It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Veronica Barton
Longtime Delaware County Special Olympics volunteer and Management Team member Ronnie Barton passed away on Wednesday, May 1st. Many of you knew Ronnie, but for
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Francis Gentile
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our member Frankie Gentile. Please keep Janice Gillen Gentile and Fran and their entire
A Big Thank You to Parents for Rolling with Us at Bowling Night🎳
Thank you to all the wonderful parents who joined us for the DelcoDSIG Parents-Night-Out Bowling Event! It was such a fun night getting together with
Join The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps
About The CorpsThe Fr. Bill Atkinson Service Corps is an inclusive, integrated community where adults with disabilities, their friends, peers, and mentors come together to
A New Sensory Playground Opens at Ridley Creek State Park
Get ready to explore a new world of sensory excitement at Ridley Creek State Park! Their brand new sensory playground is now open and ready
A Heartfelt Thank You for Joining Us at Awareness Night⚾💙❤️
🌟 Thank you to all who came out to support of the DelcoDSIG at Down Syndrome Awareness Night! Your presence made the event a huge success as we celebrated and raised awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome. Let’s continue to spread love, acceptance, and inclusion for all.
It Is With Deep Sadness That We Share The Loss Of One Of Our DSIG “Family Members”: Walter Michael Hirst
Walter Michael Hirst December 22, 1964 – April 14, 2024 Walter M. Hirst (Mike) Walter M Hirst (Mike) passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024,
The Times Square Video Presentation: Submissions will close on June 4
Every year, NDSS reminds the world in a BIG way about the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities through a special
Scholarship Application for College Students with Down Syndrome – Apply Now!
Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship application deadline is fast approaching on April, 15!! And thanks to you guys, we have lots of scholarship funds to give!! We
FOX 29 News visits a Local flower shop hires people with special needs
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, FOX 29’s Jennaphr Frederick is at Kati Mac Floral Designs, a local flower shop giving employment to those
Did you hear the news?! 🚨
The application to be in the NDSS Times Square Video presentation is officially open! 🥳 Each year to kick off the New York City Buddy
Summer Camps for All Kinds of Kids
Summer camp means friends, crafts, games, swimming, adventure, counselors, campfires, and fun — for all kinds of kids! If you’re looking for a summer camp
A Message from Brian Skotko
Does your child with Down syndrome have trouble wearing a CPAP mask for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? We are doing a
Must-Read Books for Our Community
We learned about some of these wonderful books available for our community and we wanted to pass them along! 📚 Boyfriends & Girlfriends: A Guide
Sign Up for Media Rugby
Join our all-abilities Unified Touch Rugby Program here in DELCO. Open to High School and older special needs athletes. No fee, COED.Practice 6:00-7:00PM.Rose Tree ElementaryFirst
PEAL is excited to share our big news!!
We are excited to announce the totally revamped PA Planning for the Future Transition Checklist! Download the checklist from our website: https://bit.ly/PATransitionChecklist2024 The checklist is
💙💛 It takes a village, and we ARE that village for each other!
Please make sure to share anything you think could benefit other members of DelcoDSIG. Sharing information about services/events really helps us optimize all resources!
Extra, extra read all about it! 📸
DelcoDSIG in partnership with Down to Box is so proud to offer this program to our membership. Read all about how the Down to Box
Celebrating a Trailblazer: Mar Galcerán, Spain’s First Parliamentarian with Down’s Syndrome
Spain has recently witnessed a historic moment that will forever be etched in the annals of its political landscape. In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity
Media Unified Rugby will be sponsoring an Ice Sculpture at Ice on State in Media Jan 13th and 14th, 2024
Media Unified is a Special needs coed touch rugby program for High school and older.This Saturday and Sunday, Media Unified Rugby will be sponsoring an
Happy New Year!
On behalf of the board members, we hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with
Meet Our Newest Board of Directors: Lauren DiPasquale – Secretary
We are happy to welcome Lauren DiPasquale to the DelcoDSIG Board of Directors! Lauren lives in Wallingford, PA with her husband Jon and their three
A BIG Thank you to everyone who came out to kick off the holiday season with our DSIG family!!
Because of all of your generosity, Saint Katherine’s food pantry will be well stocked. Stay tuned for pictures later in the week when we drop
Just a reminder 🎄🎅🤶🕎🎉
💚❤️The annual DSIG Holiday Party will be held on Monday, December 4th from 6-9pm at Paxon Hollow Country Club. 📝 RSVP is required for this
It was such a great event at Linvilla 🎃
A huge thank you to Norman Schultz and Yohan for a wonderful hayride and 🔥! It was a great event, and our families really had
Who is ready to mix and mingle with Santa & Mrs. Clause?
The annual DSIG holiday party will be held on Monday, December 4th from 6-9pm at Paxon Hollow Country Club. RSVP is required for this event. Please
Participate in a Brain Development in Down Syndrome Study
Drexel Brain & Sleep StudyResearchers at Drexel University are seeking child participants with Down syndrome and typically developing peers for a study of brain function
Thank You, Run for Homies With Bonus Chromies 5K!
What a great morning! Thank you, Stephanie Sapp, Ink Away 5k, all of the participants, and the team for all your hard work! Our organization
🥊 Down To Box Update 🥊
It has been determined! We are bringing Down to Box to Jabz in Ridley Park (611 N. Swarthmore Rd, Ridley Park PA)! We are so thankful
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Click the link to volunteer for the “Run for Homies” event on November 5th. By clicking the link, you can learn about the different types
Supporting speech and swallowing in individuals with Down syndrome
Penn State researchers report holistic framework to develop better interventions. Great article from Penn State! READ THE ARTICLE
PODCAST: Individuation – What I Want & Why it Matters with Maleita Olson
Family therapist Maleita Marguerite Olson LCSW on Season 3 episode 2 on Apple, Google and Spotify!
🥊Down to Box Fall Sessions Survey🥊
The Down to Box program with Aston Jabz was a huge success and Jabz would like to offer a Fall sessions for our members. We
Register for September’s Monthly Webinar: Mindfulness for New Parents
This program is a collaboration of health professionals and support staff from the DSA of DE and Perinatal Prana. This will serve as a pilot
Up Bow, Down Bow: A Child with Down Syndrome and His Journey to Master the Cello
Check Out Nancy Schwartz’s New Audio Book Up Bow, Down Bow: A Child with Down Syndrome and His Journey to Master the Cello. When fourth
2023 Summer Picnic Survey
If you attended our Summer Picnic, we’d love to hear from you! We are always looking to improve our events and would love your feedback
Run for Homies with Bonus Chromies Volunteer & Sponsorship Opportunities
Run for Homies with Bonus Chromies is looking for volunteers and sponsors for this years race on November 5 at Ridley Creek State Park. This
Down for Love 🎬💙: A new Netflix show!!
Who’s going to watch??🙋🏻♀️💙💛 Streaming Only On Netflix starting TODAY! A heartwarming story about the quest for love, this feel-good reality show follows several individuals
Toilet Hygiene – Tools to Support Greater Independence
Thoroughly wiping after using the toilet can be challenging for some individuals with Down syndrome. Wipes, toilet aids, and bidets can help. Katie Frank, PhD,
Congratulations to Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Special Olympics Award inductee, NICK LUTHER!
“This award is given to the individual who most personifies the attributes of courage and perseverance, has overcome their disability, and succeeded in their sport
Amazing Work Jake Spencer🙌
Check out the news article featuring the talented works of DSIG member Jake Spencer!!!!Keep an eye out for other DSIG members as part of their
🎈🎈Please join us in welcoming two new families to our group!🎈🎈
Kevin and Alison Feather of Springfield along with big brother John (8 years old) and big sister Beatrice (6 years old) welcomed Isaac on 4/10/23.
Volunteers Wanted for a Digital Research Study at University of Pittsburgh
Researchers at the University of Pittsburg need your help developing a new self-report questionnaire about managing emotions for teens and adults. How can you participate?They
Our first Down to Box adult class was a huge success!!💙💛🥊
We are so excited to offer this class each Friday night June-August. 🥊 If you know someone that may be interested – please reach out!
Thank you All! 💛💙From the Warren Family
“Thank you all so much for brightening Molly’s Day! It made her feel special and loved! She’s coming a long but it’s a long recovery from
Thank you Aaron Stallworth Photography LLC
Beautiful weather, stunning location, picture-ready members and a phenomenal photographer- what more could you ask for?! 📸 Our third and final photoshoot is complete! Thank
Fear of Heights: Article
By: Brian Chicoine, MD, and Abby Rowley, LCSW Adult Down Syndrome Center | April 2023 Fear of heights is a common fear identified by individuals
2023 DCDSIG Member Information
If you are a member of the DCDSIG, please fill out the required google form for us so we can update our membership database. It
🌻Spring Photo Shoot Sign-Up📸
The DSIG is hosting free family photoshoots for members/families. Three generous photographers have donated their time and talent to provide us with these sessions! Each
It’s Time to REUP with Medicaid
How to Keep Your Health Care CoveragePennsylvania is preparing for the end of continuous coverage for Medical Assistance (MA) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of DSIG member, Ron Nagel.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my long time friend and DSIG member, Ron Nagel, father
Barbie Introduces The First Doll With Down Syndrome.
Barbie has introduced another first in the 64-year history of the toy: a new doll with Down syndrome. The doll further increases representation in the
Project ASPIRE
Assisting Skills that Predict Independence and Readiness for Employment for Adults with Down Syndrome Drexel University researchers are seeking family members of adults with Down
Volunteer For Up Coming Events
The DSIG is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. We value any amount of time and energy you are willing to share with our organization.
It Is With Deep Sadness That We Share The Loss Of One Of Our DSIG “Family Members”
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of another one of our DSIG family members. Dave Perry, husband of Diane and father
The Board Of The DSIG Would Like To Welcome Its 2 Newest Members!!!
Kelsey Mango and Christa Ventura have officially joined the board and will serve as Co-Vice Presidents. The pair will work closely with other board members
Welcome Our New Members!
We would like to give a warm welcome to our newest members. Mark and Susan Hartunian from Prospect Park welcomed their daughter, Angelica, on November
It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of two of our DSIG “Family Members”
Frank McNulty Read Frank’s Obituary ➜ Stephen Kratowicz Read Stephen’s Obituary ➜
Marple Township Little League is Proud to announce their newest division: ⚾The Challenger Division⚾
Teams will be made of all ages and skill levels. Questions? Please contact Mike Noonanat [email protected] or 484-888-8780.
Congress Could Make Waiting Lists For Disability Services A Thing Of The Past
A proposal in Congress would do away with Medicaid’s institutional bias and guarantee people with developmental disabilities access to services in the community.
Amazing NDSS Scholarships & Awards!
They are currently accepting applications for five scholarships that support individuals with Down syndrome to pursue their dreams, expand their business, and follow their passions!
Delco Dance Studio Offers A Program For People With Down Syndrome.
CBS Interview with DSIG Jaden Pappa & Joan Snyder In honor of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) Twirl Dance Studio interviewed DSIG’s Jaden Pappa and
How to get $2 museum admission with your ACCESS or Art-Reach ACCESS card
With Spring Break coming, here’s a good reminder of what you can do for $2/person with your Access card!
🌐 Have You Seen Our New Website?
Delcodsig.org has a fresh new look! After many months of hard work and dedication from the DSIG, we are pleased to announce the launch of our updated website!
Survey: Mom’s Yoga
Kathi’s Dance studio is offering morning yoga, specifically geared toward mom’s in our group. Please go to the DSIG Facebook page or click the button below to choose which option you would be interested in attending.
This is just to gauge interest, once we decide on a time that works best, you will be asked to register [email protected]
OPTIONS ARE: 7:30, Mon., Tues., Wed. or Thur.
NOTE: This option is for MOMs only and we need to have at least 4 people registered in order to have a class.
Survey: Parents Night Out
We are considering hosting a Parents Night Out sometime in April. If you would be interested in attending, would you rather go bowling at Bowlero in Boothwyn or shoot pool and socialize at Barnaby’s in Aston? Please fill out the survey below to let us know your thoughts.
Thank You to Dr. Patel 💙💛
Thanks to a grant from Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Down Syndrome Association of DE. and the Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group cohosted a
Please take this quick survey 💙💛
Hi everyone! Please take a moment to fill out this survey with information about your family member with Down syndrome. Our goal is to collect
A Message from Gerry Arango
A Message from Gerry ArangoParent of a high school student or young adult with Down syndrome? We need your input!Parent of a high school student
DSIG would like to send out a very warm welcome to Autumn McDaniel!
DSIG would like to send out a very warm welcome to Autumn McDaniel! Autumn will be doing a virtual internship with DSIG for the semester
DSIG Board Members Needed
DSIG is actively recruiting for new board members. We are currently looking to fill the following positions, which have either been vacant for some time
Children with Down Syndrome Ages 6 to 25 Sleep Study
Attention DSIG Members with children/young adults ages 6-25Please see the flyer linked below. A sleep study research project that is being conducted at CHOP offers
Beautiful Beginnings Baskets
Beautiful Beginnings baskets are delivered in hopes of bringing joy to families who bring babies with Down syndrome into the world. We create baskets filled
We’re looking to partner with a local agency that has secured COVID-19 vaccine.
Hello! We are looking to partner with a local agency that has secured COVID-19 vaccine. I am currently going through the DSIG Membership list to
DSIG Board Members Needed
DSIG is actively recruiting for new board members. We are currently looking to fill the following positions, which have either been vacant for some time
Upcoming Meetings
We know we have been quiet for the last few months, but like most other organizations we weren’t sure how to manage our group in
We will not be hosting a holiday party this year.
In an effort to keep our families safe, the board of DSIG is devastated to inform you that we will not be hosting a holiday
Run for Homies with extra chromies 5K
Thank you to Stephanie Sapp and her team from InkAway Laser Tattoo Removal for hosting the annual Run for Homies With Extra Chromies 5K at
Thank You Christine Yu!
DSIG would like to say “Thank You” to Christine for the virtual Q&A sessions on the topic of accessing behavioral health services that she hosted
July 2019 Newsletter
DSIG Summer Picnic Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 6-9pm Paxon Hollow Country Club: 850 Paxon Hollow Road, Media PA. 19063. DSIG Summer Picnic is scheduled
June 2019 Newsletter
After being our home for 20+ years it is time to say goodbye to Hancock United Methodist Church in Springfield PA. We have received notice
March 2019 RMM Recap
Check out the power point presentation from our guest speaker Karen Carr, Field Representative from the PA Treasury. She presented a very informative PA ABLE
Sabold Elementary School “Rocked our Socks” on March 21, 2019.
“The goal was to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. We sold 850 pairs of socks in less than a week. We received the socks from
Twirl Dance Studio
Twirl Dance Studio – Dance Classes for Students with Down syndrome Many of our younger members are already involved in classes at this dance studio
DSIG RMM March, 2019
Hope everyone had fun rocking their socks in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day! 💙💛 DSIG March RMM Guest Speaker: Karen Carr, PA Treasury Field Representative Karen
DSIG & The T21 Group Phillies Game May 5, 2019
Are You Ready for Some Baseball? Join your friends from DSIG & the T21 Group for the 10th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Day at the
iCan Bike Camp 2018
Maggie McHugh from Notre Dame asked me to share their bike camp information with the members of DSIG. This year they will be hosting this
Article on Chris Burke
Below is the link for an article about Chris Burke and his family which appeared in the Delaware County Daily Times recently. Chris was originally
PA Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Regional Coordinators
Another great resource from DSIG Member, Terry Kibelstis…This group is supported by NDSS and is working to advocate for Down syndrome issues at the PA
Did You Know?
Young people with Down syndrome, ages 12+, who have Keystone First Medicaid Insurance, are eligible for a membership with their local YMCA for a fee
Competence and Confidence
Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking EARLY INTERVENTION (EI) FREE leadership development training for families of children in infant, toddler or preschool Early Intervention programs.
DSIG Digital Directory
One of our DSIG members, Kelsey Mango, approached the DSIG Board about wanting to do a DSIG Digital Directory for members of DSIG to help
Social Events for DSIG Members Ages 21+
Social Events for DSIG Members Ages 21+ If you are interested in coordinating social events for this age group, please contact Patty White at [email protected]. Thank
2016 DSIG Updates
Dear Family and Friends of DSIG, The board has been busy gearing up for next year. We are always looking for ideas and topics
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
Now that the Stephen Beck, Jr. ABLE Act has been signed into law, the most frequent question families have is, “When can we create an
2014-15 Membership Dues
The DSIG Board decided at the last Board Meeting that we will collect dues based on a calendar year which will run from January through
UPDATE: Beautiful Beginnings Baskets
To date, five Beautiful Beginnings Baskets have been delivered to families who have given birth to a child with Down syndrome in a Delaware County
Latest Posts
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Veronica Barton
Longtime Delaware County Special Olympics volunteer and Management Team member Ronnie Barton passed away on
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Francis Gentile
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our member Frankie Gentile.
A Big Thank You to Parents for Rolling with Us at Bowling Night🎳
Thank you to all the wonderful parents who joined us for the DelcoDSIG Parents-Night-Out Bowling
Latest Events
Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 💙💛
When:
May 13, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where:
Chick-Fil-A, 4700 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, PA
Date: MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 AT 4 PM – 7 PM Location: 4700 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, PA We had such a successful event in Springfield and received
2024 Family Weekend with LuMind & IDSC
When:
September 13, 2024 @ 3:30 pm – September 15, 2024 @ 10:30 am
Where:
Great Wolf Lodge
Dates: September 13-15, 2024 Where: Great Wolf Lodge locations across the U.S. and Canada. We’re excited to invite myDSC members to the LuMind IDSC Family
Celebrating Down Syndrome at Dave & Buster’s with Isabel Grace Photography 💙💛
When:
May 15, 2024 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where:
Dave & Buster’s Philadelphia, 325 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
DATE: May 15, 2024 / TIME: 5-8pm / Location: Dave & Buster’s Philadelphia Join us for a special celebration hosted by Isabel Grace Photography at