Down Syndrome Association of PittsburghEnriching the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and supporting their families.
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World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is an annual global awareness day on March 21 that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh invites you to CELEBRATE and DANCE on Sunday, March 20 beginning at 4PM. DJ Eric is back to play your favorite tunes while you "Rock Your Socks" with our virtual dance! We will also have the virtual photo booth going too that we will be showcasing photos throughout the dance! Also, stay on the Zoom for the "After Party" where you will hear from a local self advocate, where he will be sharing his story about being a young adult right here in Pittsburgh! Register here.
More ways to celebrate WDSD, visit our page to learn more! |
Upcoming Programs (For events, visit our EVENTS page)
Speaker Series: Part 2: Barriers to Inclusion - March 23 at 7:30pm
In this 2-Part Series in Session #2, attendees will gain insight and strategies for overcoming barriers to inclusion such as using curriculum adaptations (accommodations and modifications) and important elements of inclusive IEPs. Throughout both sessions, attendees will be given numerous resources and tips on inclusive education. Our speaker, Nicole Eredics is a Board-Certified Inclusive Education Specialist who has spent over two decades supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom. After years of teaching in fully inclusive, general education classrooms, she now draws upon her experience to write, speak, and consult to various local and national organizations on the topic of inclusion. She is creator of The Inclusive Class blog and author of a guidebook for teachers and parents called, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum. For more information about Nicole and her work, go to www.nicoleeredics.com. Register here. |
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. |
PEAL's 21 and Able (powered by United Way) Youth and Parent Panel on Transition to Adulthood!*
Beginning March 15th, come for one or all! Families from across the state will be discussing their experience: Mark Steidi, Disability Rights Advocate and Tina Calabro, Parent (Pittsburgh); LeeAnne Fura, MS, CCC/SLP - Parent and Speech Language Pathologist (Bethlehem); Joseph Smith - Photographer and benevolent individual on the Autism Spectrum (Pittsburgh); Migdalia Neeley (Amber) - Parent and IU 20 Local Taskforce Past President (Monroe). To learn more and register, visit here. *Not a DSAP Sponsored Event. |
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:
*Not a DSAP sponsored event. |
Mom's Night Out - March 31 beginning at 6:15p
RSVP for Mom's Night Out with (DSAP) Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh on Thursday, March 31 beginning at 6:15pm at The Yard located within the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon at 1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. We have reserved their private room, so you can ask for that or my name with you arrive! Also, we get the room at 6p and plan on staying till 9p, so join us when you can! RSVP here. |
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:
*Not a DSAP sponsored event. |
Dad's Night - April 13 beginning at 6pm
RSVP for Dad's Night with (DSAP) Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 13 beginning at 6pm at the Mindful Brewing Company located at 3759 Library Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. We have reserved a section of tables together, so you can ask for Matt with DSAP when you arrive! Also, we plan on staying till 8p, so join us when you can! RSVP at t.ly/KF5r |
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.
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Our next Parent Mentor training via Zoom is TBD for interested Parent Mentors who have children with Down syndrome ages 5 and under to be part of our new program called First Call. This program offers new and expectant parents receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome the opportunity to connect with trained parent mentors who share the same or similar life circumstances. Register here to attend one of these trainings.
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