Upcoming Events

Who is Flyered up?

Please save the date for Down Syndrome Awareness Day with Philadelphia Flyers! It is a 1pm game on November 9th, 2013. Tickets are very limited so it will be on a first come first serve basis. This outing is sponsored by the T21 Club of Delaware Valley. More information will be forth coming from Jennifer Bonawitz of the T21 Club. Stay tuned.

This years Down Syndrome Awareness Day with the Philadelphia Flyers will be November 9^th!
There are only a handful of tickets left. If interested, please email us ASAP. Thanks!

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!

Educational Series

The Trisomy 21 Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in cooperation with Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, attorneys at law, is hosting a two-part educational series on March 22 and April 26, 2014. The events will provide important information to families of children and adults with Down syndrome. The first session will focus on concerns that may arise during your child’s school-age years. The second session will educate you about resources and services available for you and your adult child after age 21.

We encourage you to attend both sessions. Space is limited, so please register early.

Please note: Childcare will not be provided.

Event 1: Special Education and Secondary Education

Saturday, March 22, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Ruth M. and Tristram Colket, Jr. Translational Research Building, CHOP Main Campus

Event agenda:

9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Attorney Consultations (Optional)

9-10:30 a.m. — Breakout Session 1 (Choose one)

• Achieving Effective Inclusive Education (Room 1)
• Secondary Education Part I (Room 2)

10:30-10:45 a.m. — Break (Room 1) 

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Breakout Session 2 (Choose one)

• Obtaining and Securing Related Services (Room 2)
• Secondary Education Part II (Room 3) 

12:15 p.m. — Adjourn

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!

Spring is around the corner and so is the Southeast Regional Parent Youth Professional Forum!

We are hosting our Spring forum at the Reading Area Community College (RACC) on Thursday, April 9, 2014  from 4pm-8pm.  The college is also offering Live streaming of the forum, so if you cannot make it in person, you can watch and participate on your computer!  For further details, please contact Diane Perry at [email protected]

Are you tired of the snow and cold weather?  Well join us for the Welcome to Spring Event!

Join us for a much needed welcome to spring at Linvilla Orchards on Sunday, April 13th at 10:45am. The day will begin with a private hayride to Bunnyland, followed by an egg hunt in the field. 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 at [email protected]. Reservations will only be accepted up until Thursday, April 10th at noon. We’re sorry but we cannot accept any late registrations as we need to ensure there are enough eggs and candy for all kids.

Thank you!

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 a craft project or two.  Please let Megan know if you are interested in volunteering for this event.

RSVP Today!

Tickets are still available for the Down Syndrome Awareness Night at the Phillies. Same as every year, you will get a t-shirt (there are plenty but it’s first come first serve) your size may not be there if you get to the game late. The seats are in Section 206 and 207. I have 5 handicap accessible and 5 companion seats reserved. Any person with Down Syndrome above the age of 7 can have their name entered in to a drawing to possibly throw out the first pitch. This is also a dollar dog night.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
Date: Monday, April 14, 2014
Cost : $38.00 per ticket

I must have full payment and my count in by March 14th so I am asking that you send your payment as soon as you place your ticket order. Checks may be made payable to “Jack Malone” and be mailed to me at 4913 Jackson Drive Brookhaven, Pa 19015. I know the weather is usually chilly, but dress warm and feel warm being with so many family and friends.

Thank you to Jack Malone for coordinating this event for us every year!

PT Students from Arcadia University will be presenting a session on Physical Fitness… more details to follow.

Educational Series

The Trisomy 21 Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in cooperation with Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, attorneys at law, is hosting a two-part educational series on March 22 and April 26, 2014. The events will provide important information to families of children and adults with Down syndrome. The first session will focus on concerns that may arise during your child’s school-age years. The second session will educate you about resources and services available for you and your adult child after age 21.

We encourage you to attend both sessions. Space is limited, so please register early.

Please note: Childcare will not be provided.

Event 2: Adulthood

Saturday, April 26, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
3535 Market St., Philadelphia — 16th Floor

Event agenda:

8:30 a.m. — Welcome and Registration

9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Attorney Consultations  (Optional)

9 – 10:30 a.m. — Breakout Session 1 (Choose one)

• Accessing Appropriate Adult Services in New Jersey (Room 1) 
• Accessing Appropriate Adult Services in Pennsylvania (Room 2)

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. — Break (Room 1)

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Breakout Session 2 (Choose one)

• Creative Options for Housing, Funding and Support Services in New Jersey (Room 1) 
• Creative Options for Housing, Funding and Support Services in Pennsylvania (Room 2)

12:15 p.m. — Adjourn

Register Online: www.chop.edu

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