Down to Box Demo Class - March 25
Adding a new program, DSAP is partnering with Down to Box which is a fitness program that empowers individuals with Down syndrome by providing them tools to gain skills in coordination, self-defense and physical fitness through boxing techniques. We are holding a "demo class" as part of the instructor training on Friday, March 25 and need 4 volunteer participants to help for the Kids’ Class (ages 6-13) 4:45-5:15pm and the Teen/Adult Class (ages 14+) 5:30-6:15pm 
No experience required- please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. To learn more or sign-up, visit here.

Medicaid and Medicare - Using Both Benefits, A Primer for Dual Eligibles* - Wed, March 30, 2022 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
​Millions of Americans are enrolled in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs and millions more will become eligible over the next few years (possibly someone near and dear to you). These people are referred to as ‘dual eligible’. The impact of these benefits (for Dual Eligibles) is to significantly reduce or completely eliminate the costs of health care - if you understand how to use them to their greatest effect. 
This presentation will:

• Examine the characteristics of dual eligibility 
• The benefits that each program (Medicare and Medicaid) provides
• How each program coordinates with the other
• The special problems that dual eligibility generates and how to effectively deal with those problems 

Presenter: Bill McKendree, Program Manager, Pennsylvania Healthcare Benefit Support Program (PHBSP). Register here.
*Not a DSAP sponsored event.

Speaker Series: Bridging the Gap between Therapy and Home - April 5 at 6pm​
Explore the transition from therapy to home by incorporating the techniques used in the clinic for everyday lessons and activities.  By using these applications in daily settings, you are able to reinforce the therapy in ways that are interesting and appealing.  Learn how to use objects in your home for added layers of learning and help to master new skills for all ages.  Come and learn to think out-of-the-box and have fun while helping your loved one reach their greatest potential! Our speaker, La Taasha Byrd is  the mother of one daughter, Cairo, who has Down syndrome. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida.  As the headmaster at Countdown Academy, an online school for parents of exceptional children, she regularly speaks at conferences and advocates for the special needs community at local, state, and national levels. She also chronicles the journey of homeschooling a child with exceptionality in her Facebook blog, Countdown To K. Register here.

Supported Decision Making for Adults with Disabilities* - Thursday, April 7, 2022 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) allows people with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose.
Attend this session and learn among other things:

• What is Decision Making?
• What is Supported Decision Making?
• What is Decision Making Capacity?
• Health Care and Financial Decision Making Supports

Presenters: Nancy Murray, President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh; and Kelly Darr, Legal Director, Disability Rights PA. Register here.
*Not a DSAP sponsored event.

Let’s talk all things nutrition with our speaker, Althea Bradley, MPH, RD, LDN. We will explore the differences between picky and problem eaters and talk about ways to help manage common GI concerns like constipation and reflux. Bring all your questions for an opportunity to learn how food (and supplements) can transform your child’s overall health and wellness. As a registered dietitian, Althea loves helping families find realistic solutions that enable them to eat healthy foods and live active lifestyles. She also provides Early Intervention services through Positive Steps both in Allegheny County and surrounding counties like Beaver, Butler and beyond. Registration is free and register here.