Peer Presentation a Success

Founder and past President, Deb Safarik, with the help of parent, Angie Willey presented to room packed full of second graders yesterday, Tuesday April 5th. The students learned more about what life is like for a person with Down Syndrome.  Kids practiced writing their name while wearing an oven mitt, or trying to talk with a mouthful of marshmallows to learn how low muscle tone can make writing and speaking a challenge. The extra 21st chromosome was graphically illustrated on the sock-pair board.  They also learned how they can be the best teacher of all for their classmate, Andrew, by setting a good example and offering to help when needed.

The  Kloefkorn Elementary School posted the following:

Our caring Cubs are now *extra-considerate* Cubs, and we thank our guests for sharing a message of compassion, friendship, and understanding.

Capital City Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk

The DSAF of NE would like to thank everyone who too part in the 2014 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on October 4, 2014.  Whether you walked with a team, donatated, volunteered or did all three, your efforts are greatly appreciated.  We were able to raise  over $86,000, had 77 teams, and 1826 registered walkers.  About 200 of those walkers were virtual walkers who had their shirts mailed out all over the country so the walkers could support their favorite loved one with Down syndrome where ever they were on walk day.
For those who did attend the walk in Lincoln, NE, it was a chilling morning that warmed up nicely to make the walk very pleasant.  Congratulations to Anna's Angels, Kylie's Krew and Grnat's Gang for winning the most walker contest.  Brady's Bunch, Team Tyler and Gavin's Gang were the top 3 teams for fundraising raising a combined $15,047.  Congratulations also to Kylie's Krew for winning the grand prize iPad mini.

 The DSAF would not be able to continue it's mission without the success of the Step Up Walk, our main fundraiser.  Thank you again to all the people who made it such a huge success.

Step Up For Down Syndrome

2014 NDSC Convention

Look for the DSAF if Nebraska Booth at the National Down Syndrome Congress convention next week in Indianapolis July10-13.  We will be located in Griffin Hall at table 38.  We will be displaying our famous fact posters, calendars,  a sample baby welcome gift bag and our Brand New Day information binder.   Right next to us at table 39 working both booths jointly, will be DSAF member Angie Willey with an ABC Signing Kids  Angie will have Signing Time product, Barefoot Books, and more.   Angie will also be co-presenting the workshop "Jumpstart your Child's Speech and Language Engine Using Sign Language".

To make the convention easier to manage this year, the NDSC is introducing a special conference app.  It is not quite finished, but the preview of it is fantastic.  You can find it in iTunes by searching NDSC. 

If you are going to the convention and you are a member of the DSAF living in Nebraska, there are a few scholarships left that you can apply for.  Go to dsafnebraska.org for more information.

Spread the Word to End the Word

The photo is correct.  The time is NOW!  Each and every one of us can advocate for people with disabilities to be treated with dignity and respect.  Spread the Word to End the Word TODAY!

Swim Party

Nebraskans are used to hot weather, but at our summer swim party the hot weather stayed away.  I made for a great night for a picnic.  However,  swimming on a night that is overcast and in the upper seventies is not ideal.  We still had quite a good turn out even though the water was pretty chilly.  The kids did not seem to mind the cold too much until it was time to get out.
It was a fun night for catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.  Here are a few photos.

Give to Lincoln Day

Lincoln is Coming Together on May 16^th

 

On Thursday May 16^th, Lincoln will come together for Give To Lincoln Day, sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation.  We need YOU to join us. It’s 24-hours of unprecedented giving to nonprofits. It’s your chance to help make a real difference, right here in our community.

 

Show your support through Give To Lincoln Day, and your gift will be increased by helping us get a proportional share of the $200,000 challenge match fund. 

 

The Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) is a Lincoln non-profit organization that provides support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives.

Every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and abilities. The Down Syndrome Association for Families provides networking and a positive vision for the future.

DSAF started in 1995. Parents wanted a group where they could meet other families, share information & concerns, listen to speakers, & learn together the best ways to help their kids reach their fullest potential. Now the group provides New Parent Support, Family Networking and a wide variety of Community services. We work to provide educational and supportive resources for families, teachers and the community including books, videos, educational workshops and networking events.

We need you to help us with these four things:

 

1.      Mark Give To Lincoln Day on your calendar for May 16^th and bookmark this giving link:  www.GiveToLincoln.com

 

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2.      Please make an online donation to support us on May 16^th.  REMEMBER for us to get the match dollars, the donation must be on May 16.  You can set up a donation prior to May 16 but make sure you mark to have the donation occur on giving day in the donation drop down box.

 

3.      Help us spread the word!  Forward this information to your family and friends along with a personal note as to why you believe in our work, and why they should give on Give To Lincoln Day on May 16^th.

4.  Go to our site on Give to Lincoln at the URL below, become a fan and make a comment about DSAF - why you believe in our work:

http://givetolincoln.razoo.com/story/Down-Syndrome-Association-For-Families

 

Please get involved, make a difference and help us. Not only will all donations be increased by the challenge match funds, but nonprofits with the largest number of donors will also receive additional bonus grants.  We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make on May 16^th.  

Please show your support on May 16^th by donating online at www.GiveToLincoln.com

 

.  Thank you for your generosity. Please help us spread the word! Forward this information to all your family and friends!