Monday, May 21, 2012
DSI DADS Golf Outing Just Around the Corner
Join us for the 10th Annual DSI D.A.D.S. Golf Outing on June 1st. In just a
few short years, the D.A.D.S. golf outing has become one of the largest outings
in the Midwest, raising nearly $510,000 for DSI D.A.D.S. and Down Syndrome
Indiana, and offering our sponsors exposure to our annual field of over 300
golfers. D.A.D.S. is an organization of fathers dedicated to enhancing the
lives of their children who happen to have Down syndrome. Our mission is simple: To assist and
support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals
with Down syndrome. For more information, contact Jeremy Streit at jeremystreit@yahoo.com
or (765) 717-1818. Sponsorships
still available!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Join Self Advocates at Ashland Gallery and Stu's Studio Spring Show 2012
Please join us at this amazing event on Friday, May 11th from 5pm to 9pm to view artwork by local Self Advocates and Hoosier Indiana artist, Stephen Pace.
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Thursday, May 3, 2012
Graham Rahal to Carry DSI logo on helmet in Indy 500!
Graham Rahal, Driver of the #38 Service Central
Special for Ganassi Racing will be wearing the Down
Syndrome Indiana logo on his helmet in support of people with Down syndrome in
this year's Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. "One of the great things
about being in my position as a professional race car driver is that I can use
my position to help organizations like Down Syndrome Indiana," said Rahal.
Rahal’s decision to carry the Down Syndrome
Indiana logo was clinched when he met then 11 month old Catalina Joyce, as she
and her father and Down Syndrome Indiana board member, Jeff Joyce, visited
Netheads. "He was such a nice, down-to-earth guy", said Jeff,
"And he was genuinely interested in helping our organization to create
awareness about acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. In
the words of Jeff Joyce, father of Catalina Joyce with Down syndrome, “This
goes to show what a stand-up guy Graham is for following up on this for us. You
can’t imagine how much this can help our organization, Down Syndrome Indiana,
and my Daughter Catalina. ….”
About Down syndrome
Down
syndrome occurs in approximately one out of every 691 live births and there are
approximately 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome living within the United
States. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality and is caused
by a triplication of the 21st chromosome.
It
is indiscriminate of race, religion or economic status. Therefore Down syndrome
affects all walks of life. People with Down syndrome possess a wide degree of
abilities and are active participants in civic, educational, occupational,
social and recreational activities in the community.
About Down Syndrome Indiana
Down Syndrome Indiana is dedicated to enhancing the lives of
individuals with Down syndrome. Our mission is to serve as a conduit of
information, support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their
families, which promotes growth and inclusion in the community. For more
information, please visit dsindiana.org. Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Buddy Walk® Team Hi-Lite: 2010 Tigers All Stars
“This year, we are raising money for the Down Syndrome Indiana
Buddy Walk. If we raise $5,000 by August 1, 2012, Tommy and Savannah will be
featured on a full billboard advertisement in Central Indiana. We have also
joined the Buddy Walk Committee and are responsible for coordinating the food
and beverages at the event.
Savannah was born with Down syndrome in Michigan to Mary & Alan in February 2010 and relocated to the Indianapolis area in October 2011. Tommy was born with Down syndrome in New Jersey to Rebecca & Wes in October 2010 and relocated to the Indianapolis area in September 2011. The families met each other at the 2011 Buddy Walk in Indianapolis where Alan & Wes quickly realized that they played softball together several years ago in the Detroit area. The families became fast friends and decided to join forces for the 2012 Buddy Walk.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!” The link to the team page is: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/2010TigersAllStars/15th-annual-buddy-walk-r.
Savannah was born with Down syndrome in Michigan to Mary & Alan in February 2010 and relocated to the Indianapolis area in October 2011. Tommy was born with Down syndrome in New Jersey to Rebecca & Wes in October 2010 and relocated to the Indianapolis area in September 2011. The families met each other at the 2011 Buddy Walk in Indianapolis where Alan & Wes quickly realized that they played softball together several years ago in the Detroit area. The families became fast friends and decided to join forces for the 2012 Buddy Walk.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!” The link to the team page is: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/2010TigersAllStars/15th-annual-buddy-walk-r.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
ABLE ACT CALL IN DAY TODAY!
National ABLE Act Call-In Day is Today!
Steps to Take Action -- Easy as 1 – 2- 3
1) Find out if your two Senators and your Representative have signed onto the ABLE Act by clicking on the links below (under cosponsors):
House: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr3423
Senate: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s1872
If any of your Members have NOT signed onto the ABLE Act, please call their Washington, DC offices (click here to find out the phone number).
Begin the call by introducing yourself and asking to speak with your Member’s disability legislative staffer. (Note: You may need to leave a voice mail or call back, if the disability staffer does not answer)
2) Follow this ABLE Act phone script: Once you have the staffer on the line, open and introduce yourself with:
• “Hello, I am calling to ask my [Senator/Representative] to be a cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.”
• I am a constituent from your [State/District] and am a self-advocate, parent, sibling, grandparent, etc. from the [insert disability] community.
Talking Points to Mention During Your Call:
• The ABLE Act (S. 1872/HR 3423) currently has over 134 cosponsors in the House and 14 in the Senate. This bipartisan bill was introduced by: o Senators Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) as S. 1872 o Representatives Crenshaw (R-FL), McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Van Hollen (D-MD) as H.R. 3423
• The bill has been endorsed by over 50 national, state, and local disability organizations.
• This bill would utilize the 529 education saving accounts program with which thousands of Americans are already familiar. As with the existing 529 accounts, contributions to ABLE accounts would grow tax free and would be easy and inexpensive to create.
• The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to plan and save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources.
• The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.
• The ABLE Act provides individuals with disabilities the same types of flexible savings tools that all other Americans have through college savings accounts, health savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts.
If your Member is interested in signing on as a cosponsor, please have them contact:
• Senate: Sen. Casey/Jennifer McCloskey (Jennifer_Mccloskey@casey.senate.gov)
• House: Rep. Crenshaw/Jennifer Debes (Jennifer.Debes@mail.house.gov)
3) Let Us Know About Your Call: Please let us know about your conversation Email (insert organization contact) to let us know who you spoke with and what they had to say about the bill. We can help by following up with their DC office.
For more information about the ABLE Act, please use the following resources:
ABLE Act one-pager •
The ABLE Act - The 112th Congress •
ABLE Act Gains Support from 49 National, State, and Local Advocacy Organizations
Steps to Take Action -- Easy as 1 – 2- 3
1) Find out if your two Senators and your Representative have signed onto the ABLE Act by clicking on the links below (under cosponsors):
House: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr3423
Senate: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s1872
If any of your Members have NOT signed onto the ABLE Act, please call their Washington, DC offices (click here to find out the phone number).
Begin the call by introducing yourself and asking to speak with your Member’s disability legislative staffer. (Note: You may need to leave a voice mail or call back, if the disability staffer does not answer)
2) Follow this ABLE Act phone script: Once you have the staffer on the line, open and introduce yourself with:
• “Hello, I am calling to ask my [Senator/Representative] to be a cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.”
• I am a constituent from your [State/District] and am a self-advocate, parent, sibling, grandparent, etc. from the [insert disability] community.
Talking Points to Mention During Your Call:
• The ABLE Act (S. 1872/HR 3423) currently has over 134 cosponsors in the House and 14 in the Senate. This bipartisan bill was introduced by: o Senators Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) as S. 1872 o Representatives Crenshaw (R-FL), McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Van Hollen (D-MD) as H.R. 3423
• The bill has been endorsed by over 50 national, state, and local disability organizations.
• This bill would utilize the 529 education saving accounts program with which thousands of Americans are already familiar. As with the existing 529 accounts, contributions to ABLE accounts would grow tax free and would be easy and inexpensive to create.
• The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to plan and save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources.
• The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.
• The ABLE Act provides individuals with disabilities the same types of flexible savings tools that all other Americans have through college savings accounts, health savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts.
If your Member is interested in signing on as a cosponsor, please have them contact:
• Senate: Sen. Casey/Jennifer McCloskey (Jennifer_Mccloskey@casey.senate.gov)
• House: Rep. Crenshaw/Jennifer Debes (Jennifer.Debes@mail.house.gov)
3) Let Us Know About Your Call: Please let us know about your conversation Email (insert organization contact) to let us know who you spoke with and what they had to say about the bill. We can help by following up with their DC office.
For more information about the ABLE Act, please use the following resources:
ABLE Act one-pager •
The ABLE Act - The 112th Congress •
ABLE Act Gains Support from 49 National, State, and Local Advocacy Organizations
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day!
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day!
A huge thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate Disability Awareness Month and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day with us during Midwest Fashion week last week! I would especially like to thank our models from Down Syndrome Indiana that participated in the March 17th, “Design for Change” Gala this weekend. They are:
• Mickey Deputy,
• Chloe Hipkiss,
• Christine Ruddy
• Andrea Scott,
• Katie Shaw,
• Tommy Sliva!!
What does being a part of an inclusive event mean to individuals with Down syndrome? Well, I asked Self Advocate Jessica Green and here is what she had to say:
"LAST YEAR I WAS A MODEL FOR THE SHOW AND IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I ENJOY AND LOVE THE CHALLENGE OF TRYING NEW THINGS AND ALWAYS APPRECIATE IT WHEN SOMEONE GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW WHAT I CAN DO.
SINCE I WAS A BABY AND A VERY LITTLE GIRL MY PARENTS HAVE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME TO TRY NEW THINGS, TO NEVER GIVE UP AND JUST DO THE VERY BEST THAT I CAN DO. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH UNTIL YOU TRY.
I GRADUATED FROM NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND THEN WENT ON TO ATTEND MARION UNIVERSITY HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS. I HAVE A JOB AND VOLUNTEER FOR DSI AND THE HAMILTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. I LIVE IN MY OWN APARTMENT, I PAY TAXES, AND VOTE LIKE EVERY OTHER CITIZEN.
I AM PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT I AM ALSO VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE WHO HAVE HELPED AND SUPPORTED ME ALONG THE WAY.”
Well Said Jessica!
Save-the-Date! Beginning next year, the event will take place on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, March 21st! Next year’s committee is forming. If you are interested in serving on the 2013 planning committee, please let Lisa Wells know at lisa@dsindiana.org!
A huge thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate Disability Awareness Month and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day with us during Midwest Fashion week last week! I would especially like to thank our models from Down Syndrome Indiana that participated in the March 17th, “Design for Change” Gala this weekend. They are:
• Mickey Deputy,
• Chloe Hipkiss,
• Christine Ruddy
• Andrea Scott,
• Katie Shaw,
• Tommy Sliva!!
What does being a part of an inclusive event mean to individuals with Down syndrome? Well, I asked Self Advocate Jessica Green and here is what she had to say:
"LAST YEAR I WAS A MODEL FOR THE SHOW AND IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I ENJOY AND LOVE THE CHALLENGE OF TRYING NEW THINGS AND ALWAYS APPRECIATE IT WHEN SOMEONE GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW WHAT I CAN DO.
SINCE I WAS A BABY AND A VERY LITTLE GIRL MY PARENTS HAVE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME TO TRY NEW THINGS, TO NEVER GIVE UP AND JUST DO THE VERY BEST THAT I CAN DO. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH UNTIL YOU TRY.
I GRADUATED FROM NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND THEN WENT ON TO ATTEND MARION UNIVERSITY HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS. I HAVE A JOB AND VOLUNTEER FOR DSI AND THE HAMILTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. I LIVE IN MY OWN APARTMENT, I PAY TAXES, AND VOTE LIKE EVERY OTHER CITIZEN.
I AM PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT I AM ALSO VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE WHO HAVE HELPED AND SUPPORTED ME ALONG THE WAY.”
Well Said Jessica!
Save-the-Date! Beginning next year, the event will take place on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, March 21st! Next year’s committee is forming. If you are interested in serving on the 2013 planning committee, please let Lisa Wells know at lisa@dsindiana.org!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Tracking Devices?
Do you Know of any Tracking Devices?
Project Lifesaver
With over 20 Police and fire departments in the Indianapolis area participating, citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations.
Contact Indianapolis Project Lifesaver at 317-714- 5637 for more information.
Amber Alert GPS
Amber Alert GPS, has developed a child safety device that allows you to always know where your child is. The Amber Alert GPS V3 comes with an SOS button and a parent friendly tracking portal where you can set zones around your home, school or any you like and receive alerts when they enter or exit a zone. You can also check the history of the device to see where it’s been. For more information, visit this link: http://www.amberalertgps.com/.
The Riley Safety Store
The Riley Safety Store, launched in 2005, was the first children’s hospital-based Safety Store in the nation to serve families of all children, including children with disabilities or special health care needs, and offers families, staff and the general public access to injury prevention education and a broad inventory of low-cost or free child safety products. Research, field testing, surveys, data review and suggestions from families and Riley Hospital for Children staff help guide the selection of safety products and offering of education, information and safety products needed to prepare for safe escape from fires, disasters or other emergencies.
The Riley Safety Store operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please visit RileyHospital.org, call 317-944-6565 or 1-888-365-2022 (toll free) or e-mail kids1st@iupui.edu.
loc8u
What makes the Lok8u GPS Child Locator different from other GPS locator devices?
The Lok8u GPS Child Locator and your child are always one; other devices are placed in book bags or on children's clothing, but what makes this unique from other GPS locators, is that the child cannot remove the device; and, in the event an unauthorized person removes the Lok8u GPS Child Locator; an alert will be sent to your cell phone and email.
Features:
• Works as a Fully-Functional 12-Hour or 24-Hour Kid's Digital Watch
• Your Kids Will Love the Funky and Cool Lok8u GPS Child Locator Watch Design
• Superior Craftsmanship; Steel-Reinforced Patent Locking Mechanism
• Designed with personalization in mind with several available colors, comfortable fit and durability
• For Children Aged 3-12; Derma-label Hypoallergenic Plastic/Steel Composition
• Get Integrated GPS/GSM Updates via web portal or cell phone; Just text "WRU" or click "Where Are U" from your web portal account for location, date/time information
• Enjoy a solid sense of reassurance; receive an alert in the event an unauthorized person attempts to remove your child's Lok8u GPS Child Locator Watch
• Designed to be more reliable and responsive with improved and expanded network coverage for optimized GPS/GSM Performance
• Powerful and innovative technology has improved AT&T network coverage and has extended coverage to include T-Mobile and Network Partners for even more pinpoint location data retrieval
• IP Rating 6X; withstands rainwater, but submersion is not recommended
• The Lok8u GPS Child Locator supports Google street map views of your child's physical location
*Both Domestic and International Lok8u GPS Child Locator Units Require a One-Year Service Plan; you can choose to pay a monthly service fee or you can pre-pay the entire year in full. For more information, visit: http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/child-locator.html.
If Your Child Carries a Cell Phone…
Try: http://www.google.com/mobile/latitude/
Also, consider contacting your cell phone provider to see what options are available through your provider. For example, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all have programs that let users track their children and other loved ones.
Project Lifesaver
With over 20 Police and fire departments in the Indianapolis area participating, citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations.
Contact Indianapolis Project Lifesaver at 317-714- 5637 for more information.
Amber Alert GPS
Amber Alert GPS, has developed a child safety device that allows you to always know where your child is. The Amber Alert GPS V3 comes with an SOS button and a parent friendly tracking portal where you can set zones around your home, school or any you like and receive alerts when they enter or exit a zone. You can also check the history of the device to see where it’s been. For more information, visit this link: http://www.amberalertgps.com/.
The Riley Safety Store
The Riley Safety Store, launched in 2005, was the first children’s hospital-based Safety Store in the nation to serve families of all children, including children with disabilities or special health care needs, and offers families, staff and the general public access to injury prevention education and a broad inventory of low-cost or free child safety products. Research, field testing, surveys, data review and suggestions from families and Riley Hospital for Children staff help guide the selection of safety products and offering of education, information and safety products needed to prepare for safe escape from fires, disasters or other emergencies.
The Riley Safety Store operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please visit RileyHospital.org, call 317-944-6565 or 1-888-365-2022 (toll free) or e-mail kids1st@iupui.edu.
loc8u
What makes the Lok8u GPS Child Locator different from other GPS locator devices?
The Lok8u GPS Child Locator and your child are always one; other devices are placed in book bags or on children's clothing, but what makes this unique from other GPS locators, is that the child cannot remove the device; and, in the event an unauthorized person removes the Lok8u GPS Child Locator; an alert will be sent to your cell phone and email.
Features:
• Works as a Fully-Functional 12-Hour or 24-Hour Kid's Digital Watch
• Your Kids Will Love the Funky and Cool Lok8u GPS Child Locator Watch Design
• Superior Craftsmanship; Steel-Reinforced Patent Locking Mechanism
• Designed with personalization in mind with several available colors, comfortable fit and durability
• For Children Aged 3-12; Derma-label Hypoallergenic Plastic/Steel Composition
• Get Integrated GPS/GSM Updates via web portal or cell phone; Just text "WRU" or click "Where Are U" from your web portal account for location, date/time information
• Enjoy a solid sense of reassurance; receive an alert in the event an unauthorized person attempts to remove your child's Lok8u GPS Child Locator Watch
• Designed to be more reliable and responsive with improved and expanded network coverage for optimized GPS/GSM Performance
• Powerful and innovative technology has improved AT&T network coverage and has extended coverage to include T-Mobile and Network Partners for even more pinpoint location data retrieval
• IP Rating 6X; withstands rainwater, but submersion is not recommended
• The Lok8u GPS Child Locator supports Google street map views of your child's physical location
*Both Domestic and International Lok8u GPS Child Locator Units Require a One-Year Service Plan; you can choose to pay a monthly service fee or you can pre-pay the entire year in full. For more information, visit: http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/child-locator.html.
If Your Child Carries a Cell Phone…
Try: http://www.google.com/mobile/latitude/
Also, consider contacting your cell phone provider to see what options are available through your provider. For example, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all have programs that let users track their children and other loved ones.
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