23rd 2020 during a DSAW webinar. We are summarizing the presentation here. Please access the recording of the webinar for further information.

Neurodiversity & Developmental Differences

  • Developmental Differences can cause disability, but Dr. Marx prefers not to call them “disorders”

  • High level definition of neurodivergence is all brains and minds work differently

  • People with developmental differences are neurodivergent

  • People without developmental differences are typically developing or neurotypical

  • Focus on accommodations and how to set up an environment for developmental differences

Mental Health

  • Focuses on social-emotional functioning and development

  • Everyone’s responsibility

Behavioral Health

  • Outward presentation of our mental health

  • Things we can observe and see

  • Focuses on symptoms

Neurodevelopmental Differences

Your child’s neurodevelopmental needs can impact their learning, behavioral, and emotional needs. Left side of the graphic lists difference in brain styles and the right side lists mental and behavioral health. Differences on the left side can impact behaviors on the right side.

On Diagnosis

  • Getting a diagnosis can be tricky

  • Important but not the be all end all

  • All children's develop at different rates

  • All children have “uneven” developmental profiles

    • strengths and weaknesses

    • Especially true for neurodivergent children

  • Early identification vs intervention

    • Acknowledging the diagnosis early on is important, but there isn’t always something to be done right away

    • intervention isn’t always necessary! Might just need support and accommodations

Co-occurring Differences

  • 2 neurodevelopmental differences can occur at once (happens 83% of the time)

    • dual diagnosis

    • EX: motor developmental difference and speech and language difference

  • Medical and Physical health influences developmental and mental health

  • Focus on how the mind works not what the mind can’t do

Experts & Approaches

  • Lots of outdated information around this topic

  • Intervention and Treatment vs Promoting Healthy Development

    • one isn’t better than the other

    • Intervention and Treatment isn’t always needed

    • Dr. Marx prefers Promoting Healthy Development

  • Intervention/ Treatment

    • instances where this is necessary

      • professionals as experts

        • not every professional your child sees will be up to date

      • Focus on “treat” developmental difference, diagnoses, or disorders

      • Focus on “training” the child to act a certain way, match what we perceive as typical

  • Promoting Healthy Development

    • Parents are the experts

    • Not a right or wrong way to develop

    • Support child’s unique development

    • Supports emotional well being and relationships over skill acquisition

Promoting Healthy Development

  • All brains are wired towards growth and optimal development

    • even if you did nothing

  • Focus on social-emotional needs and accommodations for developmental differences

  • Strive to understand unique brain and needs

  • All children need

    • Freedom to play and learn

      • children lean through playing

      • children communicate through playing

      • children do not need to be taught how to play- natural party of their world

      • does not need to involve words or direct teaching

      • meet your child where they are at

      • you can engage with the child just by enjoying them and being yourself as their parent

    • Sense of self and belonging

      • important for parents to understand masking

        • when a child changes natural personality to conform to social pressures

        • child notices they are doing something differently and feels the need to change

        • happens when people try to “train” them

        • causes confusion, communicates that their natural way of being is wrong

        • can also cause mental and behavioral health problems down the line

      • help your child understand their strengths and differences

      • Presume competence

        • the individual knows what is best for them

        • provide support

      • Accept who they are- fully whole human with a bright future

      • Help them build confidence

    • Relationships and connections

      • learn sensory needs and interest to genuinely connect

      • collaborate to establish routines, rules, preferences

      • accommodate for unique communication needs

        • more than speaking words

      • Peers

        • not necessarily same-aged but same interest and social preferences

        • Connect to local resources

Examples of Accommodation/ Support

  • Different than providing a treatment

  • Not focused on changing anything

    • Examples

      • if an individual does not prefer to use words or spoken language, you can learn how the child chooses to communicate (Augmentative and alternative communication)

      • Tap into their natural interests and accommodate their natural learning style - not forcing them to learn like everyone else, honoring processing speed

      • Setting up an environment to support the sensory needs of the child

Challenging & Difficult Behaviors

  • Who defines a difficult behavior?

    • if not disrupting or hurting others don’t take them away

    • if the behavior is hurting and disrupting others, it is most likely an outward expression of internal distress

      • not giving you a hard time but having a hard time

    • No need to change all atypical behaviors

    • Atypical behaviors serve a purpose for the child

  • Meltdowns/ Shutdowns

    • Way to deal with overwhelm

    • Discover stressors and remove them

Developmental Expectations

  • Expectation Gap

    • when we assume that our child should be able to do something that their brain is not ready to do yet

      • Impulse Control/ Sharing & Turning Taking

        • Typically developed around age 5

      • Emotional & Behavioral Control

        • developing into adulthood

    • Expect inconsistency and unpredictable behavior

    • Respect child’s right to say “no”

      • not running the house but respecting their right to express what feels right for their brain and body

Other Influences On Behavior and Emotions

  • Rapid brain growth

  • Abilities are still emerging

  • Sleep requirements not being met

  • Hunger

  • Sense of safety

  • Body states and pain

  • Ups and downs of social and emotional growth

  • Growing power needs

Regulation

  • Expect to see behavioral dysregulation/difficulties

    • all children can lost control in times of stress

  • Co-regulation

    • sharing own calmness to help child calm down

When More Support May Be Needed

  • Sudden/ persistent changes from what is typical

  • Difficulties function or doing things the child has consistently been able to do

  • Increase and consistency in challenging behavior

    • can’t be calmed or soothed in usual ways

  • Child saying that something is wrong or hurts

  • Physical symptoms

    • stomach aches, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, fatigue

Supports

  • Medical Concerns

    • Primary Care Provider

    • Developmental Pediatrician

    • Neurology

    • Gastroenterologist

    • Feeding/Swallowing

    • Ear Nose and Throat

    • Audiology

  • Therapies

    • Occupational

    • Physical

    • Speech and Language

    • Behavioral Treatments

    • Massage, art, Equine

  • Mental Health

    • Licensed Professional Counselor

    • Psychologist

    • Psychiatrist

  • Community-Based

    • case manger

    • Schools (psychoeducational/learning)

    • Local resources

Psychological/ Neuropsychological Testing

  • Identifies unique neurodevelopmental profile

  • Provides diagnoses if needed

  • Provides recommendations

  • Can offer treatment and intervention

  • Offers access to supports and services

Resources

Therapist Neurodiversity Collective

Mona Delahooke, PhD

Dr. Dan Seigel

Ross Greene- Lives in Balance

Parenting Resources

Looking Back on January 2022

We’re looking back on the first month of 2022! We got off to a great start with new classes and continuing programs for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities and their loved ones. Pink Umbrella Theater Co. helped us learn about makeup, our newest chapter DSAW-South Central hosted a Family Sledding Party, and more! Read on for all the details!

Makeup Class with Pink Umbrella Theater Co.

In collaboration with Pink Umbrella Theater Co., we hosted a virtual makeup tutorial this month! Tommy Novak from Pink Umbrella taught self-advocates about makeup application and instructed everyone on how to do an everyday/daytime look. Thank you again to Tommy and Pink Umbrella! Founded in September 2018, Pink Umbrella Theater Co. is the first of its kind in Milwaukee, welcoming actors and artists age four through adult. They set out to be the first professional theater company in Milwaukee to hire Disabled Actors and Artists.

Social Skills Group

This month, our Social Skills group learned more about staying fit and healthy! They talked about the four components that make up a good physical workout — flexibility, balance, aerobic exercise, and strength. They also worked on some fun arts and crafts, including marshmallow painting!

Wellness 360

This month, we started a new class in Southeastern WI! Wellness 360 is a unique mind and body group fitness class that offers participants the opportunity to participate in workouts and learn all about whole person wellness and how to incorporate it into their lives. The class covers a wide range of topics from yoga to hygiene to personal safety and is held at the Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay. You can read more about their first month of classes here.

DSAW Futures Planning

Our My Full Life™ pilot program continues as a part of DSAW’s new Futures Planning program! A pilot group of self-advocates is helping us perfect this exciting new curriculum, which includes a detailed person-centered plan, a robust skills inventory, and independent living skills training. Read more about DSAW’s Futures Planning work here!

DSAW-Green Bay Buddy Up Tennis

DSAW-Green Bay’s successful partnership with Buddy Up Tennis started their January/February session this month! Buddy Up Tennis is an ongoing high-energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and adults with Down syndrome, ages 5+. The January/February session consists of 8 90-minute classes, and no prior tennis experience is needed!

This partnership has been a great addition for DSAW-Green Bay and has even attracted athletes outside of the county!

DSAW-South Central Sledding Day

Our newest chapter is DSAW-South Central WI! Formerly the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, this new chapter covers Sauk, Columbia, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, and Rock Counties! Welcome to our friends at DSAW-South Central! In January, they hosted a Family Sledding Party at Hiestand Park! Families bundled up for an afternoon of winter fun with tubing and sledding.

Small Group Outings

DSAW’s small groups across the state had a number of outings! In Southeastern WI, they had fun making their own blankets, eating out, and visiting Lifetime Fitness. In Fox Cities, small groups played Wii at their office, visited The Fire art studio to paint pottery, and saw the new Spiderman movie!

Other Fun January Activities!

DSAW had a lot of fun during January with Stream Team, Tween Clubs, Monday Night Social Group, and Saturday Fun Day! Check out some pictures below from Fox Cities and Southeastern Wisconsin. They went bowling, sang karaoke, and more!

How to Put Inclusion First in 2022

It’s 2022 and New Year’s resolutions are at the front of everyone’s mind! Maybe you set a goal to make healthier choices, spend more time with your loved ones, or set aside time for self care. The DSAW community offers another resolution to add to your list: level up your allyship by finding ways to make inclusion a priority in your every day life. We promise it will be easier than hitting the gym;)

What is inclusion?

The concept of inclusion is defined as “the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.”

Inclusion is defined differently at different levels. For an example, see the quote below from the National Down Syndrome Society about an inclusive educational environment:

Inclusion is a philosophy of education based on the belief in every person's inherent right to fully participate in society. Inclusion implies acceptance of differences. It makes room for the person who would otherwise be excluded from the educational experiences that are fundamental to every student's development .” (National Down Syndrome Society)

While many definitions exist to answer the questions of “what makes an inclusive work environment” or “what makes inclusive legislature,” this article will focus on how the average citizen can increase their awareness of inclusion through every day actions.

How can I actually be more inclusive?

For the average person, being inclusive essentially means being considerate of others and following basic social rules like not parking in the accessible spaces if you don’t need them. You can definitely take it to the next level though! See our list below for easy ways you can put inclusion first and be an ally!

  1. Knowledge is Power: It is important to understand the history of inclusion and those with disabilities as well as the areas the community is currently focusing on. You can stay up to date on the topic of inclusion so easily with modern technology! See our inclusion resource links below for a starting point.

  2. Start the Conversation: An easy way to grow your understanding of those with disabilities is by having conversations with loved ones or community members (as appropriate) who have varying abilities. It is always best to get your info from the disability community directly when possible because it is empowering to those in the community and you’ll get the most accurate answers.

  3. Challenge Stereotypes: Identifying misinformation about those with disabilities in a conversation is a great way to share your knowledge and help change social perception. (EX: share your loved one’s success stories, call out the use of slurs, correct people who use outdated terminology or promote the belief that people with disabilities are unhealthy or less capable of contributing to society.) This might look like changing your own language as well.

  4. Take It Literally: If you know someone with varying abilities in your life, an easy way to be inclusive is simply including them in activities that are already on your social calendar! Extend an invitation to a social gathering you’re attending, introduce them to different social groups you are a part of, and ask questions and actively listen to them during group conversation. Also, attend the events they invite you to and meet their friends!

  5. Help Ease Social Barriers: Including someone with disabilities socially could also look like helping to ease potential social barriers. For example, if lack of transportation is preventing them from attending a social event, you could offer a ride.

  6. Talk To Your Kids About Difference & Inclusion: Children are the future- they are also naturally curious! Answering your children’s questions about disability and inclusion honestly and openly will help them have a better understanding of the diverse world around them and how to approach people who are might appear different from them.

  7. Inclusion Includes the Parents: Isolation can be a struggle not just for individuals with disabilities but their family members as well. Making an effort to include families who have loved ones with disabilities in your social gatherings will be so appreciated and you’ll probably meet your new best friends:)

Watch our “INCLUSION” playlist on YouTube to hear from DSAW community members about what inclusion looks and feels like.

Does it really make a difference?

Yes! Hearing the testimonies of our friends above shows how doing the smallest things (like passing to someone during basketball) can help all members of our community feel included and happy. Here are some other benefits:

  • Increased opportunities for friendships

  • Reduced isolation and increased safety

  • Increased empathy

  • Shared learning opportunities

  • Positive self-image

Inclusion of those with disabilities also has a quantifiable positive impact on our society. Articles highlighting this are linked in the resource section below.

DSAW also provides educational opportunities for workplaces, classrooms, and healthcare professionals to increase their understanding of disability inclusion. Click here for more info!

Inclusion Resources

4 Benefits of Inclusion in Classrooms

6 Tips To Talk To Your Kids About Disability

CDC Recommendations: Disability and Health Inclusion Strategies

Disability Inclusion: CDC

Disability Inclusion: The Best Actionable Guide and Statistics

“Diversity vs Inclusion:” U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

Do Your D&I Efforts Include People with Disabilities?

Equity vs Equality

How To Include Those With Disabilities

Impact of disability inclusion- GSDRC Applied Knowledge Services

“Implementing Inclusion:” National Down Syndrome Society

“The Benefits of Inclusion”- Easterseals

Why Inclusion Is Important- Special Olympics

Looking Back on December 2021

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.

Watch the recording here!

Read our blog summary!

"Communication for Now Communication for Life – Using Your Resources to Elevate AAC Success"

Kellie Bews , A Solutions Consultant for Tobii Dynavox presented on assistive technology and communication on December 13th during a DSAW webinar. We are summarizing the presentation here. Please access the recording of the webinar for further information.

The Need For Communication Devices

  • 8 out of 1,000 people worldwide cannot use speech to communicate.

  • 2-3 million people in the U.S. could benefit from speech generating devices.

  • Only 5% of these people have a speech device

What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)?

  • AAC is any device, system or method that improves a person’s ability to communicate effectively and participate in the world around them.

  • Can be implemented any time, but usually earlier in the care process is better

A Communication System Should:

  • Increase participation in all environments

  • Support timely interaction

  • Provide meaningful language to the recipient

  • Support language and literacy development

  • Encourage successful day-to-day, face-to- face, real-time interaction

  • Be age and level appropriate

AAC Myths

  • Choosing to use an AAC system is giving up - “the easy way out”

  • AAC will hinder speech and language development

  • AAC is an individual’s sole communication modality

  • The focus of AAC use is the assessment of devices and focus on technology

How do I know if someone could benefit from AAC?

Full Communication Success Screen Here

  • Does the individual have a diagnosis that puts him/her at risk for speech or language challenges? (ASD, CP, aphasia, ALS, etc.)

  • Does the individual have less than 20 words/signs/ signals that can be understood by unfamiliar listeners?

  • Does the individual have difficulty communicating his/her ideas (e.g., asking for a desired item, telling a story, expressing an idea)?

Goals of AAC

  • Communicating successfully NOW

  • System that will be used for long-term communication (this may change as individual progresses

  • Development of language and speech production through AAC use

The Process

  • An individual has been identified as a possible AAC candidate by the team

  • Referral for AAC evaluation

  • Outpatient speech language pathologist

  • Speech Language Pathologists in your school district

  • District Contact Person (larger districts)

  • CESAs

  • AAC Referral Forms - beneficial for outside evaluators, i.e., private therapy clinics, outpatient SLPs

What is SGD Evaluation?

  • Answers the questions:

    • Why does this individual need a SGD?

    • How they are communicating in their natural environment?

    • Which features of an SGD are required to match their abilities and compensate for their areas of need?

Choosing a Communication System

  • One size does not fit all

  • Assessing Strengths/Weaknesses

    • cognition

    • language

    • motor

    • sensory

What Does Success Look Like?

  • Increased attention to interactions

  • Initiation of communication

  • Use of more vocabulary

  • Longer interactions

  • Use of more tools or pages

  • Enjoyment of interaction, and/or

  • More independence in communication

Online Resources

  • Trial Guides

  • Lesson Plans

  • Core Books

Resources, Resources and MORE Resources @ mytobiidynavox.com

WI Medicaid Recommendations

  • 4-week trial across ALL communication environments – school, home and community

  • Must demonstrate intent to communicate with device

  • Focus on functional communication and conversation – “beyond requesting”

  • Establish recommended equipment to be “least costly alternative”

  • Demonstrated family advocacy

WI Medicaid FUNDING PACKET CHECKLIST

  • Evaluation Report

  • WI PA-DMEA

  • Copy of current IEP

  • Client Information Form

  • Release of Benefits and Assignment

  • Insurance card copies

  • Supporting letters of advocacy

  • Physician Rx

  • Face-to-face physician visit notes (must state need for SGD and performed within 6 months of prescription)

Time and Effort for Success!

Looking Back on November 2021

What has DSAW been up to the past month? Families in Southeastern WI enjoyed a night with friends at the Country Christmas light show. Skills Training Academy continues to work on living skills at the DSAW Office. Green Bay Buddy Up Tennis is preparing for the end of the fall session. Social Skills Group began an exciting new project, and our interns kept the office running.

Giving Tuesday 2021

November 30th was Giving Tuesday! Thank you to all of our life-changing patrons who participated in this worldwide day of giving and chose to support DSAW. Your donations provide a lifetime of care, instruction, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities.

Still want to provide a lifetime of support? Donate here to our Annual Campaign.

DSAW- Fox Cities Small Groups

One of the DSAW- Fox Cities Small Groups spent November making Christmas cards for a local hospital, as well as Turkeys for Thanksgiving!

Country Christmas Lights

DSAW- Southeastern families met up at the Country Christmas light show mid month. Everyone was excited about the new walking path and enjoyed time with friends and family. DSAW was thrilled to host a night of holiday magic for our families!

Program Updates

DSAW- Green Bay Buddy Up Tennis

DSAW- Green Bay loves partnering with Buddy Up Tennis to bring accessible athletics to their area. The chapter covers the cost of participation for families. Here are some highlights from the fall sessions:

Preston and his buddy Charlie were declared Athletes of the Week! Parker, Ollie, and Grayson became “Future Stars.” We are so proud of all players and their buddies!

Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy includes scheduled class instruction and hands-on application of skills. Some of the recent focus areas have been time management, making time priorities, addressing envelopes & correspondence.

DSAW- Chippewa Valley Tween Club

Our first Tween Club was a hit! Local tweens enjoyed pizza and friendship at Sammy’s Pizza in Eau Claire. Participants also created cute winter crafts. Our chapter is thrilled at the success of the program and is looking forward to hosting Tween Club on a monthly basis.

Webinar: Healthy Brain Aging for People with Down syndrome

Dr. Elizabeth Head presented on brain aging in people with Down syndrome and some of the ongoing research studies that people with Down syndrome may be interested in participating in. The webinar was very well-attended and we thank Dr. Head for presenting and all who attended.

Watch the recording here!

Small Groups

DSAW Small Groups are still a hit! These organized friend group enjoyed various holiday-themed events this month.

Learn More: DSAW Small Groups

Meet-up at Petzke Park!

Our DSAW friends in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties finally got together again after many months of programming being on hold. The group met up at a beautiful accessible playground called Petzke Park. Two local moms hosted the group and hope to make these outings happen more frequently. Thank you to our KRW friends for coming out!

Social Skills Group

This month, DSAW’s Social Skills Group began an exciting new project! The group is building Calming Tool Boxes. They have spent time learning different strategies (or tools) to help keep their bodies and minds calm when they are stressed!

“Rainbow Breathing” Exercise

Virtual Watch Party: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

DSAW and MADSS friends logged onto Zoom to celebrate Thanksgiving together! The group watched “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and enjoyed snacks. The group also had some nice discussion about the holidays.

Super Saturdays

DSAW friends visited the Milwaukee Zoo for this month’s Super Saturday! They had an awesome time seeing the animals and spending time out and about in the community.

Looking Back on October 2021

We had a fantastic fall! Families across Wisconsin continued to utilize DSAW Connects and free virtual programs. DSAW- Fox Cities hosted their annual Awareness Walk AND gave their office a makeover. DSAW- Green Bay is sponsoring an adaptive fitness program for self advocates. DSAW- Southeastern WI hosted fall programs in the community, and in-person programs continued at the office.

DSAW- Fox Cities Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

We kicked off the month with the DSAW- Fox Cities 12th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk! Walk Day was a blast and the chapter exceeded its fundraising goal! With the help of the community, DSAW- Fox Cities raised $130,000 this Walk season! Thank you to all of our community members who participated or supported this event! Big thank you to the volunteers as well. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Fall Fun!

DSAW Saturday Fun Days

Our Super Saturday Group went to Lindner Pumpkin Farm for an afternoon of fall fun! The group picked pumpkins, walked the corn maze, and had a great time together!

Creative Corner

Creative Corner made a spooky craft for the season. They used cotton balls to make cute ghosts!

Virtual Family Night: Halloween Party

DSAW hosted a virtual Halloween Party! Attendees got to wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy spooky fun online! The costumes were amazing! Participants drew a haunted house, played Halloween Hangman, and decorated cookies.

Family Fun Day at Lindner Pumpkin Farm

DSAW families were treated to a day at the farm! Over 100 people joined us for a fun, fall day at Lindner Pumpkin Farm. Families enjoyed the petting zoo, corn maze, Big Back Yard playground and pumpkin bowling.

DSAW- Fox Cities Tween Club Halloween Party

DSAW- Fox Cities hosted a Tween Club Halloween Party! Staff and participants went all out with costumes and decorations! They had a fun and spooky time!

Program Updates

DSAW- Green Bay Buddy Up Tennis

DSAW- Green Bay is helping to reduce the cost of an adaptive sports program for local families! The program is called Buddy Up Tennis. Buddy Up Tennis is a clinic consisting of professional tennis instruction and fitness conditioning. Local children and self advocates love the opportunity to pair up with a typically developing community member to learn new skills and have fun!

Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy meets at DSAW’s headquarters in West Allis. It includes scheduled class instruction and hands-on application of skills. Some of the recent focus areas have been learning how to tell time, setting an alarm on a smartphone and a clock, and finding ways to stay active and have fun!

New merch coming soon!

DSAW Work Hub

DSAW is lucky to have a stellar group of interns working at Headquarters this fall. This group splits time between instruction and doing jobs around the office. Some of the recent topics they discussed are workplace behavior, conversation skills, body language, and more! During work time, interns take inventory of various products, help with cleaning projects, and this month, they even got to model new DSAW merchandise!

DSAW- Fox Cities Office Makeover!

Our friends in the Fox Cities spent a Sunday painting their new office! The group tackled the largest, main room and got it all done. The coat of paint makes a huge difference and the results are beautiful. Next staff looks forward to getting new flooring!

Small Groups

DSAW Small Groups had a painting party! This fun-loving group loved the opportunity to get creative in the community.

Learn More: DSAW Small Groups

Social Skills Group

Social Skills Group in Southeastern WI uses hands-on activities to teach participants about concepts related to relationships, behavior, and daily living skills. This group of kiddos is starting to learn about emotions and how their feelings can play into the relationships they develop!

Thank you, DSAW Grandparents Group

Our Parent’s First Call program partners thank members of the DSAW Grandparent’s Group for their generous in-kind donations this month! Grandparents in the group dropped off baby socks, small toys, and books at the DSAW Office to be used in our new parent welcome baskets and expectant parent packs. Thank you for thinking of PFC!

DSAW Webinar: Aging with Down Syndrome & Tips for Promoting Cognitive Brain Health at Every Age

Dr. Donna Marie Fick presented on common issues encountered during aging with Down syndrome. The webinar was a great opportunity for parents and health care professionals to get their questions about again answered. Thank you to Dr. Fick for presenting and the Marjorie Christiansen Foundation for sponsoring.

Looking Back on September 2021

September was WALK MONTH! All of our chapters were very busy prepping and hosting their Annual Down syndrome Awareness Walks all over the state of Wisconsin! In Southeastern WI, Fox Cities, and Madison in-person programming continues and virtual programming went on as usual across the state. Read on for more details!

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DSAW hosted 6 Awareness Walks in the month of September! These Walks raise necessary funds to help keep DSAW chapters running in every region of Wisconsin. All of our chapters thank their sponsors and volunteers as well as anyone who helped fundraise, joined a team, or showed up on Walk Day! DSAW strives to be the best-supported state in the country for people with Down syndrome and their families and we could not achieve that without the help of all of you!!

DSAW- Southeastern WI 25th Anniversary Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

DSAW- Southeastern hosted its 25th Anniversary Down Syndrome Awareness Walk and family festival at the Milwaukee County Zoo on September 26th! We had an awesome turnout and exceeded our fundraising goal of $170,000!! SNAP Poms and Bella Via Dance Troupe gave energizing performances throughout the day. There were carnival games, a rock climbing wall, raffles, and more! Tom Pipines emceed our pre-walk program and 21 Showcase. The highlight of the day was when participants with Down syndrome walked down a red carpet and were celebrated by our huge crowd of attendees. We had a record number of 21 Showcase participants- 70+! We were blown away by the support and generosity of our community! BIG thank yous to everyone who fundraised from home, virtual participants, all of our amazing corporate sponsors, and the 190 volunteers who showed up to make this day happen!

Miss our Walk? You can still donate to DSAW- Southeastern WI here!

Madison Area Down Syndrome Society 20th Anniversary Awareness Walk

MADSS kicked off Walk Season with their Awareness Walk on September 19th. They started their event with a car parade that ended at Olin Park. The Walk and family festival included music, games, raffles, and more! There was a beautiful program that announced MADSS’s accomplishments, thanked sponsors, and celebrated the top fundraising teams. Because of amazing sponsorships and community support, MADSS crushed their fundraising goal and will be able to keep making dreams come true for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Madison area.

Missed this Walk? You can still donate to MADSS here!

DSAW- Central Wisconsin 4th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

DSAW- Central WI held their 4th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at Marathon Park on September 25th! They had an excellent turnout and wonderful weather. The event had a huge raffle with almost 40 baskets full of goods from local businesses. The Board would like to shout-out University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point for massive student participation in this event. The UWSP Dance Team preformed and cheered on walkers as well. Participants with Down Syndrome were celebrated during the 21 Showcase and the Top 3 Fundraising Teams were awarded cash prizes. It was an incredible event!

Missed our Walk? Donate here!

DSAW- Chippewa Valley 15th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

DSAW- Chippewa Valley held their 15th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk on September 26th at Irvine Park. This chapter had a hugely successful fundraising year thanks to wonderful corporate sponsorships. The family festival included live music, a catered lunch, and raffles for all. The Top Fundraising Teams were recognized during the pre-walk rally. The chapter is excited to use their extra fundraising dollars to benefit families in their community!

Missed this Walk? You can donate here!

DSAW- Green Bay 13th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

DSAW- Green Bay had their 13th Annual Awareness Walk in a new location this year- Capital Credit Union Stadium! The Walk was very well-attended and the chapter exceeded its fundraising goal! The family festival included raffles, games, and a 21 Showcase to celebrate participants with Down syndrome. Everyone had a wonderful day raising awareness and acceptance!

You can still donate here if you missed the Walk!

DSAW- La Crosse 19th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

DSAW- La Crosse celebrated Down syndrome awareness and unity at their 19th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk! They created a visual display of their walk theme (unity) by having everyone in attendance wear their 2021 Walk t-shirts. The Walk was held at Myrick Park and had a great turnout. Winners were recognized during a pre-walk rally and then all participants walked along the route.

Missed this Walk? Donate here!

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DSAW- Fox Cities Update

DSAW- Fox Cities promoted their upcoming Awareness Walk on the local news! Dan, a member of DSAW- Fox Cities and a self advocate, spoke with Sam, a DSAW Staff Member, and his sister, DSAW- Fox Cities Client Services Manager Jen, about important fundraising deadlines and what to look forward to at the Walk! We are so proud of them for representing DSAW and getting the word out!

Self-advocate Spotlight: Miranda!

With support from JQ, Miranda was able to achieve her dream of becoming a certified yoga instructor!

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DSAW Program Updates

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DSAW Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy includes scheduled class instruction paired with hands-on application of skills. This class includes time for physical workout, along with some fun and creative activities for our participants. Some of these activities include: fall door decorations, technology trivia, hula hoop exercise, tic-tac-toe basketball, bingo, karaoke, technology memory & practice in creating events using an app. 

Tween Club Is Back!

Tween Club is back in Southeastern WI and Fox Cities!!

This is a FREE program for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities who are under 18! Both locations host it once a month!

More Information & Sign Up

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Virtual Family Night: BINGO Party

DSAW loves hosting virtual fun for families once a month! This month’s family night was Virtual BINGO! Families had a great time getting competitive and having fun online. We are looking forward to the next one already!

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DSAW Small Groups

DSAW Small Groups are a huge success! Participants under and over 18 love the opportunity to develop friendships, meet new people, and explore their communities. This group went out to a delicious dinner together!

More Information

Social Skills Group

Participants create their own SMART goals in DSAW Social Skills Group! This group and groups like it are perfect for individuals who are interested in goal setting, improving their communication skills, and working on social interactions!

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Looking Back on August 2021

Summer is flying by at DSAW! State hosted the Annual DSAW Golf Outing. DSAW- Green Bay held a bike-along along the Fox River. DSAW- La Crosse invited local families to a huge outdoor picnic. DSAW-Sheboygan hosted their Mini Golf & Awareness Walk Fundraiser. Families from all over the state attended a virtual hula lesson and we wrapped up our summer in-person programs in Southeastern WI, Madison, and the Fox Cities. Read on for more!

25th Annual Pip & Homer Golf Outing

On August 11th, DSAW hosted our 25th Annual Golf Outing! Unfortunately due to storms, golfers were unable to use carts on the course during the event, but all attendees received a voucher to come play another day, and many chose to walk the golf course instead. Despite the weather, we still enjoyed the usual activities: putting contests, raffles, a paddle auction, and of course great food.

DSAW is so grateful to all event staff, volunteers, and attendees for coming out and making the best of this day with us. We appreciate the generosity and flexibility of everyone! Thank you to Western Lakes for hosting us, to Pip and Homer for emceeing our event, and to our key sponsors: Erie Insurance, Alpine Plywood Corp, PCI, Cardinal Capital Management, and Sid Grinker.

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DSAW- Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who helped make The DSAW- Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk Fundraiser a huge success on August 28th! We were able to crush our fundraising goals and celebrate incredible individuals and families in our community. Thank you to volunteers, vendors, key sponsors, and everyone who participated!

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Green Bay Bike Along

DSAW- Green Bay hosted a bike along event along the Fox River! Local tweens and teens with Down syndrome rode bikes with their families all the way to Voyageur Park. Then the group had their family play group for the little kids! Thanks for everyone who showed up!

DSAW- Central WI DJ Dance Party

Our Central WI chapter kicked off August with a dance party for teens and tweens. One of our awesome board members hosted the dance. What made the party really special was DJ Andrew Patterson! He is a local DJ who has Down syndrome and the events he plays for us are always the most fun:) Thanks to all who attended!

Statewide Campground Day

DSAW- Fox Cities hosted a day of free admission to Evergreen Campground for people with disabilities and their families. The chapter extended the offer to all DSAW chapters and the event was well-attended by families from all over Wisconsin.

Summer Skills Training Academy

Summer Skills Training Academy came to a close at the end of August. We had the best summer ever and learned so much! This program will pick back up in fall.

DSAW Summer Work Hub

It was sad to see the DSAW Work Hub come to an end for summer. During their time together interns played games to review the major soft skills they worked on- team work, problem solving, flexibility, zones of regulation, strategies, taking initiative, positive self talk, and whole body listening! Everyone was fully aware of their goals that they made at the beginning of hub and everyone showed improvement!

321 Fun Camp

DSAW- Fox Cities completed a 4 week long program called 321 Fun Summer Camp! Participants loved being in the new Appleton WI headquarters this summer. Camp was spent doing many fun things such as bowling, swimming and splash pads, board games, crafts, Wii sports, Just Dance, karaoke, as well as musical sessions with Expressive Therapies and yoga sessions with Be Center for Holistic Mental Health and Healing.

Behind the scenes!

Behind the scenes!

Virtual Hula Lesson

DSAW hosted a virtual hula class with Na Hale Studios! Participants had a blast learning about Polynesian culture and how each hula move represents something. The class learned a dance about going to a party - or hukilau - after a day of fishing. Tina the instructor performed the dance that was in Lilo and Stitch. Participants got to ask her questions too!

DSAW Webinar Series Presents: Inclusive Education: Establishing a Shared Understanding of Why, What and How.

DSAW hosted a webinar called Inclusive Education: Establishing a Shared Understanding of Why, What and How. The content was geared towards educators and professionals in the education field. The presenter was Michelle Lockwood. She is the Director of Positive Behavior Support Services for the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education. She covered what inclusive education looks like in practice and what it takes to make inclusive education happen. Participants had time to ask questions at the end.

Missed this webinar? We have recordings of our webinars for you to access anytime. Please click the link to explore our Webinar Library or to access the recording of Inclusive Education: Establishing a Shared Understanding of Why, What and How.

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DSAW Small Groups

DSAW Small Groups helped these two reconnect after going separate ways following high school! The group had beach days, practiced ordering different food and drinks in the community, went shopping and had a great summer!

Looking Back on July 2021

DSAW is having such a fun summer! DSAW- Southeastern WI continues to run Skills Training Academy from our office. Headquarters opened up to host our first in-person event in over a year- the DSAW Family BBQ! State also partnered with HEAR to host a virtual ASL lesson. Read on for more!

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Green Bay Playgroup

DSAW- Green Bay is back to hosting monthly play groups for families with little ones who have Down syndrome. This month families met up at Titletown District Playground for some fun in the sun.

Our next playgroup is August 14

Summer Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy is up and running at DSAW Headquarters in West Allis, WI!

Highlight: Participants entertained each other with an epic karaoke party! This group is full of stars who have a talent for singing, dancing, and putting on a great show!

Watch video here!

DSAW Family BBQ

DSAW headquarters opened up to host the first in-person program in over a year for the DSAW Family BBQ! Hot Off The Grill preformed awesome live music. We had yummy BBQ food, crafts, contests, and yard games. Thank you to the Self Advocate Committee for hosting the craft table and thank you to our volunteers who helped make the fun happen! Already looking forward to next year!

Virtual ASL Lesson from HEAR

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Thank you so much to Ruth from HEAR for hosting a virtual ASL lesson with DSAW! Our participants loved learning the alphabet and requesting to learn the signs for their favorite words. We even learned how to sign “Milwaukee Bucks!”

Check out our Virtual Hula Class on August 18

DSAW Connects Highlight: Young Leaders

Participants in the Virtual Young Leaders class talked about friendship! They discussed what it takes to be a good friend and what to look for in friendships.
The group also participated in a multi-day discussion about different types of people you might meet while at your job: managers and different types of co-workers and customers. The group is working on learning how to manage those different types of relationships.

Looking Back on June 2021

In-person programming is back on around the state! During June, chapters across the state resumed hosting family meet-ups and playdates. Classes began in Southeastern WI, Fox Cities, and MADSS. All DSAW Awareness Walks are launched and open for registration. Read on for more info!

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Awareness Walk Virtual Fun

The WINNER of our first virtual walk contest, winning a $100 gift card to a business of her choice, was Elizabeth Weber!! Elizabeth signed up for our Statewide Awareness Walk at the Zoo and was randomly chosen out of the several hundred people that have signed up for our Walks!

Stay tuned for next month's virtual challenge!

Rhett’s Believers

DSAW partnered with Versiti to host a blood drive at DSAW HQ in honor of a child in our community who is undergoing chemo treatments. Thanks to everyone who donated! Becuase of you, up to 84 local patients’ lives can be prolonged and/or saved!

If you’d like to donate blood in honor of Rhett, make an appointment at any Versiti donor center and enter the code: “Rhett” into the NOTES section when they make the appointment.

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Green Bay Therapy Playgroup

DSAW- Green Bay is back to hosting monthly play groups for families with little ones who have Down syndrome. June was extra special because they were joined by occupational therapists from Bellin Health. Therapists were able to provide instruction and advice to participating parents free of charge.

Our next playgroup is July 10th!

Summer Skills Training Academy

Skills Training Academy is up and running at DSAW Headquarters in West Allis, WI!

Participants are enjoying making new friends, learning about life skills and wellness, and spending plenty of time outside making the most of the summer weather!

Highlight: Workout Scavenger Hunt! Participants were able to make their workout extra fun buy searching for clues around DSAW! The clues told them what exercise to do next. Check out our Instagram Story Highlight “DSAW” for videos of this program @dsawisconsin

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DSAW Small Groups

Our small group outings have been a huge success! We are so happy to make connections and friendships among the younger participants in our community. These groups focus on getting out in the local area, expanding interests, practicing life skills, and having fun!

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Family Farm Day at Cozy Nook Farm

Farmer Tom and Brittany guided DSAW families around Cozy Nook Farm! Participants learned about dairy cows, how a farm operates, and what the cows eat. Also, participants got to feed the cows and goats and go on a hayride to see the alfalfa field where the food for the cows is grown.

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Corny Jokes & Popcorn Night

Knock, knock! Who’s there?

Families and self advocates had a great time at DSAW’s Virtual Family Night this month. Participants came prepared with joke books and we took turns cracking each other up. We watched a few funny videos too. Participants also discussed popcorn recipes and enjoyed their snack from home.

Looking Back on May 2021

DSAW had a very exciting May! Our summer programming registration launched statewide and includes in-person options in select locations. We hosted a virtual Name That Tune Party for friends all over the state and our Self Advocate Committee hosted a pop-up program. WSG Futsal Club hosted a charity soccer game on our behalf and we got to go cheer on the team. We are excited to plan even more safe programming for you as restrictions are lifted! Read on for all the details!

The DSAW News

Sam and Lilly share what's been going on at DSAW during May.

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Thank you WSG Futsal Club & PCI!

DSAW- Southeastern WI thanks WSG Futsal Club and PCI for hosting a very successful and fun charity soccer game on May 7! We loved watching the team play and cheering you on! Also, a big thank you to everyone who attended the game and participated in the raffles. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated community around us.

Introducing the DSAW Self-Advocate Program Committee

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DSAW has a new group of self-advocates who meet up and share their ideas and experiences so DSAW can become even better! The group hosted a virtual Pop-Up class on May 10th. They introduced the DSAW Self Advocate Committee and defined what they will do. Each self-advocate presented on a topic important to them and shared it with the rest of the group. Here is what they shared:
Tilly: "The Power of Poetry”
Hannah: “How Others Express Their Feelings”
Kathryn: “Social Media Platforms”
Katya: “Your Voice is Your Superpower”
Sam: “Friendships & How to Be a Good Friend”

We can’t wait to see what this awesome group does next!

DSAW Webinar: Transition Workshop

DSAW hosted a webinar for parents across Wisconsin that covered the transition that occurs when an individual with Down syndrome turns 18. It was well attended and thank you to everyone who logged on for the amazing questions. Your participation generated great conversation.

You can access the webinar recording here.

Upcoming Webinar: Advocating for Inclusive Education: Supporting Parents & Families

DSAW Virtual Family Night: Name That Tune Party

Our Zoom Name That Tune Party was a hit! Families from around the state had a great time guessing song titles, lyrics, and albums and competing for bragging rights:) Our playlist featured songs old and new from a variety of genres.

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Milwaukee Milkmen Game Day

DSAW was the featured non-profit at the May 29th Milwaukee Milkmen baseball game! Thank you to the Milkmen and everyone who bought tickets! Jen and Dan K from DSAW- Fox Cities threw out the first pitch!

Free Program Fun

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Stream Team

Stream Team was excited about meeting on Cinco de Mayo so they had a party to celebrate the holiday! The party included a few rounds of Kahoot trivia about Cinco de Mayo.

Mom’s Book Club

DSAW Mom’s Book Club is for moms and female caregivers who want to get together once a month to meet, talk about a positive/inspiring books, and share support. In May, DSAW Mom’s Book Club read “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.

Looking Back on April 2021

Happy spring! A few of our chapters enjoyed the nice weather with outdoor hiking programs. DSAW hosted several virtual events including a virtual open mic night and a webinar series. Read on to see what DSAW got up to around the state this month!

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Volunteer Appreciation

April 18-24 was National Volunteer Week! DSAW is lucky to work with an incredible group of volunteers who truly put their hearts and souls into helping individuals with disabilities and their families.

Thank you, DSAW Volunteers, for the effort, energy, and time you give to our organization. We absolutely could not do it without you!

DSAW- Green Bay Summer Therapy Scholarships Launch

This summer, DSAW- Green Bay is launching a new scholarship program to support families in paying for out-of-pocket summer therapy programs for their loved one with Down syndrome.

Please read the requirements and fill out the form to apply. You will be contacted by DSAW to confirm your scholarship.

More Information & Apply

Thank you to the Green Bay Packers Foundation for sponsoring this program!

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DSAW Webinar Series: Respond Don’t React

DSAW hosted a webinar series during the month of April. The series was called “Respond Don’t React” and was led by DSAW’s Education & Projects Specialist, Chris Gagne. Chris walked participants through Dr. David Stein's book “Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome.” Participants were able to get their specific child care questions answered and the group discussed real-life scenarios.

DSAW keeps recordings of previous webinars for you to access anytime. Check out this webinar recording here.

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Virtual Open Mic Night

DSAW hosts monthly virtual family nights and April’s was an Open Mic Night! This program attracted many young self-advocates from all over the state and even a few friends from other states. Participants sang karaoke songs, danced, and cheered each other on.

Check out the next virtual family night here!

DSAW Family Nature Hike at Retzer Nature Center

DSAW families in Southeastern WI got together on a rainy Saturday afternoon for a guided hike at Retzer Nature Center! A naturalist from the nature center talked to participants about the changes that happen in the environment during springtime. We went on a hike in the woods and participants were able to fill out nature “Bingo” cards to keep track of all the cool things they found. Highlights were seeing a bird’s nest, a turkey vulture, and finding a lot of creepy crawly bugs!

Check out our next family event here!

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DSAW- Central WI Active Moms

This group, from our Central WI chapter, hosts occasional outings (outside and socially distanced) for moms who have children with disabilities in our community.

On April 9th, the group hiked the Ice Age Trail: Emmons Creek Segment. They braved the cold and rain and had a blast getting outside and spending time together.

More outings coming soon!

Mom’s Virtual Coffee Chat

DSAW- Central WI hosted a virtual coffee date for moms and caregivers in the Central WI area. Moms logged on to Zoom and chatted about the pandemic, working from home while raising kids, and their plans once things start opening up. It was such a nice way to connect with friends we haven’t seen in a while.

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Self Advocate Spotlight: Tim

Congratulations to Tim for starting his new job at MOD Pizza! Tim worked with DSAW Family Services to achieve his employment goals. Go, Tim! Your DSAW family is so happy for you!

What’s Going on in DSAW Connects?

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Creative Corner

This virtual class uses everyday objects around the house to create art projects. This month participants recycled cardboard to make cute frogs.

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Travel The Globe

Throughout April in Travel the Globe we finished up our tour of the US and headed out of the country. After learning about a ton of states, we have now traveled to Canada, France, and are currently in Italy.

Free Program Fun

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Stream Team

Stream Team explored some new games this month. The group played a storytelling game, found a new “would you rather” question generator online, and discovered Zoom “Guess Who.”

Mom’s Book Club

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DSAW Mom’s Book Club is for moms and female caregivers who want to get together once a month to meet, talk about a positive/inspiring books, and share support. In April, DSAW Mom’s Book Club read “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah.

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Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Telephone: 414-327-3729
Fax: 414-327-1329
Email: info@dsaw.org

 

Headquarters Mailing Address
1214 Kavanaugh Place
Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Headquarters Office Hours:
The DSAW office is open most days for programs and classes. DSAW staff is currently working in a mixture of in-person and remote work, so please call or email to set up an appointment before stopping by!

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