Upcoming Events

DSIG February RMM – Using the Treadmill to teach Children with Trisomy 21 how to Walk

Date: Thursday, 2/27/14

Time: Doors open at 7pm with presentation beginning at 7:30pm

Location: Hancock United Methodist Church, Springfield, PA

Child Care will be provided
Current research by Ulrich and colleagues has shown that treadmill training can help babies with Down syndrome learn to walk sooner and more efficiently. A subsequent study by Wu, Ulrich and colleagues demonstrated that treadmill training can also improve a child’s gait by manipulating the intensity of training. This workshop will discuss the recent treadmill training studies and how therapists and families can implement the research findings in their own homes.
The workshop presenter, Helen Milligan, MPT, is Aidan Milligan’s mother and a member of the Delco DSIG. She is a Physical Therapist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a therapist in Early Intervention. She has been utilizing treadmill training in her therapy practice and will share some practical advice that has been helpful in motivating children and families with this approach. Videos will be a part of the presentation.

Hope to see you on the 27th!

Even if you do not have a little person who can benefit from this information, we’d love to see you at the meeting to share your journey with those younger parents to show them that… it’s going to be OK!

DSIG March RMM – Post Secondary Education

Come hear DSIG families and young adults speak about their experiences with post secondary education.

Date: Thursday, 3/27/14
Time: Doors open at 7pm with presentation beginning at 7:30pm
Location: Hancock United Methodist Church, Springfield, PA
Child Care will be provided.

Hope to see you on the 27th!

Representatives from Delco Special Olympics will be presenting on their program and the Young Athletes Program.

Our September RMM will take place this upcoming Thursday, 9/25/14, at Hancock Church in Springfield (located on Route 320, just off the 420 intersection).  Doors will open at 7pm and the meeting will begin at 7:30pm.  As in past Septembers, this meeting will once again be an open forum meeting.  It’s a time to hear about the exciting events that we have planned this year for DSIG and a time to re-connect with families that you may not have gotten a chance to see over the summer.  If you have any questions or concerns about DSIG or have an idea for a speaker or topic for the upcoming year, we would love to hear your thoughts.

DSIG Holiday Party

All families are invited to the DSIG Annual Holiday Party.  Please join us for an evening of dinner and dancing!

When:  Thursday, 12/4/14, 6pm-9pm
Where:  The Oaks Ballroom
511 W. Oak Lane
Glenolden, PA  19036

Please RSVP to Megan Califano at [email protected] by 11/25/14.  When you RSVP, please include the names and ages of your children who will be attending.  You MUST RSVP in order to attend this event!  We thank you for your cooperation.

As in years past, we ask that each family brings $10 worth of non-perishable food items which will be donated to the food cupboard in Chester, PA.

Hope to see you there!

Join us for a much needed welcome to spring event at Linvilla Orchards on Saturday, March 21st at 10:45am. The day will begin with a private hayride to Bunnyland, followed by an egg hunt in the field. Try to arrive as close to 10:45 am as possible, the wagon leaves for Bunnyland at 11:00 am sharp. If you are not in the area, you will miss the ride.  This event is completely outdoors so please dress appropriately. DSIG will not be offering food at this event, but families are encouraged to pack a lunch and eat together in the picnic area.
In an effort to build awareness, DSIG invites you to extend this invitation to your family and friends. The more the merrier! You are REQUIRED to RSVP for this free event. Please call Megan Califano at 484-472-8347 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Reservations will only be accepted up until Thursday, March 19th at noon. We’re sorry but we cannot accept any late registrations as we need to ensure there is enough eggs and candy for all children in attendance.  This rule will be STRICTLY enforced this year.

We are looking for a few (4 or 5) people to help us with this event, assist with minimal setup or cleanup, stay behind and “hide” the eggs while everyone is on the hayride, assist the kids with an craft project or two.  Please click here if you are interested in volunteering for this event.

March 21st also happens to be World Down Syndrome Day, so make sure you are rockin’ your crazy mismatched socks that day.  If someone asks you about your socks, you can then take that opportunity to tell them about someone that you love who has Down Syndrome!  If you are a member of the DSIG FB Page, we’d love to see pictures of you and your family rockin’ your socks!