Thank You for a Great 2012!

The DSAF of Nebraska had a great 2012.  What made it so great?  All of our wonderful members!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers that worked so hard this year! 
There are so many individuals who volunteer their time and talents and work together to make each event happen.  We are so thankful for each and every one of you.  You efforts have helped our organization to grow in so many ways.

Here are some of our highlights from the past year:  Mom's Nights Out,  Dad's Night Out, Noodles World Down Syndrome Day Fundraiser, March Madness Ball Night,  Sibling Workshop, Lil' Stars, Super Stars and Teen Stars events,  New Parent Meeting, iPad/iPod 101 workshop, Re-designed website, Swim Party, Christmas Party, and of course the record breaking Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, and many of our fact posters "going viral" on Facebook.   

We were fortunate again to be the non profit organization who was the beneficiary of the JEO golf tournament fundraiser, and were thankful to have a strong showing of members who golfed and/or volunteered.

The DSAF also enjoyed being a member of the ONE Coalition which is a group of non-profits in the Lincoln area who work together to put on events like the Special Need Fishing Clinic, and the very popular Husker Heroes. 

What will 2013 bring?  There are many exciting things currently being planned.  We will have our first Sign and Play class in less than a week.  We are also looking forward to hosting the 2013 Educational Conference in March.  

What else do you want to see in 2013?  We want to know.  Click here to access a survey to let us know what programs you want to see.  Is there something not currently being offered?  Why not volunteer and make it happen.  We would love to have your be part of the DSAF family of volunteers in 2013.

Happy New Year! 

2013 DSAF Educational Conference

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska

is proud to announce the

2013 Educational Conference

 

Helping children with special needs reach their full potential.

March 2, 2013

At Country Inn and Suites, 5353 N 27th Street, Lincoln NE 68521

This Conference is for Parents, College Students, Educators, and Administrators.  Click here to access the conference brochure.

Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Costs:

$35.00 per person

$50.00 per couple

$20.00 college student

$5.00 Discount for DSAF Members

Registration Deadline: February 18, 2013

Register online:

www.dsafnebraska.org

Mail Payment To:

DSAF

PO Box 57362

Lincoln, NE 68505

2012 Christmas Brunch

Today we had a awesome turnout at our Annual Holiday Brunch at St Luke's Methodist Church in Lincoln.  The weather was great so we did not have to worry about snow holding up Santa's sleigh.  The kids had fun sitting on the big guys lap, while the parents got to enjoy visiting with each other. 


The highlight of the morning was the drawing for the iPad mini.  Congratulations to the Lang family who won it.  Little Jenna is just one, but I bet she will be working it like a pro in no time!

Here are some more photos from the day:

 

 

 

2012 Holiday Brunch

Top Teams

The DSAF of Nebraska would like to congratulate and thank the top 6 teams from the 2012 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.

In the Top Walker category we had:
Anna's Angels with 147 walkers
Team Tyler with 107 walkers
Grants Gang with 103 walkers

In the Top Fundraiser category we had:
The Bailey Bunch with $6,455
     Izabellza's Voice with  $5,272 

The Ruby Grace Fan Club with  $4,795

Thank you so much to these teams for all your hard work and dedication to the DSAF of Nebraska.
To honor these teams, the main photo on the top of the blog page, has been updated with a fact poster from each of the top 6 teams.  Thank you team captains!

2012 Shooting Stars

This is the third year for our popular Shooting Stars Program.   This program is an offshoot from the Stars Tent at the Step Up Walk.  The Stars Tent highlights all the accomplishments of our membership by displaying Bios within the tent.  Individuals with Down syndrome make us all realize and appreciate that the smallest accomplishments are HUGE that others may take for granted - whether it is climbing a step for the first time, playing the Baritone in a marching band, or reading a book.  As an extension of our Stars Bios, which sit static on the walls of the tent, we created the "Shooting Stars" concept to allow a group of volunteer college students to follow the DSAF Stars outside the tent and into their lives during the morning of the walk.  Through text, quotes, and pictures, we hope that this accurately captures the heart-warming magic that is the Step Up Walk!

Shooting Starts Quotes:

Team Tyler!!

This is Team Tyler’s first year at the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  Their little boy Tyler is five months old and they have been a part of the DSAF for five months.  They found out that Tyler had Down syndrome at birth and the DSAF has provided them with great support! They got 2^nd place in having the most walkers category for the walk this year.

Holly’s Hugs 

Holly is 15 years old and her and her family have been a part of the DSAF for 15 years.  They told us that this is a great fundraiser and they enjoy it!

Kate’s Crew

Kate is 7 and a half and this is her and her families 4^th year involved in the DSAF and the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  She is a 1^st grader and doing well in school.  Kate and her family are from Aura, NE and this is the closest chapter of the DSAF to them.  They really like this group and explained that it has helped them get involved with other families since they live in a small town. 

 

Team Syndrome of the Down (got idea from the music group System of the Down)

Marley and her family are team Syndrome of the Down.  Marley is 6 and this is their 4^th year involved in the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  Marley is in Kindergarten and is involved in the Girls Group at the Barkley Center.  Marley’s mom told us that is it nice to meet people from outside of Lincoln who come to this walk. 

Team Jammin’ for Jake

Jake is 2 years old and him and his family have been involved in DSAF activities for two years.  Jake’s dad explained to us that the DSAF has been a great way for them to get to know other people, find doctors, and get involved in play groups!

 

“DSAF is a support group that has provided close friends who are in a similar situation to go to for advice.” -From a parent who has been involved with Step Up For Down Syndrome for 5 years since her daughter was born when asked what the association means to them. The parents are glad their daughter has grown to be friends with other children with Down syndrome, people to look forward to being life-long friends with, who she is able to connect with and understand each other in school and other activities.

 

Here are some more photos taken by the Shooting Stars Group.

2012 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

The 2012 Capital City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk was a huge success this year.  A record 75 teams preregistered over 1600 walkers who raised over $90,000.  October 6 was a chilly day but our hearts were warm after seeing all the love an support that was abundant in Antelope Park that day.

This is the third year for the Early Bird Fundraising Incentive where teams who raised money before August 31 st coul earn up to 3 fact posters for each $175 raised.  The response was incredible.  There were 98 posters earned this year that were displayed along the walk.

Photographer Erica Thompson of Images for a Lifetime took most of the photos and designed the beautiful posters.   .  After posting them on Facebook they "went viral"  with some of the posters being shared over a thousand times all around the world.  Other groups have even shared a link to our posters on thier blogs and websites as seen here.  What an awesome way to spread Down syndrome awareness!

 

 This poster of Anna was shared 1,629 times

Thank you to everyone who formed a teams, raised or donated funds, and walked to support thier favorite loved one with Down syndrome.!

Annual Picnic and Pool Party

July 15, 2012 might have been a warm day for a picnic, but it was a perfect day for a swim party.  Our DSAF extended family enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and brats from HyVee, along with salads, sided and desserts provided by our members.  The food was delicious.

Kids and parents alike cooled off after eating, with a nice dip in UNI Pool.  It was a fun night for our kids, and a great time for parents to get to connect with other parents in our group. 

 

Super Stars Event

Super Stars Event Eight DSAF families enjoyed the Super Star's event on June 7th
at Art Planet. The kids had fun making sun catchers, getting their faces painted and coloring with sidewalk chalk. All family members got to enjoy the live music. It was a fun time for all involved.

iPod/iPad Workshop

On Saturday March 31, Information Technology Specialist Lenette Sprunk and Dixie Trevarthen were joined by parents and family members of the DSAF of Nebraska at the HyVee on 52 and O street.  They presenting information about accessories (especially cases) that can be used to with iPads, and also showed some of the best apps for individuals with special learning needs.  10/11 News stopped by to report on the event.  Here is a link to their video. 

World Down Syndrome Day 2012

Today we join hands with the rest of the world to celebrate all of our friends who were blessed with an extra chromosome.  To celebrate we had a fundraiser at Noodles and Co.  We would like to thank everyone who came to support the DSAF.  We had a WONDERFUL turn out! 10/11 news was even there interviewing friends and family members.  Click here for the interview of Deb and Paul Safarik this morning.  Click here for the interview on tonight's fundraiser.

Spread the Word to End the Word!

Take the word "retarded" out of your vocabulary. Words are powerful so the next time you hear someone use the r- word, tell them to choose another word. Over 200 million people have intellectual disabilities. Replace the word with *respect*.

Spread the word to end the word. www.r-word.org

Lil’ Stars Go to Kindermusik

We had over 15 DSAF families join us Saturday for some wiggling and giggling with Shawna Gordon, the Kindermusik instructor.  The first session was for the younger aged children in which Shawna explained some of the stretches and movements that help promote different areas of the brain along with some relaxation techniques.  This group really enjoyed hugging all of their new friends and moving around!

The second session was for older aged children in which we bounced, were the conductors of our own train, listened to a story and did some shaking with some shakers. 

A fun –filled afternoon was had by all and we were able to let off some steam.

If you are interested in signing up for Kindermusik sessions, contact Shawna Gordon for more information. (musikandmemories@hotmail.com)

Mom's Night Out

Fifteen Moms were joined by one very hansome little gentleman to enjoy a night out with other Mom's at Billys restauraunt on Friday January 20, 2012.  Bliiy's is located in downtown Lincoln near the state capitol, in a beautifully restored house.  The chef brought out may dishes that were served family style for everyone to try.   The food was quite tasty, and it was fun to try each dish.  The Mom's enjoyed meeting new Mom's, asking questions, talking about future group events, and enjoying each other's company.