July 2010
Inclusion in Practice: Educating Children with Down Syndrome at Primary School On Saturday, July 10, the DSIA hosted a viewing of a Down Syndrome Education film designed for parents who have a child with Down syndrome who is entering or currently attending elementary school. A group discussion followed to share ideas, ask questions, and share experiences. A local advocate specializing in K-8 education was there to join in the discussion. CLICK HERE if you would like to purchase a DVD copy of the film.
April 2010
DSIA-UCD Community Event. The DSIA partnered with the UC Davis Medical School to create a community event around Down syndrome! UCD sponsored a Distinguished Lecture Series that featured national Down syndrome expert Dr. George Capone, Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Capone spoke about Maximizing Academic Potential: Treating Medical and Behavioral Conditions Associated with Down Syndrome and how to help children reach their full potential.
Development in Practice: Activities for Babies with Down Syndrome. On Saturday, April 24, the DSIA hosted a viewing of the Down Syndrome Education film designed for parents who have a child with Down syndrome who is 2-years-old or younger. The film emphasised the importance of everyday family activities for children's learning and development. It focused on practical activities to promote development that can be woven into everyday routines and activities. A group discussion followed. CLICK HERE to purchase a DVD copy of this film.
March 2010
Saving Sofia Crab Feed & Silent Auction. On Friday, 19 March 2010 the DSIA sponsored an event for the Sanchez Family who is adopting 1-year-old Sofia who has Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. They need to raise $25,000 to bring their daughter home! To learn more about Sofia and stay up-to-date on the Sanchez Family's adoption process visit http://savingsofia.blogspot.com
November 2009
Sibling Workshop. Saturday Nov 14, 2009. Nationally known medical specialist Dr. Brian Skotko and his colleague Sue Levine lead an all-day workshop for brothers and sisters who have siblings with disabilities. In this workshop, brothers and sisters had an opportunity, through interactive exercises, games, and role-playing scenarios, to learn more about disabilities in an accepting and confidential environment with peers.
October 2009
DSIA Annual Walk. DSIA's 5th Annual Walk, Step Up for Down Syndrome, was a hugh success! Over 700 registered walkers enjoyed a one-mile walk on beautiful fall day in Land Park on October 25th, 2009. The event raised over $30,000 to help support DSIA's hospital outreach program and support services for families.
July-August 2009
National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention. The DSIA hosted NDSC's annual convention at the Sacramento Convention Center. The DSIA recruited over 320 local volunteers to help run the convention. Families, medical professionals, and therapists from all over the United States - and all over the world! - came to Sacramento for educational workshops and seminars related to Down syndrome across the lifespan.
May 2009
Second Annual Hungry for Life Progressive Dinner Party! 225 people joined the DSIA at Sacramento's finest restaurants for a night to remember! Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and restaurant hosts for a wonderful evening. Beginning at the L Street Courtyard, guests then traveled to two of the participating restaurants for appetizers and the main course, with an amazing dessert spread back at the Courtyard. Thank you to our restaurants: Mulvaney's B & L, Aioli, The Waterboy, Lounge on 20, L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen, and Zocalo. Proceeds totaling about $25,000 will benefit the DSIA's family programs.
October 2008
DSIA Walk Featuring Chris Burke! Saturday, October 4. DSIA brought out over 500 people to Southside park in Sacramento and mother nature kept the day sunny and warm! We want to thank everyone who came out and walked with us - you all are helping to make a direct difference in the lives of those affected by Down syndrome. The Kids Zone and prizes, the walk, resource fair, and a fabulous concert by Chris Burke and his band helped make the day a huge success!
February 2009
Winter Social and Convention Kickoff: February 9, 2009
More than 160 DSIA families, friends and volunteers enjoyed an evening of roller skating and socializing at Roller King in Roseville.
September 2008
Heartache to Hope: Professionals. This program is not specific to Down syndrome. Professionals serving people with all disabilities are welcome. Journey with Stacey B Thacker, LMFT, as she shares her family's experience raising a child with multiple disabilities. In this interactive presentation, Stacey outlines the emotional impact of disability on the family and assists professionals in gaining the skills necessary to facilitate growth among the families they serve as well as in themselves. Sponsored jointly by the DSIA, Alta California Regional Center, Warmline Family Resource Center and the Sacramento County Office of Education.
Heartache to Hope: Parents. This presentation is not specific to Down syndrome. Family members affected by all disabilities are welcome. Free dinner and childcare will be provided for those who register. Families who have children with special needs will find in this workshop a safe and inviting place to explore the emotional impact of their child's condition on themselves and their family. They will learn new ways of interacting with each other that foster support, love and maintain or restore functional family dynamics. Sponsored jointly by the DSIA, Alta California Regional Center, Warmline Family Resource Center and the Sacramento County Office of Education.
August 2008
DSIA Ice Cream Social for Families and Professionals. McKinley Park, Sacramento. The Down Syndrome Information Alliance celebrated the end of summer with our friends and families at our August ice cream social. This well-shaded park offered a great gathering spot for adult and children alike. DSIA provided fruit bars and ice cream sandwiches were generously donated by Dreyer's.
July 2008
National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in Boston. DSIA Joined 2,000 families and professionals for this amazing experience where we learned from the world’s experts in Down syndrome. Sessions on education, healthcare, sibling topics, dating, financial planning, employment and much more! There was also a sibling conference and a youth/adult (with Down syndrome) conference that ran concurrently.
DSIA Family Picnic at Memorial Park in Rocklin. DSIA held a family picnic, planned by Nancy Muir, on Saturday, July 26 for the whole family. We enjoyed networking for parents, grandparents and teens and a sprinkler play area for the kids. Free lunch was provided for those who RSVP'd!
June 2008
Oral Motor Issues in Down syndrome. Thursday, June 19 from 6 pm - 8 pm with free dinner and free childcare.
Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach. Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP provided a step-by-step approach to teach your tolerance of touch, enabling eating and use of oral-motor therapy tools. Day 1 focused on promoting acceptance of touch for feeding and oral exercises. Lori’s techniques incorporate a variety of temperatures textures and tastes. Day 2 featured hands-on learning of proper therapeutic techniques for spoon feeding, straw drinking and chewing solid foods.
May 2008
Hungry for Life Progressive Dinner PartyDon't you just love a good progressive dinner party? We do! With 250 attendees dining in some of Sacramento's finest retaurants, we had a blast at this year's Hungry for Life Progressive Dinner Party. Beginning at the Sacramento Convention Center guests then traveled to two of the participating restaurants for appetizers and the main course, with an amazing dessert spread by Classique Catering back at the Convention Center. Thank you to our restaurants: Lucca, Spataro, Esquire Grill, Morgans Central Valley Bistro and Dawson's American Bistro and Martinis.
April 2008
Knowledge Network: Special Needs Financial Planning, presented by Merrill Lynch. Ensure your family’s future by getting the facts. This free, no obligation seminar will provide information to help you update your financial plan or start the process.
March 2008
Knowledge Network: Teaching Reading and Math. The DSIA presented the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County's, "The Learning Program." This seminar provided an overview of research-based principles, practices and materials that can be used by parents and educators with children with Down syndrome of all ages. The DSFOC has partnered with educators, researchers and administrators to develop a program that uses effective teaching strategies and customized materials to support parents and children in the educational process.
February 2008
Winter Social and Annual Meeting. Families, educators and professionals socialized and networked at the DSIA’s Open House, first event of 2008. This will be an “open house;” come for the whole time or just for a little while.
January 2007
Out of the Box Reading Program
October 2006
Feeding and the connection to speech: A video presentation "Organizing the Mouth for Feeding & Speech." Visit the web site: Feeding Support Group
July 2006
M.I.N.D. Institute Research
April 2006
Assistive Devices to Enhance Communictions
Nov 2005
Neuro Psych Findings in Young Children with Down Syndrome. Dr. Sally Rogers from the UC Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute
Oct 2005
PROMPTS Speech Therapy by Jane Johnson
Sept 2005
Feeding and Nutrition by Kinzie Murphy, Speech and Language Pathologist. Easter Seals Superior Ca
August 2005
Preparing for a successful IEP by Geralyn M. Clancy, Attorney
July 2005
Making Your Voice Heard: Advocacy training for parents and professionals. By Elizabeth Helms, Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Perry Communications Group
June 2005
"Financial Planning for Special Needs" Visit MetDESK
May 2005
Baby Signs
April 2005
How to advocate for your child in the IEP process. By Bob Varma, Special Education Lawyer
March 2005
Music to Grow On, Music Therapy. Location: 601 University Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825. Call (916) 920-0143 (916) 920-0143