Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA

1. Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA Family Meeting Wednesday, September 29th 7:00 PM

2. 2 Resources That Have Been Helpful To You And Your Family

3. 2 Resources That Would Be Helpful to You and Your Family

4. National Down Syndrome Congress www.ndsccenter.org The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Conference August 5-7, 2011 San Antonio, Tx

5. National Down Syndrome Society www.ndss.org The Mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the National Advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. *The Buddy Walk is a project of the NDSS*

6. Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Educators Forum Thursday, November 18, 2010 8am-3pm College of the Holy Cross – Hogan Campus Center (limited partial scholarships available through the Down Syndrome Resource Group) For more information ~ www.mdsc.org

7. Allen C. Crocker Speaker Series October 25 2010, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Kim Dunn will present on Toilet Training The Down Syndrome Program at Children's Hospital will present the Allen C. Crocker Speaker Series on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Enders Auditorium at Children's Hospital in Boston.  Each month, the Down Syndrome Program will host an expert speaker to lecture on an important and educational topic for families.  For more information, go to http://www.childrenshospital.org/downsyndrome .  All links, materials and instructions will be provided on this site! For any questions or inquires, please contact Angela Lombardo Down Syndrome Program Coordinator Linking Hands Coordinator phone - 857-218-4329 http://www.childrenshospital.org/downsyndrome

8. The Federation for Children w/Special Needs • Parent Consultant Training Institute (Educational Advocacy Training) • Western MA Contact – Julie Sinclair (413) 323-0681 or (866) 323-0681 Learn more about advocating for your child in the school system with trainings offered by FCSN. For more information ~ www.fcsn.org

9. Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) • Family Leadership Series has a two-fold purpose. The first is to offer information about “best practices” for people with disabilities. The second is to assist families in creating a vision for their family member and a process to achieve the vision by incorporating that information. • The Family Leadership Series is organized into three (and in some regions, four), two-day workshops • Food and overnight lodging for each family is paid for by the Department of Developmental Services and other state agencies, organizations and businesses. Respite/child care/nursing for family members is arranged on an as needed basis. For more information ~ www.mfofc.org

10. Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) • Providing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to enhance independence, productivity, integration and inclusion • Consumer Empowerment Funds • Provides grants for individuals with disabilities and/or their family members to attend trainings/conferences For more information ~ www.mass.gov/mddc

11. Unified Sports Program Open to all children with and without disabilities. Focus is on Social Inclusion Through Sports There is NO COST to Families for most activities. WWW.UNIFIEDSPORTSPROGRAM.COM

12. Whole Children, Inc. www.wholechildren.org Education and Enrichment Programs for Children of All Abilities Fall Programs Starting Now Programs for Children ages 3 and up

13. SPECIAL OLYMPICS www.specialolympicsma.org/west contact Lisa at bernardara@comcast.net for activities in Westfield Check the web site for a listing of activities and contact people for other local cities and towns

14. Department of Developmental Services www.mass.gov • Click on For Residents tab • Click on Disabilities • On right hand side of the screen towards the bottom click on Department of Developmental Services • On the right hand side of the screen towards the bottom is a link “Application for Eligibility” Family Support is SEVERLY under-funded right now. We all need to make sure the state knows how many families are in need of services, even if they are not providing the services right now. DDS is a resource for emergencies but your child must be found eligible to receive any type of support.

15. MASS HEALTH • MassHealth Standard • CommonHealth • CommonHealth Premium Assistance Online Application Available http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/masshealth/appforms/mbr.pdf • Make sure you complete Supplement A

16. Social Security • www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/child.htm

17. BUDDY WALK Don’t forget to register your team for the Buddy Walk! Saturday, October 23, 2010 Registration at 10:00am walk begins promptly at 11:00am Stanley Park, Westfield MA Go to www.dssupport.org to register today! VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED

18. Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA • Scholarships available for recreational, social and other activities for individuals with Down syndrome. Please contact Tanya Wheeler at tanya_wheeler@verizon.net for more information.

19. The DSRG is here for you… • What can we do to support you and your family? • What would you like to know more about? • What activities would you like to participate in? • What educational offerings do you think we should sponsor? • Do you have any suggestions for speakers or topics you would like to know more about?